For anyone trying to enjoy candy without the sugar guilt, sugar free gummy bears sound like the perfect choice. They look colorful, taste fruity, and promise to be diet-friendly. But if you’ve ever read customer experiences online, you’ll know these gummies come with mixed reviews. Some people love them, others warn about “unexpected side effects.”
In this guide, we’ll share detailed sugar free gummy bear reviews, break down the taste, ingredients, pros, cons, and share what real buyers are saying. If you’re planning to add these gummies to your snack drawer, read this first.
Why Sugar Free Gummy Bears Became a Trend
Health concerns around sugar have pushed many people to seek alternatives. Diabetics, keto followers, and those simply cutting back on sugar turned to sugar free candies. Gummy bears quickly became one of the most popular options because they’re nostalgic, fun, and feel like a “real” candy.
The secret is in sugar substitutes like maltitol, erythritol, or stevia. These sweeteners make the bears taste sugary but don’t raise blood sugar the same way traditional candy does. However, as many reviews reveal, these sweeteners aren’t always easy on the stomach.
👉 If you’re exploring healthier lifestyle swaps, you might also enjoy our MyDermaDream Reviews – Exploring the Truth.
Do Sugar Free Gummy Bears Taste Good
Taste is where sugar free gummies actually shine. Most reviewers say they taste almost identical to regular Haribo bears. The fruity flavors are familiar—strawberry, orange, pineapple, raspberry—and the chewy texture is spot-on.
But there’s one catch: certain brands use maltitol, which sometimes leaves a “cooling” or slightly artificial aftertaste. Some people barely notice it, while others say it takes away from the candy experience.
Tip: If you’re sensitive to aftertastes, look for brands that use erythritol or stevia instead.
The Side Effects Everyone Talks About
No sugar free gummy bear reviews would be complete without addressing the infamous side effects.
Sugar alcohols like maltitol aren’t fully absorbed by your body. Instead, they ferment in your gut, which can cause bloating, gas, and even sudden bathroom runs if you eat too many.
This issue went viral years ago when Haribo’s sugar free gummy bears on Amazon got hundreds of hilarious (and sometimes horrifying) reviews about people regretting eating the whole bag. While some were exaggerated for comedy, the core problem was real.
👉 The bottom line: A small serving is fine for most people, but polishing off a bag in one sitting can leave you regretting your sweet tooth.
Pros of Sugar Free Gummy Bears
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Lower calories compared to regular candy
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Safer for diabetics and people on keto diets
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Taste and texture very close to regular gummy bears
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Widely available online and in stores
Cons of Sugar Free Gummy Bears
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Digestive discomfort if over-consumed
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Aftertaste depending on sweetener used
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Some brands can still impact blood sugar slightly (especially maltitol)
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Not ideal for children or sensitive stomachs
What Real Customers Are Saying
We went through dozens of sugar free gummy bear reviews from shoppers. Here’s a quick look at the most common feedback:
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These taste just like the real thing. I’m on keto and they’re my favorite snack. Just don’t eat too many!”
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⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Flavor is good, but I learned the hard way about the side effects. Now I eat a handful at a time.”
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⭐⭐ “Didn’t sit well with my stomach. Won’t buy again.”
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for portion control. They satisfy my cravings without ruining my diet.”
Clearly, reactions vary. For some, they’re the perfect candy swap. For others, the stomach troubles outweigh the sweetness.
Best Sugar Free Gummy Bear Brands to Try
If you’re curious but cautious, here are some popular options to consider:
Haribo Sugar Free Gummy Bears
The most famous—but also the most notorious for side effects. Made with maltitol.
SmartSweets Gummy Bears
Lower in sugar and made with plant-based sweeteners. Many reviewers say they’re gentler on the stomach.
Stevia-Sweetened Gummies
Brands using stevia or erythritol tend to cause fewer stomach issues.
Fruit Snacks with Reduced Sugar
Not completely sugar free, but a safer middle ground with fewer side effects.
For a full breakdown of safe sweetener choices, check out the American Diabetes Association’s guide on sugar substitutes.
How to Enjoy Them Without Regret
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Stick to small portions (5–6 bears at a time).
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Check the sweetener used before buying. If you’re sensitive to maltitol, avoid it.
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Don’t give a big portion to kids—their stomachs react faster.
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Drink water after eating, as it helps digestion.
Final Verdict – Are They Worth It
Based on the majority of sugar free gummy bear reviews, these candies can absolutely be worth it if you love gummies but want a lower-sugar option. They taste good, help with portion control, and fit into low-carb lifestyles.
However, you need to respect the serving size. These aren’t the kind of snack you can binge on without consequences. If you eat them in moderation, sugar free gummy bears can be a fun, guilt-free treat.
