What Are the Different Types of Low-Carb Sweets?

Different types of low-carb sweets include candies, sweet baked goods, and gums that are both low in sugar as well as carbohydrates, and these items are typically available in both supermarkets and in specialty shops. In some cases, sweets that are sold for those who are on low- or no-sugar diets are suitable for those on reduced-carbohydrate diets, although many are not, as they may contain other ingredients that are high in carbohydrates. Dieters should also take care to monitor their weight loss and blood sugar while enjoying low-carb sweets, as these products still contain calories and may contribute to weight gain or weight loss stalls.

Many sweeteners, including sugar, agave nectar, and honey, are high in carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for consumption by those on low-carb diets. Appropriate sweets for people on these diets are those that are sweetened with sugar substitutes such as sucralose, aspartame, or sugar alcohols and that do not contain carbohydrates from other sources. These other sources may include fruits, grains, or starchy binders. While not all sugar-free sweets are appropriate for low-carb dieters, chewing gums, gummy candies, and hard candies that are made with sugar substitutes are often compatible with a reduced-carbohydrate diet. People who eat these products should be aware, however, that some artificial sweeteners, such as sugar alcohol, can cause an upset stomach or other unpleasant digestive issues in those who have a sensitivity to these sugar substitutes.

Some low-carb sweets include chocolate or cocoa, as both foods are low in carbohydrates when left unsweetened, and dieters may find that they can consume moderate amounts of dark chocolate with little disruption to their blood sugar or weight loss. Others rely on low-carb chocolates that are sweetened with sugar alcohols or other artificial sweeteners. In addition to chocolate candies, other popular low-carb sweets include nut brittles and sugar-free or no-sugar-added ice creams.

Sugar-free baked goods are typically not compatible with diets that restrict carbohydrates. It is possible, however, to reduce the carbohydrates in many baking recipes by substituting almond flour or coconut flour for standard wheat flours. For recipes that contain fruits, no-sugar-added canned fruits can also be used to reduce the amount of carbohydrates in the recipe. These recipes may be higher in carbohydrates than other types of low-carb sweets, however, so portion control and carefully monitoring one's reaction to these foods is crucial for dieters who are concerned about maintaining or continuing their weight loss.