In recent years, the demand for sugar-free candy has increased as more people are becoming health-conscious and trying to reduce their sugar intake. To meet this demand, manufacturers have started using various sweeteners to make sugar-free candy. In this article, we will discuss some of the sweeteners that can be used to make sugar-free candy.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener that is extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to sweeten candy. Stevia is also a low-calorie sweetener, which makes it an excellent choice for people who want to reduce their sugar and calorie intake.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sugar substitute. It has a sweet taste, but it contains almost no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. Erythritol is also easy to use in candy-making because it has a similar texture to sugar.

Xylitol

Xylitol is another sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sugar substitute. It has a sweet taste and is often used in sugar-free candy because it does not promote tooth decay. Xylitol is also lower in calories than sugar and has a similar texture, making it an excellent choice for candy-making.

Monk Fruit Extract

Monk fruit extract is a natural sweetener that is derived from the monk fruit. It is up to 150-200 times sweeter than sugar and contains no calories. Monk fruit extract is also heat-stable, which makes it a good choice for candy-making.

Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used in sugar-free candy. It is up to 200 times sweeter than sugar and contains very few calories. Aspartame is also heat-stable, making it a good choice for candy-making.

When making sugar-free candy, it is essential to use the correct ratio of sweeteners to ensure that the candy is sweet enough. It is also important to note that some sweeteners can have a laxative effect if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended guidelines for each sweetener.

In conclusion, there are many sweeteners that can be used to make sugar-free candy, each with its benefits and drawbacks. The sweeteners mentioned above are some of the most commonly used sweeteners in candy-making. When choosing a sweetener, it is important to consider factors such as sweetness, calorie count, and texture to ensure that the candy turns out delicious and enjoyable for everyone.