Why Is It Labeled Sugar-Free If It Tastes Sweet? Derby Sugar-Free Candy Review (2024)

Sugar-free this, sugar-free that!

In today’s world, with the focus shifting towards a no-sugar diet, many brands have introduced sugar-free candies and chocolates as well. This means that they do not contain any white sugar, but are still sweet like regular candies.

So why are they labeled as sugar-free? What do they use to sweeten it? Will they affect your blood sugar levels? Do they have any artificial aftertaste?

Our review of  Derby’s Sugar-Free candy answers these questions and more.

All the product details listed in the table below: 

When reviewing hard candies we focus on the sweetness, flavor of the candy and texture. Derby’s candes claim to be sugar-free, hence we scanned the ingredients as well. 

The parameters we set are:

1. Taste

We reviewed the mango-flavored candy. We are focusing on the flavor of the fruit and the sweetness. If this is sugar-free, how is it sweetened? Any aftertaste?

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2. Texture

We examined whether these were hard candies or chewy candies. 

3. Ingredients 

This is a sugar-free candy as stated. To understand better, we scanned the ingredient list to find if there are any artificial sweeteners used, and if yes, which are those? We also checked for the use of preservatives and artificial colors. 

Digging deeper inside the ingredient list will help us understand how the candy gets its sweetness from. 

4. Other Information

We also shed light on the price, packaging, and shelf life of the candies. 

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Price + Packaging 

Derby’s Sugar-Free candies come in a transparent plastic jar. The price of a 300 gm jar is Rs. 300. This has a shelf life of 1 year. 

Key Ingredients

Isomalt (INS 953), Acidity Regulators (Ins 330 & Ins 296), Artificial Sweetener (INS 90), Contains Permitted Synthetic Food Colors (Ins102) And Added Artificial Flavoring Substance (Mango). 

As claimed by the brand, there is no use of white sugar in these candies. These are sweetened using Isomalt (INS 953) and Artificial Sweetener (INS 90). 

Know your Ingredients 

What is Isomalt?

Isomalt, derived from pure beet sugar, acts as a sugar substitute. This is a low-calorie sugar substitute which implies that it has fewer calories than your normal table sugar. It contains a combination of two sugar alcohols –  isomaltitol and mannitol.

It is a common ingredient observed in sugar-free food products such as sugar-free hard candies, lollipops and other confectionery items. 

What is Artificial Sweetener (INS 90)? 

Artificial Sweetener (INS 950) is a food additive also known as Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K). The primary purpose of using this food addictive is to enhance the sweetness and reduce the bitter aftertaste that other artificial sweeteners might carry. Products that are diet-friendly or sugar-free may contain this component.

Mishry’s Analysis of the Nutrition Label 

Typically a single serve of a candy is around 5 to 6 grams. Considering this factor, the per serve calories of sugar candy would be approximately 20-24 kcal. While the per serve calories of sugar-free candy comes to around 10 to 15 kcal. 

This sugar-free candy by Derby is sweetened using isomalt and artificial sweetener (INS 950). Isomalt is usually added to sugar-free candies owing to its low glycemic index and significantly lower calories than sugar. Furthermore, it is also said to have a very limited effect on your blood sugars.

How so? Isomalt is a sugar alcohol that is only partially absorbed by the body. Due to this partial absorption, only a small amount enters the bloodstream and affects the blood sugar. In addition, it is slow to digest which means it gradually gives rise to blood sugar levels. 

Isomalt contains only 2 calories per gram. On the other hand, regular sugar has 4 calories per gram. Talking about the glycemic index, isomalt has a glycemic index of 9 out of 100 whereas that of sugar is 63. 

It is to be noted that since this is a sugar-free candy it does not mean that it is completely free from calories. Isomalt contains some calories, but in moderation when compared to sugar. 

Why is this candy labeled sugar-free? According to FSSAI regulations, any candy can be labeled as “sugar-free” if it contains not more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams or 100 milliliters.

Our Verdict

These hard candies shaped in the form of a heart are a treat to the eye. Visually, these are yellow in color. 

When it comes to flavor, they deliver the satisfying taste of mango candy, with a sweetness akin to traditional candies. The best part is that despite the use of sugar substitutes these do not feel like they are artificially sweetened.

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Here are some interesting FAQs on Derby mango flavored sugar-free candy.

In conclusion, Derby’s Sugar-Free Mango candies utilize Isomalt, a sugar alcohol with a low glycemic index (GI) and reduced caloric impact compared to table sugar. This translates to minimal blood sugar rise, making them a suitable alternative for those seeking sugar-free candy options. The appealing mango flavor and satisfying sweetness are achieved without compromising on taste.

What’s your take on sugar-free candies?

Our reviews are unbiased and all samples used during the reviews were paid for by us. Read our entire ethics statement here.