Sugar free jello is a popular low calorie dessert option for people looking to reduce their sugar intake. Traditional jello contains lots of added sugar, which can be detrimental to health when consumed in excess. By swapping out regular sugar for non-nutritive sweeteners, sugar free jello allows people to enjoy the familiar jiggly texture and fruit flavors of jello without all the added sugar. But what exactly is the sugar substitute used in sugar free jello products?
Common Sugar Substitutes in Sugar Free Jello
There are a few different non-nutritive sweeteners that are commonly used to replace sugar in products like sugar free jello:
Aspartame
Aspartame is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners in the world. In the United States, it is marketed under brand names like NutraSweet and Equal. Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, so only a very small amount is needed to provide the same level of sweetness as sugar. It has been used in many products, especially diet sodas, since the 1980s. Aspartame is the primary sweetener used in many popular sugar free jello products.
Sucralose
Sucralose, also known as Splenda, is another very common non-nutritive sweetener. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. Sucralose is made from sugar but has been chemically modified so that the body does not recognize it as sugar during digestion. This allows it to provide the sweet taste without any calories or spike in blood sugar. Sucralose is found in some sugar free jello products, often alongside aspartame.
Acesulfame Potassium
Acesulfame potassium, also known as ace-K, is an artificial sweetener that is around 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is often combined with other non-nutritive sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. The sweetness of ace-K helps enhance the sweet flavor in sugar free foods and beverages. It is another option sometimes found in sugar free gelatin desserts.
Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. It contains zero calories and has a glycemic index of zero, meaning it does not impact blood sugar levels. Stevia can be up to 400 times sweeter than sugar. Some brands use stevia or stevia extracts like rebaudioside A as the sweetener in their sugar free jello products.
Nutrition Facts of Sugar Free Jello
Since they are made with non-nutritive sweeteners instead of real sugar, sugar free jello products are very low in calories and carbohydrates. Here is a comparison of the nutrition facts of regular jello versus sugar free jello in a typical prepared serving:
| Nutrition Facts Per 1/2 Cup Prepared Serving | Regular Jello | Sugar Free Jello |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 | 10 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15g | 0g |
| Sugars | 15g | 0g |
| Protein | 1g | 1g |
As you can see, sugar free jello contains barely any calories or carbs compared to regular jello. The sugar content is essentially eliminated.
This makes sugar free jello a smart treat option for people limiting their sugar and calorie intake, like those with diabetes or on a weight loss diet. By replacing sugar with non-nutritive sweeteners, all the calories and carbohydrates from sugar are removed.
Benefits of Sugar Free Jello
Here are some of the main benefits of choosing sugar free jello over regular jello with sugar:
Low in Calories
With just 10 calories per serving, sugar free jello is a low calorie dessert option. This makes it easy to enjoy a sweet treat without blowing your daily calorie budget.
Low Glycemic Impact
Since sugar free jello is very low in carbohydrates and does not contain real sugars, it has an extremely low glycemic index. This makes it a good choice for people with diabetes who need to monitor their blood sugar levels.
Promotes Dental Health
The lack of sugars in sugar free jello means it does not promote tooth decay or erosion like sugary foods. It is safe for teeth and considered a tooth-friendly dessert choice.
Allows Flexibility in Meal Planning
The minimal calories and carbs in sugar free jello allow more flexibility in meal planning for people tracking their nutrition. You can enjoy it as a light dessert without using up a significant portion of your daily allotment of calories or carbohydrates.
Provides Satisfying Sweet Taste
Sugar free jello can satisfy a sweet craving thanks to its pleasant flavor from non-nutritive sweeteners. The sweet taste provides satisfaction without adding negative health effects of too much sugar.
Potential Downsides of Sugar Free Jello
While sugar free jello has some benefits, there are also a few potential downsides to consider:
Contains Artificial Sweeteners
The sugar substitutes used in sugar free jello are artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and ace-K. Some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners due to concerns about side effects or health impacts.
May Cause Digestive Issues
Some sugar alcohols used in sugar free foods can have laxative effects or cause bloating and gas for sensitive individuals. The non-nutritive sweeteners in jello may cause gastrointestinal side effects.
Lacks Nutritional Value
Since it contains minimal calories, carbohydrates, and nutrients, sugar free jello itself offers no nutritional benefit. It should be thought of only as an occasional treat.
May Lead to Sugar Cravings
The intense sweetness of artificial sweeteners tricks your sweet taste receptors and may perpetuate cravings for other high-sugar foods. Moderation is key.
Sugar Free Jello Ingredients
In addition to non-nutritive sweeteners, sugar free jello is made from a few other basic ingredients:
Gelatin
Gelatin is the ingredient that gives jello its characteristic wiggly texture. It is a protein derived from collagen that is found in animal byproducts. Gelatin powder is mixed with hot water and sweeteners then cooled to turn into a gel.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
Sugar free jello contains both natural and artificial flavorings to mimic the taste of different fruits. Popular flavors include orange, cherry, strawberry, lemon, lime, and peach.
Food Coloring
Vibrant food coloring dyes give each flavor its color. Without food coloring, the jello would be colorless when set. Common food colorings include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.
Acidifiers
Acids like adipic acid are added to lower the pH and provide the tangy bite jello is known for. Citric acid and fumaric acid are other acidifiers used.
Salt
A small amount of salt is added for flavor. Too much salt can inhibit gelling, so the salt content has to be carefully controlled.
