Are you tired of using sorbitol in your gummy bear recipe? Sorbitol is a commonly used sugar substitute in gummy bear recipes, but it can cause digestive issues in some people.
Fortunately, there are many other alternatives that you can use to make delicious gummy bears.
In this post, we will analyze the 10 best sorbitol substitutes for gummy bears, along with their ratios and how to use them.
In short, " What can I use instead of sorbitol?" Xylitol, Erythritol, Stevia, Honey, Maple Syrup, Agave Nectar, Brown Rice Syrup, Fruit Puree, Maltitol, and Allulose.
What are gummy bears, and what do gummy bears taste like?
Gummy bears are a famous type of candy that is shaped like small bears. They are made from a combination of gelatin, sugar, and flavorings, which are then molded into the bear shape and coated with a thin layer of sugar.
The taste of gummy bears is sweet and fruity. They come in various flavors, including cherry, orange, lemon, strawberry, and grape, among others.
Each bear typically has a distinct flavor, allowing for a mix of flavors in a single bag or container.
The texture of gummy bears is chewy and slightly gummy, giving them their characteristic name. They have a soft and pliable consistency that makes them enjoyable to eat.
Gummy bears are loved by both children and adults alike for their fun shape, vibrant colors, and tasty flavors.
Overall, gummy bears offer a delightful combination of sweetness, fruitiness, and chewiness, making them a beloved candy for people of all ages.
Uses of sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that has various uses, both in food and industrial applications.
It is normally used in food products as a sweetener due to its lower caloric value than sucrose, and it does not promote tooth decay like other sugars.
Sorbitol is located naturally in many fruits and berries but is also manufactured from glucose. It is often added to food items such as candy, ice cream, and chewing gum to improve texture and shelf-life.
In addition, sorbitol can be utilized by the medical industry as it helps to alleviate constipation due to its laxative properties.
Its ability to increase viscosity also makes it ideal for use in artificial tears. Moreover, sorbitol is known for its preservative qualities, which make it useful when conserving certain types of fruits.
What does sorbitol do in gummy bears?
Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol commonly used as an artificial sweetener in gummy bears. It has a much lower caloric value than regular sugar while still providing a sweet flavor.
Sorbitol also acts as a humectant, helping to keep the gummies soft and chewy instead of hard and brittle.
As well as adding sweetness, sorbitol can also act as a preservative by preventing mold growth that would otherwise occur due to the high moisture content of gummy bears.
Sorbitol is not absorbed into the body like many sugars; instead, it passes through the digestive system without being broken down or metabolized.
This makes it suitable for diabetics, who must limit their intake of simple sugars.
Where to buy sorbitol?
If you are looking for sorbitol where to buy, there are a few extra places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of sorbitol.
1. Xylitol – a good sorbitol substitute for gummy bears
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol; it is as sweet as sugar but has fewer calories. It is a glycemic index of 13 which is safe for diabetics.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute sorbitol with xylitol, use the same amount of xylitol as sorbitol.
2. Erythritol
Erythritol is another sugar alcohol with zero calories and a glycemic index of 0. It’s also safe for diabetics.
Ratio or measurement: Use the same amount of erythritol as sorbitol.
3. Try Stevia to replace sorbitol for gummy bears
Stevia is a genuine sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is zero calories and a glycemic index of 0. It’s 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, so you only need a small amount.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute sorbitol with stevia, use 1/8 teaspoon of stevia for every 1/4 cup of sorbitol.
Learn more: Best substitutes for cane sugar & way to use
4. Honey
Honey is a crude sweetener that has a low glycemic index of 55. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute sorbitol with honey, use 1/3 cup of honey for every 1 cup of sorbitol.
5. Maple Syrup – a decent sorbitol alternative for gummy bears
Maple syrup is another natural sweetener with a glycemic index of 54. It’s high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute sorbitol with maple syrup, use 1/2 cup of maple syrup for every 1 cup of sorbitol.
6. Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is a raw sweetener with a glycemic index of 30-50, depending on the brand. It’s high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute sorbitol with agave nectar, use 3/4 cup of agave nectar for every 1 cup of sorbitol.
Explore more: Best Coconut nectar substitutes
7. Use Brown Rice Syrup instead of sorbitol for gummy bears
Brown rice syrup is a raw sweetener that has a glycemic index of 98. It’s made from fermented brown rice and has a mild, nutty flavor.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute sorbitol with brown rice syrup, use 1/3 cup of brown rice syrup for every 1 cup of sorbitol.
8. Fruit Puree
Fruit puree is a natural sweetener that is made from pureed fruit. It has a low glycemic index and is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute sorbitol with fruit puree, use 3/4 cup of fruit puree for every 1 cup of sorbitol.
9. Maltitol – a sorbitol replacement for gummy bears
Maltitol is a popular sugar substitute that has 90% of the sweetness of sugar.
