As someone who loves gummy bears and other colorful candies, I’ve tried just about every product under the sun. Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz around SmartSweets and their low-sugar gummies. Are they just another health fad, or a legit healthier candy option?
I decided to order a variety pack of SmartSweets products and put them to the test. Keep reading for my honest views as a long-time gummy fanatic!
An Introduction to SmartSweets
First off, what exactly are SmartSweets? This relatively new Canadian candy brand aims to recreate classic gummy candies using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Their line includes gummy bears, fish, rings, ropes, and even lollipops.
SmartSweets was founded by Tara Bosch in 2016 after struggling to find candy that fit into her own diet. All SmartSweets contain just 3-4 grams of sugar (vs. 30+ grams in regular gummies!), using monk fruit and stevia extracts to provide sweetness instead.
According to research from the Obesity Society journal, excessive intake of added dietary sugars strongly correlates with weight gain over time. There also appears to be links between high sugar consumption and diabetes risk, heart disease, and even dementia development later in life.
So from a health standpoint, limiting sweets makes sense. But when your sweet tooth comes calling, having some better-for-you options on hand can help you indulge wisely rather than binging on candy you feel guilty about after.
Over 20,000 stores now sell SmartSweets, including Amazon, Whole Foods, Costco and Walmart. With growing concerns over the damaging effects of excess sugar, this innovative brand offers a smart solution for candy lovers.
Next, let’s explore the specific products that make them so special…
My Reviews of the Best SmartSweets Candies
During my taste test, I sampled the Fruity Bears, Sweet Fish, Peach Rings, Red Twists, Rainbow Whirlys and lollipops. Here‘s how they stacked up!
Fruity Bears
These colorful little bears deliver a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. The texture is pleasantly chewy without getting stuck in your teeth. My bags included raspberry, peach, lemon and apple bears – all tasty fruits.
Compared Nutrition Facts:
- SmartSweets Fruity Bears: 110 calories, 4g sugar, 9g fiber per bag
- Haribo Goldbears: 140 calories, 29g sugar, 0g fiber per bag
For a fraction of the sugar and more fiber, SmartSweets wins hands down!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
Sweet Fish
These fish-shaped gummies ended up being my undisputed favorite. They boast a delightfully complex mixed berry flavor and the perfect level of chewiness.
In a side-by-side blind taste test, I actually preferred the intense berry taste of SmartSweets fish over real Swedish Fish candy. Don’t tell Haribo!
With only 3 grams of sugar and 100 calories per generous portion, I can happily snack on my SmartSweets without guilt. Just pace yourself, because the flavors make ‘em hard to stop popping!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
Peach Rings
Who doesn’t love peach candies? These rings deliver super juicy peach essence without any weird aftertaste. While the texture feels a tad dense, the summery flavor more than makes up for it.
Whipping through a whole bag felt easy. Be warned – portion control may prove difficult with these tempting treats! But with no artificial junk, why feel bad?
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Rainbow Whirlys
Imagine your favorite rainbow striped fruit leather, transformed into vegan gummy form. That’s exactly what you get from these visually vibrant whirly tapes.
Every chewy bite explodes with sweet/tart fruitiness – Think tart cherries, pineapple, mango and berries fusing into candy bliss. Seriously craveable if you want something excitingly different!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Lollipops
You probably don’t envision lollipops as “healthy” treats. Yet SmartSweets crafts theirs using only fruit juices and stevia leaf. My sampler had watermelon and blue raspberry – both popped with authentic fruity zinginess.
Don’t expect the hard crunch of a Jolly Rancher. But for a smooth, sweet sucker with 1 gram of sugar and 30 calories, you might find your new favorite pops!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
How SmartSweets Compares to Similar Low-Sugar Candy Brands
Clearly I’m impressed by SmartSweets‘ uniquely flavorful gummy creations. Their further expansion into lollipops and newer products like Red Twists proves they don’t plan to rest on their laurels either.
But several competing low/no-sugar candy companies exist too. Let‘s see how leading options stack up…
SmartSweets vs. YumEarth
YumEarth offers organic fruit snacks made with real fruit juices and vegetable purée bases instead of just flavorless starch powders. Their ingredients sound great, but have higher sugar content – around 5 grams per small pack.
Taste and texture also differ quite a bit from SmartSweets. YumEarth uses pectin for a more fruit leather-like chew. Their flavors taste very natural, but lack the satisfying gummy texture I adore.
