A lot of folks today are a lot more health conscious than they've been in the past, which is why a growing number of people are looking for ways to enjoy their cannabis edibles without the added sugars that can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, or other long-term health issues.

Whether you're managing diabetes, cutting down on empty calories, or following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, sugar-free edibles offer a way to indulge in tasty cannabis confections while maintaining your health goals. But navigating the world of sugar-free edibles can be a bit confusing. What exactly makes something sugar-free, and how can you ensure you're getting a product that aligns with your dietary preferences? Don't worry; we'll break everything down here, starting with the basics.

What Are Sugar-Free Edibles?

It might seem pretty obvious, but sugar-free edibles are formulated without any added sugar. Instead of the typical sweeteners like sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, or cane sugar, sugar-free edibles often use alternative sweeteners to achieve that sweet taste without raising blood sugar levels.

While the term "sugar-free" might sound like a guarantee that the product is free from any kind of sugar, it's important to note that not all sugar-free edibles are created equally. Some sugar-free products still contain small amounts of sugar alcohols or other low-calorie replacements, which may have a minor impact on your health goals. That's why it's important to have a good understanding of the ingredients people use to replace traditional sweeteners.

The Growing Demand for Sugar-Free Edibles

The rise in demand for sugar-free products is part of a broader shift towards healthier eating, and the cannabis industry has been no different. There are a lot of reasons for this shift, including:

Rising Health Concerns

With the growing concern over conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, many people are cutting back on sugar to prevent or manage these health problems. Science shows that consuming less sugar can help regulate blood glucose levels, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Keto and Low-Carb Diets

Sugar-free edibles are especially popular with folks who are trying to follow low-carb diets like keto, which restrict sugar and carbohydrate intake to promote fat-burning and weight loss. Sugar-free edibles make it easier to stick to a strict diet while still enjoying a little elevation.

Increased Awareness of Hidden Sugars

Many people are now aware of how much sugar sneaks into their diet, especially in processed foods. From salad dressings to snacks, sugar can be found in places you'd least expect. As a result, more people are choosing sugar-free versions of their favorite snacks and treats — cannabis edibles included.

Natural Sweeteners

There's also growing interest in plant-based or naturally-derived sweeteners that are often touted as safer and healthier alternatives to artificial sweeteners or regular sugar. These options provide sweetness without the harmful effects of traditional sugar.

These are all great reasons for reducing a harmful component of your diet. So if you're looking to cut out the sugar, what are your options?

The Different Types of Sugar-Free Sweeteners

If you're looking to improve your health a little, reducing sugar is a great starting point. That said, sugar-free doesn't always mean "zero calories" or "carb-free," and it's really important to look at the specific sweeteners in use. Here are some of the most common sugar-free sweeteners used in edibles:

Stevia

Stevia is a popular natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has no calories and does not affect blood sugar levels, making it a great choice for people following low-carb or ketogenic diets. Stevia is also known for being much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to make things taste just like the real thing. It's available in powdered, liquid, and granular forms and is often used in beverages, baked goods, and candies.

Monk Fruit

Monk fruit extract, also known as luo han guo, is another natural sweetener that we're seeing more and more of in sugar-free edibles. It's made from the fruit of a small green melon native to Southeast Asia and is 100 to 250 times sweeter than sugar. Monk fruit sweeteners are low in calories and have little to no impact on blood sugar levels.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in fruits and fermented foods but is commercially produced from corn or wheat starch. It contains almost no calories — around 0.2 calories per gram — and doesn't cause a spike in blood sugar levels. It's also a lot easier on the digestive system compared to other sugar alcohols, and it has a pretty similar taste and texture to sugar, making it a good choice for sugar-free edibles.

Xylitol

Xylitol is another sugar alcohol that's commonly used in sugar-free products. It has a similar sweetness to sugar but with fewer calories, around 2.4 calories per gram. Keep in mind though that xylitol can cause digestive upset in some people — especially when consumed in large quantities — and it is toxic to dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Allulose

Allulose is a relatively new sugar substitute that has gained attention for its close resemblance to sugar in taste and texture. It contains 90% fewer calories than regular sugar and doesn't raise blood sugar levels. The really cool thing is that allulose doesn't leave an aftertaste like some of the other sweeteners on this list, which makes it an excellent choice for people who want something almost imperceptible from the real thing.

Maltitol

Maltitol is another sugar alcohol that's often used in sugar-free chocolates and candies. It has about 75-90 percent of the sweetness of sugar, with around 2.1 calories per gram. While maltitol has a lower glycemic index than sugar, it can still cause a mild increase in blood glucose levels, and it's also known to cause digestive discomfort in some people.

