How to Change a Candy Recipe to Be Used for Diabetics
Just because someone has diabetes does not mean he can never treat himself to dessert. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects insulin production, a hormone that the body needs to change sugar into energy. By making careful substitutions, diabetics can enjoy candy in small amounts. Swapping out the sugar in your candy recipe and substituting ingredients to add sweetness without sugar can help you make any candy recipe safe for diabetics and still keep the flavor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sugar substitute (such as Splenda, Equal or Sweet 'N Low)
- Unsweetened chocolate
- Reduced-sugar peanut butter
- Cinnamon or nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Agave nectar
Instructions
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Replace sugar in a candy recipe with a sugar substitute, such as Splenda, Equal or Sweet 'N Low. Use only one-third as much sugar substitute as sugar called for in the recipe, because sugar substitutes are much sweeter.
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Substitute ingredients for unsweetened or reduced-sugar versions. Use unsweetened chocolate instead of milk chocolate, or replace peanut butter with reduced-sugar peanut butter.
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Use 1/8 tsp. cinnamon or nutmeg, if you want to omit the sugar substitute. This will add more flavor to the candy that may be lacking when not using real sugar.
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Add 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract to your candy recipe. It will bring out the sweetness in the candy without adding additional sugar.
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Replace corn syrup with agave nectar. This reduces the sugar content, while adding sweetness to the candy.
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Tips & Warnings
Omit candy decoration that adds unneeded sugar, such as extra coconut sprinkled on top or additional frosting.
Follow the recipe's portion size exactly, or reduce it slightly, if possible. Even though the candy is safe for diabetics in small amounts, eating too much can upset blood sugar levels.
