If you‘ve got a sweet tooth but are trying to cut back on sugar, you may have come across Smart Sweets in your hunt for healthier candy options. This innovative brand claims to offer all the taste of your favorite fruity gummy treats with a fraction of the sugar and calories. But can Smart Sweets really satisfy candy cravings without derailing your diet? I put these low-sugar sweets to the test to find out.
What Is Smart Sweets?
Founded in 2015 by Tara Bosch, Smart Sweets is on a mission to kick sugar and keep candy with their better-for-you gummy treats. While regular gummy bears, peach rings, and sour fish contain a whopping 20-30 grams of sugar per serving, Smart Sweets candies clock in at just 3 grams.
The brand achieves this impressive sugar reduction by swapping out glucose syrup and cane sugar for plant-based, low-glycemic sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, allulose, and isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs). Smart Sweets also relies on natural fruit flavors and vegetable juice for color instead of artificial additives.
But the nutritional perks of Smart Sweets don‘t stop at low sugar. Each bag packs in a hefty dose of plant-based fiber, with most varieties containing 28-36% of your recommended daily intake. Smart Sweets also offers some vegan options made without gelatin, like their Sourmelon Bites and Peach Rings.
With a focus on simple swaps and natural ingredients, Smart Sweets aims to disrupt the candy aisle and make it easier to indulge mindfully. The brand‘s eye-catching packaging and fun flavors have made them a hit on Instagram, with fitness influencers and celebrities alike stockpiling the low-sugar treats.
Pros and Cons of Smart Sweets
Now that you have the scoop on Smart Sweets, let‘s weigh the pros and cons of these better-for-you candies:
Pros:
- 85-90% less sugar than traditional gummy candy
- High in filling fiber (7-13g per bag)
- Made without sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, or artificial colors/flavors
- Vegan options available
- Individually portioned bags for built-in portion control
- Fun, nostalgic flavors and shapes
- Gluten-free and nut-free
Cons:
- Much more expensive than regular candy ($2-3 per bag)
- Some varieties still contain 5-15g net carbs per serving
- High fiber content may cause bloating, gas, and GI upset for some
- Taste and texture not an exact match for traditional gummies
- Fairly high in calories compared to sugar-free candies (80-110 calories per bag)
- Limited availability compared to mainstream candy brands
Are Smart Sweets Actually Healthy?
The million dollar question! While Smart Sweets are undoubtedly a "healthier" choice than traditional sugary candies, they still fall under the category of treats, not health foods.
Yes, the drastic sugar reduction means you can enjoy a few more gummies without spiking your blood glucose. And the fiber content may help balance the impact of the remaining sugar. However, if you‘re diabetic or on a very low-carb diet like keto, even a few grams of sugar may be more than you want. And the jury‘s still out on how low-carb the IMO sweetener truly is.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while fiber is a good thing, suddenly downing 30-40% of your daily needs via candy probably isn‘t ideal. Shocking your system with that much fiber at once, especially if you‘re not used to it, is a recipe for bloating, gas pains, and potential GI distress (ever heard of a Smart Sweets "cleanse"? Yeah, not fun).
As someone who has struggled with IBS and food sensitivities, I have to be careful about foods with added fiber. If your tummy is on the sensitive side, you may want to go slow with Smart Sweets to see how your body reacts.
It‘s also worth noting that low sugar or not, candy is still candy. Bosch herself says her goal with Smart Sweets is to help people consume candy consciously, not to replace whole foods. In other words, a few gummies here and there can absolutely fit into a balanced diet. But Smart Sweets aren‘t a substitute for nutrient-dense fruits, veggies, and high-quality proteins.
Finally, let‘s talk about the "guilt-free" messaging that surrounds Smart Sweets and similar better-for-you treats. As someone who has struggled with emotional eating, I know firsthand how food guilt can fuel a vicious restrict-binge cycle. No single food is inherently good or bad, and you don‘t need to "earn" your snacks through compensatory exercise.
While reaching for Smart Sweets instead of M&Ms can help you reduce your overall sugar intake, what matters most is your mindset. Stressing over your snack choices can backfire big time. The key is to enjoy ALL foods in moderation, without judgment or shame.
Smart Sweets Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Smart Sweets currently holds an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with over 12,000 reviews. Customers rave about the delicious taste, which many say is "just like the real thing." The cute packaging, fun flavors, and built-in portion control also earn top marks.
Negative reviews tend to focus on the high price point, disappointment with the taste/texture, and digestive issues after eating a full bag. Some also complain that the candy is too tough/chewy and gets stuck in their teeth.
Here‘s what customers have to say about some of Smart Sweets‘ bestselling candies:
Sweet Fish
Smart Sweets‘ top seller, these fish-shaped gummies come in a sweet-tart berry flavor. Reviews praise the super soft texture and real fruit taste, with many saying they like these even better than Swedish Fish. However, sensitive stomachs may want to proceed with caution, as several customers complain of major bloating.
Peach Rings
If gummy peaches are your jam, you‘ll love Smart Sweets‘ spin with 87% less sugar. Customers describe the taste as delightfully fruity with the perfect amount of chew and a fun sour-sweet kick. The peach rings are also a hit with vegans looking for a gelatin-free alternative.