So now that you know what the options are, let's take a look at how to pick out sugar-free edibles while you're shopping around.

How to Choose the Right Sugar-Free Edibles

When it comes to choosing sugar-free edibles, there are a few important factors to consider:

Check the Ingredients List

Like we said above, not all sugar-free edibles are really "sugar-free" in the traditional sense. Some may still contain small amounts of sugar alcohols or other sweeteners. Always read the ingredient list carefully to ensure the product meets your dietary needs. If you're sensitive to certain sweeteners or want to avoid sugar alcohols altogether, look for products made with stevia, monk fruit, or allulose.

Watch Out for Hidden Calories

Just because a product is sugar-free doesn't mean it's calorie-free. Some sugar-free edibles may be high in fat or calories, especially if they contain ingredients like coconut oil, butter, or nuts. Check the nutrition label to make sure the product fits into your overall calorie and macronutrient goals.

Consider Your Digestive Tolerance

Sugar alcohols like xylitol, maltitol, and erythritol can cause digestive issues in some folks. If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to bloating, choose products made with stevia or monk fruit, which are less likely to cause discomfort.

Look for Transparency

Reputable brands like Sherpa will clearly label their products with details about ingredients, calorie counts, and the specific sweeteners they use. Brands that are transparent about their manufacturing processes are often more trustworthy and can help you make an informed decision.

Are Sugar-Free Cannabis Edibles Healthy?

A lot of folks today are looking to be healthier and, as such, are drawn to sugar-free options. After all, cutting out sugar can help with managing weight, controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of certain chronic conditions. But just because a cannabis edible is sugar-free doesn't necessarily mean it's automatically healthy. Let's take a closer look at what makes sugar-free cannabis edibles a good or not-so-good choice and how to evaluate them for your health needs. Here are some factors to consider:

What's Replacing Sugar?

Like we said above, not all sugar substitutes are created equal. While stevia and monk fruit are natural and generally well-tolerated, other alternatives like sugar alcohols — such as maltitol or xylitol — can cause digestive discomfort. It's important to pay attention to the sweetener used in the edible, as certain sugar alcohols can lead to gastrointestinal issues, particularly for sensitive individuals.

Calories Still Matter

While sugar-free cannabis edibles can help reduce your intake of added sugars, they can still contain calories from other ingredients, such as fats, oils, or starches. Many edibles — especially baked goods and chocolates — use oils like coconut oil or butter to infuse the cannabis, which adds to the overall calorie count. While these fats may be from healthier sources, such as organic coconut oil, they still contribute to the total calories in the product.

The Quality of the Cannabis Extract

The health benefits of sugar-free cannabis edibles depend not only on the ingredients and sweeteners but also on the quality of the cannabis used. There are a lot of less-than-reputable brands out there, and some products may contain harmful additives or low-quality cannabis that has been treated with pesticides, solvents, or other chemicals. Best to buy from companies like Sherpa that independently test their products for quality and purity.

The Overall Nutritional Value

While sugar-free cannabis edibles eliminate added sugars, they might not necessarily be packed with other nutrients. Many edibles are designed as treats or snacks and are often low in vitamins, minerals, or fiber. If you're looking for a cannabis edible that also provides some nutritional benefits, look for products that include healthy ingredients like nuts and seeds or superfoods like chia or flax.

Some edibles, especially those designed as protein bars or granola snacks, might be a more balanced option if you're looking for something that provides more than just a sweet taste. If nutrition is a key consideration for you, choosing sugar-free cannabis edibles with added health benefits can make your indulgence feel a little more nourishing.

Mental and Emotional Considerations: Sugar-Free Doesn't Mean Guilt-Free

It's also important to remember that just because a product is sugar-free doesn't mean it's guilt-free or risk-free. Some people may assume that being sugar-free equals being healthy, but in reality, that's not always the case. Psychologically, it's also easy to overindulge in sugar-free edibles because they may feel "safer" or "healthier." This can lead to a cycle of consuming more than what is truly beneficial for your body, especially when it comes to cannabis. Remember, practicing mindful consumption and being aware of how much you're eating is important, regardless of whether the product is sugar-free.

Is Sugar-Free the Way to Be?

Whether you're managing your weight, controlling your blood sugar, or just looking for a healthier alternative, sugar-free edibles can offer the solution you've been searching for. Just make sure you're not using it as an excuse to overindulge. Just because something is sugar-free doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you.

That said, sugar-free edibles can certainly be better for you; just make sure you're making good choices when it comes to the other ingredients and consuming them mindfully. With a little bit of intentionality, you're going to be enjoying all of the benefits of cannabis while mitigating the risks associated with excess sugars.