Remaining carbohydrate restricted can support glycemic control, broader metabolic health and craving management. These guides offer practical substitutions for familiar foods and drinks to help you sustain that eating pattern. Weight loss is not a required goal or a guaranteed result.
Replacement foods are tools for adherence and flexibility, not weight-loss tools in themselves. Some options satisfy a craving; others may leave you wanting more. Check the ingredients and total carbohydrates in the portion you eat, then notice your glucose response, hunger and cravings. Choose the options that work for you.
A lower-sugar version of a favorite candy can still contain carbohydrates and ingredients you want to limit. Look at the whole label, not just the claim on the front.
In this guide
| Option | Type |
|---|---|
| SmartSweets | Lower-sugar candy |
| Zollipops | Candy |
| Know Brainer marshmallows | Candy |
| Sugar-free sprinkles | Topping |
| Xylitol and pets | Source warning |
Browse all replacement guides.
Candy and sweet toppings
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Smart Sweets: lower-sugar candy, not sugar-free candy. Compare total carbohydrates and ingredients on the current package; a lower-sugar label does not by itself make a product low carb
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Zollipops made with xylitol*
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Know-Brainer Marshmallows made with xylitol*
There are many well-known candy companies making sugar-free versions of their products. Watch out for ingredients like maltodextrin and maltitol, which have a big impact on blood sugar and often cause stomach upset.