Sour Blast Buddies
Pucker up for these tart little dudes! Reviews gush about the intense sour flavor and soft, satisfying texture. It‘s hard to believe these pack 28g of fiber per bag! Just be sure to floss after as the buddies can be a bit sticky.
Fruity Gummy Bears
Gummy bears are a classic for a reason, and Smart Sweets‘ version aims to hit the same nostalgic notes without the sugar crash. Flavors include lemon, apple, peach, and raspberry. Customers describe them as slightly firmer than traditional gummy bears but with a pleasant chew. Note that these do contain gelatin.
Smart Sweets Buying Guide
Sold on Smart Sweets? Here‘s the sweet lowdown on where to get ‘em and how much they cost.
Where to Buy
While originally a Canadian brand, Smart Sweets are now widely available in the US. You can find them at Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, CVS, The Vitamin Shoppe, and Bed Bath & Beyond. If you‘d rather shop online, you can stock up directly from the Smart Sweets website or snag bags from Amazon and Thrive Market.
Price
I‘ll be real with you: Smart Sweets are pretty dang pricy as far as candy goes. A single 1.8oz bag will set you back around $3, while a 12-pack box sells for $35.99 on the brand‘s site.
For comparison, a 5oz bag of Haribo gummy bears goes for about $1 at Walmart. Yikes! I guess that‘s the cost of cutting sugar and using natural ingredients. If you‘re a frequent snacker, subscribing for monthly Smart Sweets deliveries can help you save a few bucks per bag.
Smart Sweets Shipping & Returns
For online orders, Smart Sweets offers free ground shipping on all orders over $60 in the US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). Shipping to Canada is also available.
The brand has a 30-day return policy for products purchased directly from their site. However, you‘ll need to cover the return shipping costs. Open food items are not eligible for returns unless there was an error with your order.
Smart Sweets Promotions & Discounts
At the time of this writing, you can snag 10% off your first Smart Sweets order when you sign up for their email newsletter. You‘ll also get free shipping on orders of $40 or more to sweeten the deal.
It‘s also worth following Smart Sweets on Instagram, as the brand occasionally posts discount codes and hosts giveaways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Smart Sweets have artificial sweeteners?
Nope! Smart Sweets are sweetened with natural, plant-based options like stevia leaf extract, monk fruit, and allulose. However, they do contain sugar alcohols like IMOs.
How many net carbs are in Smart Sweets?
While Smart Sweets are lower in net carbs than traditional candy, they‘re not necessarily keto-friendly. Most bags contain 5-15 grams of net carbs, which may be too high if you‘re trying to stay under 50g per day. Be sure to check the label and factor the carbs into your daily budget.
Will Smart Sweets raise blood sugar?
Though Smart Sweets have significantly less sugar than regular candy, they still contain some real sugar and carbs that will impact blood glucose. If you‘re diabetic or highly sensitive to sugar/carbs, it‘s best to enjoy these treats sparingly and monitor your individual response. When in doubt, consult your doctor or dietitian.
Do Smart Sweets contain gelatin?
Some Smart Sweets products contain gelatin, while others are vegan-friendly. If you avoid animal products, opt for the Sourmelon Bites, Peach Rings, and Sour Blast Buddies, which are gelatin-free.
Are Smart Sweets gluten-free?
Yes! All Smart Sweets candies are gluten-free. However, they are processed in a facility that also handles wheat, so trace amounts are possible.
Can Smart Sweets cause stomach upset or diarrhea?
Due to the high fiber content (7-13g per bag), some customers do report bloating, gas, and diarrhea after eating a full serving of Smart Sweets. If you‘re not used to consuming that much fiber at once, it‘s best to start slow and see how your system handles it. As always, listen to your body and stop eating if you experience severe discomfort.
Final Thoughts
So, are Smart Sweets a smart choice for health-conscious candy lovers? I‘ll put it this way: If you‘re going to eat candy, you could certainly do worse!
With 85-90% less sugar than traditional gummies, Smart Sweets can help you get your sweet fix without going overboard on the refined stuff. And if you‘re trying to increase your fiber intake, these little bags pack a surprisingly big punch.
However, it‘s important to remember that a candy is still candy, even if it is "healthier." While the fun flavors and cute shapes of Smart Sweets may entice you to eat the whole bag, the high fiber content can quickly lead to an upset stomach if you overdo it.
There‘s also the issue of cost. At $2-3 per single-serve bag, Smart Sweets are more of a pricy treat than an everyday staple. If you‘re looking to cut costs and sugar, you may be better off making your own wholesome desserts using dates, nut butter, and other nutrient-dense ingredients.
At the end of the day, Smart Sweets can absolutely be a part of a balanced diet for most candy-loving folks. The brand has taken major strides in the better-for-you candy category with their innovative ingredients and transparent labeling. I personally love keeping a few bags on hand for when cravings strike.
Just remember not to fall for the "guilt-free" marketing hype. A gummy bear by any other name is still, well, a gummy bear. Enjoy Smart Sweets for what they are—a fun, nostalgic treat to be savored in moderation as part of a varied, nourishing diet. That‘s the real smartest (and sweetest) move of all!
Have you tried Smart Sweets? What did you think of the taste and ingredients? Let me know in the comments below!
