As I become more aware of my sugar intake, and the risks associated with high blood glucose levels, I find myself turning to more zero-sugar and low-sugar alternatives.
Although I don't have much of a sweet tooth, I'm still human, and sometimes my palate craves a little sugary goodness! So, I've been trying to find some "smarter" alternatives that allow me to indulge without consuming quite as much sugar.
While shopping at Costco, I came across these super low-sugar gummy worms and decided to give them a try.
What I quickly realized was that these aren't the childhood gummy worms I grew up with… they're a much more sophisticated kind. π
First impressions
Chewier and firmer than regular gummy worms.
Not particularly sweet-tasting.
Contains chicory, which gives them a more distinctive flavour.
Somewhere between licorice and a gummy in both texture and taste.
Unlike regular gummy worms, which tend to have a slightly shiny surface, these have a matte finish.
Only 3 g of sugar for approximately 12 gummy worms!
The ingredients
One thing I found interesting is how they've approached the ingredients.
Instead of relying on conventional artificial colouring, these gummy worms use ingredients such as pumpkin, carrot, apple, blackcurrant, sweet potato, radish, and cherry for their colours. I like seeing natural alternatives being used rather than relying on artificial colourants!
They also use stevia leaf extract as their sweetener instead of conventional sugar-based sweeteners. This helps keep the sugar content low, with approximately 3 g of sugar for every 12 gummy worms.
It's nice to see that some thought has gone into making these a lower-sugar alternative, rather than simply making another gummy candy with less sweetness.
The taste and texture
I wasn't expecting what I got, but at the same time, I honestly didn't know what I was expecting. π
These are considerably firmer and chewier than the gummy worms and other gummy candies I'm used to. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. If you enjoy a softer, more traditional gummy texture, these might take some getting used to.
I was also surprised by how "unsweetened" they taste. Don't get me wrong, they are sweet, but the sweetness is significantly toned down.
If I were to put it on a scale, where regular gummy worms have a sweetness level of around 8/10, these would sit somewhere around 4–5/10.
So, if you're looking for a direct replacement for your favourite childhood gummy worms, these probably aren't for you.
One interesting ingredient is chicory, which contributes to their distinctive flavour. Combined with the firmer texture and reduced sweetness, it gives these gummies a more grown-up taste.
In Japanese, there's a concept called 倧人 taste — essentially, an adult-oriented taste. Think of the difference between grape juice and wine: both have their own appeal, but the latter has a more developed flavour profile that adults tend to appreciate.
And that's exactly how I'd describe these gummy worms: a childhood snack with an adult twist!
Pros and cons
Pros
Only 3 g of sugar for approximately 12 gummy worms.
A good alternative if you're looking to reduce your sugar intake.
Less sweet than traditional gummy worms.
Distinctive flavour thanks to the chicory.
A more sophisticated taste profile for those who prefer less-sweet treats.
Uses Stevia leaf extract as a sweetener
Uses natural colour sources (pumpkin, carrot, apple, blackcurrant, sweet potato, radish and cherry)
Cons
Much firmer and chewier than traditional gummy worms.
The reduced sweetness may disappoint those who enjoy conventional gummy candy.
The distinctive chicory flavour might not appeal to everyone.
Not a direct replacement for regular gummy worms.
Conclusion
I have to say, these gummy worms caught me by surprise! I went in expecting something similar to the gummy worms I grew up eating, but what I got was something quite different.
They're firmer, chewier, considerably less sweet, and have a more distinctive flavour thanks to the chicory. They're definitely not trying to replicate the traditional gummy candy experience, and I think that's worth keeping in mind before purchasing them.
What I appreciate most is that I can enjoy around 12 gummy worms for just 3 g of sugar. For someone trying to be more mindful of their sugar intake, that's a pretty appealing alternative!
However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend these to someone who simply wants a low-sugar version of their favourite gummy worms. The texture and taste are different enough that you really have to enjoy this more grown-up take on candy.
Ultimately, I like them for what they are: a less-sweet, more sophisticated gummy treat. They're not quite the nostalgic candy experience I grew up with, but sometimes a childhood snack with an adult twist isn't such a bad thing. π€
Score: 7.5/10
Website: https://smartsweets.ca/products/gummy-worms?srsltid=AYCX9vL0v3Z-MKG80mRDupoQpkQsrT04b9xlKJJB5eJooli2H_TPMpI7
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