Ratio or measurement: It can be used in place of sorbitol in a 1:1 ratio.
Keep in mind that maltitol can cause digestive issues in some people, so use it in moderation.
10. Allulose
Allulose is an occasional sugar found naturally in fruits like figs and raisins.
Ratio or measurement: It has 70% of the sweetness of sugar and can use in place of sorbitol in a 1:1 ratio.
Allulose doesn’t affect blood sugar levels, making it a good option for diabetics.
Discover more: Best substitute for vitafiber
how to make gummy bears without gelatin
Making gummy bears without gelatin is possible with the help of natural alternatives such as agar-agar or pectin. Agar-agar is a type of red algae that, when dissolved in liquid, forms a gel.
It can replace gelatin in many recipes and provides extra fiber and nutrition. Pectin is an inherently occurring polysaccharide found in plant cell walls that has similar properties to gelatin.
When making gummy bears without gelatin, start by combining 1/4 cup of cold juice or pureed fruit with 2 tablespoons of agar-agar powder or 2 teaspoons of pectin powder.
Pour the mix into a small pan and heat on low heat, stirring sometimes until the agar-agar or pectin is completely dissolved. Then add sugar and sweetener to taste, and stir again until combined.
Next, pour the mixture into molds (either silicone bear molds or an ice cube tray) and let cool for 30 minutes before transferring them into an airtight container for storage.
They should preserve for up to two weeks in the refrigerator but are best enjoyed within 4 days of being made.
Gummy bears made without gelatin have a softer texture than those made with it but still make wonderful snacks for kids and adults alike!
Plus, they’re vegan-friendly since they don’t contain animal products like conventional gummies do.
Non-sugar alternatives to sorbitol
Xylitol is a raw sugar alcohol that can be used as an alternative to sorbitol. It has a similar sweetness level to sugar but contains 40% fewer calories and 75% less carbohydrates.
Xylitol also has the added benefit of promoting oral health due to its antibacterial properties.
It can be used like sorbitol, including in baking, candies, and other sweetened goods.
Stevia is a natural non-nutritive sweetener used for centuries as an alternative to sugar.
It includes no calories and is up to 200 times sweeter than table sugar. Stevia also does not raise blood glucose levels like traditional sugars do, making it safe for diabetics and those on low-carb diets.
In addition, Stevia may help reduce inflammation and improve gut microbiota balance.
Erythritol is another natural sugar alcohol that is 60%-70% as sweet as table sugar with little to no calories or carbohydrates.
It does not provoke a rise in blood glucose levels like other sugars do, making it suitable for those with diabetes or on restricted carbohydrate diets.
Erythritol also helps regulate oral pH and therefore reduces the risk of cavities or tooth decay.
Monk Fruit extract is derived from the monk fruit, which grows in Southeast Asia and has been used by Buddhists for centuries as an alternative sweetener to sugar cane juice and honey.
The monk fruit extract is about 150-200 times sweeter than table sugar without any calories or carbs, yet still contains some antioxidants beneficial for health benefits such as decreasing inflammation and enhancing insulin sensitivity.
Agave nectar (also known as agave syrup) is produced from the Mexican agave plant using its sap or “honey” juice which is processed into syrup similar in sweetness to honey or maple syrup but much lower in calories than either of them.
Agave nectar also contains more slowly digested carbohydrates than some other alternatives allowing one’s blood glucose levels to remain more stable throughout the day.
When consumed in small amounts while still providing a sweet taste without consuming refined sugars or artificial sweeteners
Conclusions on sorbitol substitute for gummy bears
In conclusion, there are many alternatives to sorbitol that you can use to make delicious gummy bears.
Whether you prefer natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup or sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol, there is an option for you.
Before using any of these sugar substitutes, read the label and use them in moderation.
As always, experiment with different ratios to find the perfect flavor for your gummy bears. Happy cooking!
FAQs on sorbitol substitute for gummy bears
Q1. What is similar to sorbitol?
Similar to sorbitol are other sugar alcohols such as xylitol, maltitol, and mannitol. These compounds also act as sweeteners and are used in many food products.
They offer a reduced calorie sweetening option with fewer negative health effects when compared to regular table sugar.
All of these substances provide an intense sweetness which is why they have become popular replacements for regular table sugar.
Q2. What is a good sugar substitute for gummies?
One good sugar substitute for gummies is a natural, low-glycemic sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit extract.
Erythritol is made from fermented cornstarch and contains virtually no calories or carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for reducing sugar intake.
The monk fruit extract is derived from an Asian plant and has been shown to be 150-200 times sweeter than table sugar while still containing virtually no calories.
Both of these sweeteners can be found in a variety of forms, including syrups and granulated versions that can easily be used as substitutes in gummy recipes.
Additionally, many brands have already incorporated these natural sweeteners into product formulations so that you can enjoy the same flavor without all the added sugar!