Preservatives
Preservatives like potassium sorbate prevent microbial growth and spoilage, ensuring a longer shelf life.
Jello Brand Sugar Free Products
Jell-O is one of the most popular and recognizable brands when it comes to gelatin desserts. Here are some of the sugar free options available from the Jell-O brand:
Sugar Free Jell-O Gelatin Dessert
The classic ready-to-make boxed gelatin that just requires boiling water to be added. Comes in popular flavors like Strawberry, Cherry, Orange, Lemon, and Lime. Sweetened with aspartame.
Sugar Free Jell-O Pudding Snacks
Pre-portioned cups of sugar free chocolate or vanilla pudding. Sweetened with sucralose.
Sugar Free Jell-O Instant Pudding
Just add cold milk and whisk to make instant sugar free pudding in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, and butterscotch. Typically sweetened with sucralose.
Sugar Free Jell-O Refrigerated Gelatin and Pudding
Ready-to-eat cups of refrigerated sugar free jello and pudding in assorted flavors. Sweetened with sucralose.
Sugar Free Jell-O Temptations
Indulgent layered gelatin creations with sugar free chocolate or cheesecake mousses. Sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame potassium.
Store Brand Sugar Free Gelatin
In addition to Jell-O, many store brands also offer their own lines of sugar free gelatin products:
Great Value (Walmart)
Great Value sugar free gelatin dessert comes in popular flavors and is sweetened with aspartame.
Kroger
Kroger makes its own sugar free gelatin cups and ready-to-make boxes sweetened with aspartame.
Simply Nature (Aldi)
Simply Nature organic sugar free gelatin uses stevia and organic flavors.
Food Club (Topco)
Food Club sugar free flavored gelatin products use aspartame as the sweetener ingredient.
Price First (Price Chopper)
Price First sugar free gelatin comes in convenient single-serve cups.
Kirkland Signature (Costco)
The Kirkland Signature store brand has sugar free gelatin desserts sweetened with aspartame.
Essential Everyday (Jewel-Osco)
Essential Everyday sugar free gelatin cups and packets use aspartame as the sweetener.
Other Sugar Free Gelatin Brands
Aside from Jell-O and popular store brands, there are some smaller brands that offer unique sugar free gelatin options:
Kozy Shack Simply Well
Kozy Shack makes sugar free pudding and gelatin cups sweetened with erythritol and stevia.
Sweet & Slender
Sweet & Slender focuses on sugar free gelatin products that use Splenda as the sweetener.
Dr. John’s Sweets
Dr. John’s Sweets offers more indulgent creations like layered sugar free gelatin cakes and shooters. Aspartame is used as the sweetener.
Three Babes
Three Babes makes mini bite-sized sugar free jello cups with intriguing flavor combinations. Sweetened with sucralose.
Dashing Dish
Dashing Dish offers high protein sugar free jello sweetened with stevia and flavored with collagen peptides.
Thrive Market
Thrive Market has an organic sugar free gelatin range sweetened with stevia extract in unique flavors.
How to Make Homemade Sugar Free Jell-O
It’s easy to whip up homemade sugar free jello using just a few simple ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups water
- Liquid non-nutritive sweetener like stevia or Sweet’N Low to taste
- 1/4 cup fruit juice concentrate for flavor
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Pour 1 cup of the water into a saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin powder over and let stand for 1 minute.
- Heat over medium, stirring frequently until gelatin is fully dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in non-nutritive sweetener and food coloring if using.
- Add fruit juice concentrate and remaining 1 cup water. Mix well.
- Pour into mold trays or bowls.
- Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours.
Get creative with your own sugar free jello flavors by using different juice concentrates like orange, lemon, lime, cherry, or grape. Add fresh fruit chunks too if desired. Enjoy this homemade sugar free treat!
Common Questions about Sugar Free Jello
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sugar free jello:
Is sugar free jello Keto friendly?
Yes, sugar free jello is generally considered Keto diet friendly. It contains minimal carbohydrates and no sugars. Just watch portions, as even sugar free jello should be limited on a Keto diet.
Is sugar free jello gluten free?
Plain sugar free jello without added ingredients is inherently gluten free. However, some flavored varieties or products with mix-ins may contain sources of gluten like maltodextrin. Check labels to be sure.
Does sugar free jello have carbs?
Sugar free jello is very low in carbs, containing less than 1g net carb per serving. The small amount comes from gelatin. Non-nutritive sweeteners provide the sweet taste without carbohydrates.
Can I make sugar free jello with water instead of boiling water?
Yes, you can make sugar free jello with cold water rather than hot. It just may take a bit longer to fully set up in the refrigerator. Using boiling water helps dissolve the gelatin faster.
Can sugar free jello be eaten on a diabetic diet?
Sugar free jello is usually safe for diabetic diets in moderation, thanks to its super low glycemic impact. Check with your doctor to see if enjoying sugar free jello occasionally fits into your individual meal plan. Portion control is key.
Conclusion
Sugar free jello replaces the sugar typically found in traditional jello with non-nutritive sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or stevia. This allows people limiting sugar for health, weight loss, or diabetes to enjoy jello without all the added calories and carbohydrates. While sugar free jello itself offers minimal nutrition, it can be a smart occasional treat in moderation thanks to its low calorie, low carb attributes. Pay attention to ingredients, portions, and frequency to ensure sugar free jello fits into your overall healthy diet.