The Best "Candy"

Is there such a thing as healthy candy?  I don’t think so…  Wikipedia’s definition of candy is: a confection made from a concentrated solution of sugar in water, to which flavorings and colorants are added.  The word candy comes from the Sanskrit meaning “piece of sugar”.  Hard to believe any food item which is defined as sugar could be healthy.

But that’s not what candy is made for: a healthy snack.  It’s used as a reward.  Or a treat for doing something good.  Obviously in the “real world” candy has been used far too often and is a key ingredient with the rise of obesity. 

My curiosity for researching healthy candy stems from finding other options besides sport gels to eat during working out.  Gels cost about $1.25 for 100 calories.  Candy, as you may know, is a lot cheaper and packed full of calories.  But are there some that will do the same as a sports gel; provide energy without causing gastric problems?  Finding candies with primary ingredients of glucose and matlodextrin are hard to find.  Plus, candies include a lot of other gross things like hydrogenated oils, carbonic wax, and artificial colours.

Here are some of the “healthiest candies” collected by Forbes magazine. 

Hershey’s Sugar-Free Snacks 

Serving size: 4 Twizzlers strawberry twists; calories: 130; fat: 0 grams; protein: 1g; carbohydrates: 33g; sugars: 0g 

Health claim: No sugar, diabetic-friendly 

For more information, visit: www.hersheyssugarfree.com 

Too Tarts by Innovative Candy Concepts, Inc. 

Serving size: 1 Apple Sour Spray; calories: 15; fat: 0 grams; protein: 0g; carbohydrates: 2.2g; sugars: 2g 

Health claim: No refined sugar, vitamins 

Many children consume candy that is high in refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (another form of refined sugar), both of which may be contributing to the increase of obesity and diabetes. Too Tarts contain no refined sugar and are instead made with pure fruit juice concentrate. They contain low levels of carbohydrates and calories. 

For more information visit: www.tootarts.com 

Fine & Dandy Candy: Sparx with xylitol by Xlear 

Serving size: 1 piece; calories: 0; fat: 0 grams; protein: 0g; carbohydrates: 0.23g; sugars: 0.23g 

Health claim: Prevents tooth decay 

For more information, visit: www.xlear.com 

Florida’s Natural Fruit Snacks by Au’some Snack Naturally 

Serving size: 3 pouches; calories: 130; fat: 0 grams; protein: 0g; carbohydrates: 33g; sugars: 25g 

Health claim: Nonfat, no refined sugar, no preservatives, nut-free, no gelatin, kosher 

Au’some Snack Naturally created Florida’s Natural Fruit Snacks in two flavors: Fruit Juice Strings, which are sour, and Fruit Juice Nuggets, which are sweet. Both flavors are made from 64% to 66% real fruit puree and juices from concentrate. They contain 100% vitamin C along with eight vitamins and minerals. 

For more information, visit: www.ausomesnacknaturally.com