SmartSweets vs Sunkist Fruit Gems
You may have spotted these “Fruit Gems” sold alongside regular candy in grocery store checkout aisles. At first glance the packaging boasts “no sugar added”, making them seem comparable to SmartSweets.
But don’t be fooled – Sunkist simply replaces sugar with sorbitol syrup, a potentially problematic sugar alcohol. I tried their Fruit Gems only to suffer serious gastrointestinal distress! Many reviewers report similar stomach issues.
Meanwhile, SmartSweets sticks to safer sugar substitutes like monkfruit and stevia that don’t commonly cause problems. A world of difference.
SmartSweets vs Zollipops
Zollipops make xylitol-sweetened lollipops advertised to prevent tooth decay. Xylitol seems gentler than sugar alcohols…But affects blood sugar similarly. Plus, many Amazon reviews mention painful stomach aches from overdoing Zollipops!
By using fruit juice and stevia instead of xylitol syrups, SmartSweets circumvents any digestion dilemmas. Their lollipops honestly taste better too with intense fruit flavor versus the weak xylitol aftertaste.
The Verdict?
While YumEarth and Zollipops have merit, SmartSweets still reigns supreme in the low-sugar candy space right now. Their combination of exciting flavors, pleasant textures and mindful ingredients stands unmatched.
Just beware overdoing any low-sugar confections, including SmartSweets. Even natural sweeteners and fibers can cause problems if eaten excessively. But for an occasional sweet break, SmartSweets have my glowing recommendation!
What Customers Say About SmartSweets
Curious what fellow candy fans think? Combing Amazon reviews and testimonials, SmartSweets earns widespread acclaim for their tantalizing flavor innovations that don’t punish your health goals:
"Love SmartSweets! Finally can indulge my sweet tooth AND stay in ketosis!"
"These candies are a life saver for a former sugar addict like me. Don’t trigger cravings and binges either."
"My kids now request SmartSweets over regular candy. And as a dentist, I fully approve!"
Criticism most commonly touches on textural density, shipping issues, or the need to carefully watch portion sizes. But the overwhelmingly positive feedback proves most true candy devotees agree – SmartSweets are a smart solution!
Room for Improvement?
While America’s obsession with low-carb diets has fueled the sugar-free candy craze, I personally don’t subscribe to extreme carb avoidance diets.
In my view, SmartSweets still contain nontrivial carbs and calories largely from processed tapioca syrups and vegetable flours. For true wholesomeness, fresh fruits provide safer sweetness and nutrition.
So while SmartSweets make an admirable effort to rethink candy, I see room to get closer to nature. Options like:
- Experimenting with whole food bases – Think blended fruit/veg purees fortified with proteins
- Incorporating nutrient-dense add-ins like collagen protein and MCT oil
- Offering smaller single-serve sizes to enable one-time sensible portions
- Expanding their selection of naturally-hued products without coloring additives
As a fan, I’m excited to watch SmartSweets continue advancing low-sugar confections through transparency and innovation. But a part of me believes even candy can eventually move from processed imitations toward gently optimizing real, fresh foods!
FAQs: Your SmartSweets Questions Answered
Let’s wrap up this review by answering some frequently asked SmartSweets questions:
Are SmartSweets actually Keto-friendly?
With 13 grams of carbs and 10 grams fiber per bag, a single serving fits low-carb diets. But beware overdoing portions, especially if sensitive to sugar alcohols.
What about potential SmartSweets side effects?
Some report digestive discomfort from insoluble veggie fibers. This should improve with smaller servings. Also, check SmartSweets allergen warnings for your personal sensitivities.
How long do SmartSweets last?
Unopened bags stay fresh for about 9 months. Once opened, seal tightly and store in cool dry place, optimally consuming within 1 month. Hardened candies don‘t necessarily mean spoiled.
Can diabetics eat SmartSweets?
Ask your doctor, but the low sugar content should minimize blood sugar impact. Still exercise portion control and monitor levels after eating to assess personal tolerance.
Who makes SmartSweets?
A private equity firm called TPG acquired SmartSweets in 2020. But founder Tara Bosch still heads product development and operations based out of Vancouver, Canada.
I hope this in-depth SmartSweets review covered everything you wanted to know! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
Stay sweet and sensible, candy lovers!
