Are HERSHEYS SUGAR FREE Candies lower in carbohydrates?
The nutrition facts panel on HERSHEY’S SUGAR FREE labels will show carbohydrate content that is comparable to regular confectionery counterparts. However, HERSHEY’S SUGAR FREE products use sugar alcohols as a substitute for sugar. The sugar alcohols are absorbed and metabolized by the body in a different way than sugar. As a result, their carbohydrate exchange value is about half that of sugar. Current Food and Drug Administration labeling regulations do not allow the labeling of carbohydrates within the nutrition panel in this way. However, we have reflected the carbohydrate exchange value in the dietary exchanges: 1 carbohydrate unit for HERSHEY’S and REESE’S SUGAR FREE chocolate candy compared to 2 units for regular HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bar.