Why sugar substitutes are a tricky choice (and what we looked for)
When you see erythritol in candy, it’s usually there as a sugar alternative. Honestly, it’s a pretty common sugar alcohol that helps keep things sweet without the calories or the sugar crash. But with all the conflicting headlines out there, it’s totally fair to wonder if it's safe.
We started Urge because we were tired of the same old options. Most "healthier" candies still feel like a compromise. You either get something loaded with artificial sweeteners that leave a weird aftertaste, or it's still packed with sugar, just under a different name. It’s hard to trust labels, especially when it comes to something as simple as candy.
We knew we wanted to make something that people, especially parents, could feel good about. That means no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, and definitely no ingredients that make you second-guess your choices. But how do you make candy taste good and actually *do* something, without any of the bad stuff?
That's where the real work started. We looked at everything. Stevia, monk fruit, xylitol, erythritol… the list goes on. Each one had its pros and cons. We knew consumers are more aware than ever; according to the International Food Information Council (2023), 67% of consumers say they check ingredient labels before purchasing food products, up from 55% five years ago. That told us we couldn't just pick something convenient; we had to pick something we could stand behind.
A big part of our research focused on taste and how these sweeteners behaved. Some tasted great but had digestive issues for a lot of people. Others were fine on the stomach but left that tell-tale "diet" flavor. We tried so many different formulations, honestly, it was a lot. We wanted that satisfying sweetness, the kind that makes you actually enjoy your treat, not just tolerate it.
And, of course, the big question: what about the latest news? We dug into all the studies on erythritol, looking at the science, not just the headlines. We learned that while some studies raised concerns, especially around high consumption in specific populations, the general consensus from major health organizations still supports its safety in moderate amounts. It's naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods, and our bodies actually produce small amounts of it too. We realized the key was thoughtful use and transparency.
If you're looking for more ways to cut down on sugar without feeling deprived, check out our post on 7 sugar free treat ideas for a happy sweet tooth.
How we found a sweetener that actually works (and feels good)
So, after all that digging, why did we land on erythritol for some of our Urge Candies? Well, it checked a lot of boxes for us. First, it doesn't spike blood sugar, which is huge for avoiding those awful sugar crashes. It also has a really clean taste, much closer to sugar than a lot of other alternatives, meaning no weird aftertaste that ruins the whole experience.
It's also generally well-tolerated by most people, especially when consumed in the amounts you'd find in a single lollipop. Unlike some other sugar alcohols, a lot of erythritol passes through your body without being fully metabolized, which is why it has so few calories and doesn't usually cause digestive upset in the same way. We’re talking a few grams per lollipop, not a whole bag.
Beyond that, it helped us deliver on our promise of clean ingredients. The International Food Information Council (2023) found that artificial colors and flavors are among the top ingredients consumers are actively trying to avoid, with 73% preferring natural alternatives. Using erythritol allowed us to keep our products free from artificial nonsense, focusing on real fruit flavors and natural colors.
We know choosing a sugar substitute can feel like navigating a minefield sometimes. We picked erythritol for our low-sugar and no-sugar lollipops because, for us, it was the best balance of safety, taste, and functionality. It lets us create something genuinely good that you can feel good about eating, or giving to your kids.
But finding a candy that actually does something for your body, without all the usual junk or weird aftertastes, felt impossible. That’s why we created Urge Candies: a functional candy brand making lollipops with real benefits — low-sugar and no-sugar options for families, athletes, and anyone who wants a treat that does more than just taste good.
Q: What if I'm worried about the 'natural' claims of sweeteners?
We totally get that skepticism! Many brands throw around "natural" loosely. For us, we mean ingredients that are either found in nature or derived from natural sources, without artificial processing that changes their fundamental nature. We're always upfront about where our ingredients come from.
Q: Are sugar alcohols like erythritol good for kids?
In moderation, yes. Erythritol doesn't cause cavities, and it helps us make low-sugar options for kids without the hyperactivity that comes from too much table sugar. We recommend enjoying Urge Candies as a treat, just like any other candy.
Q: Will it still taste good, or will it have that weird aftertaste?
Honestly, this was one of our biggest priorities! We worked really hard to ensure our lollipops have a clean, delicious taste without that metallic or cooling aftertaste often associated with sugar substitutes. We want you to enjoy the flavor, pure and simple.
