Sugar free jello is a popular low calorie dessert option. Jello is a gelatin based dessert that comes in many different flavors. The sugar free versions replace sugar with artificial sweeteners to reduce the calorie and carbohydrate content. Strawberry is one of the most popular jello flavors. Understanding the ingredients in sugar free strawberry jello can help you determine if it fits your dietary needs.
The main ingredients in regular strawberry jello are sugar, gelatin, adipic acid, disodium phosphate, artificial flavor, Red 40. The sugar free version removes the sugar and replaces it with an artificial sweetener like aspartame, acesulfame potassium or sucralose. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
Ingredients in Sugar Free Strawberry Jello
Here are the main ingredients found in sugar free strawberry flavored jello:
Gelatin
Gelatin is what gives jello it’s characteristic soft, jiggly texture. It is derived from collagen taken from cow or pig bones and skin. Gelatin is dissolved in hot water first to make jello. As it cools, it forms the soft gel that creates the jello’s texture.
Gelatin is mostly protein. It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Adding gelatin to foods can provide some nutritional value and health benefits. It may improve joint and gut health due to its collagen content. But overall gelatin is not a significant source of nutrients.
Artificial Sweeteners
Since sugar free jello contains no sugar, it relies on artificial sweeteners to provide a sweet taste. The most commonly used sweeteners in sugar free jello include:
– Aspartame – Aspartame is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners. It provides sweetness without any calories or carbohydrates. Aspartame is made up of phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol. It can be unhealthy in large amounts but is generally recognized as safe by health authorities.
– Acesulfame Potassium – Also known as Ace-K, this calorie-free sweetener is around 200 times sweeter than sugar. While generally recognized as safe, large amounts have been linked to potential cancer risks in animal studies.
– Sucralose – Sucralose is made from sugar but is not digested, so it has no calories. It’s 600 times sweeter than sugar. Considered very safe although some people complain of side effects like digestive issues.
Flavors and Colors
Sugar free strawberry jello gets its taste from artificial flavors and colors:
– Artificial Flavors – These chemical mixtures are designed to simulate the taste of real strawberries. The exact components are proprietary.
– Red Dye #40 – Gives the jello it’s bright red color. Red 40 is one of the most widely used food dyes but has raised some health concerns over cancer risk.
Other Ingredients
Other common ingredients in sugar free strawberry jello include:
– Adipic Acid – Adds tartness similar to citric acid. It has a slightly acidic, fruity taste. Adipic acid has antioxidant properties although large amounts can be harmful.
– Disodium Phosphate – An emulsifying agent that helps thicken the jello consistency. It also balances pH levels to enhance gelatin formation. Excessive intake from foods may reduce bone strength.
– Fumaric Acid – Another acid that gives a tart, fruity taste. It serves as a flavor enhancer. High doses have caused kidney damage in rats although small amounts in food are likely safe.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a typical serving of sugar free strawberry jello made with water:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 125 mg |
| Potassium | 24 mg |
| Total Carbs | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
As you can see, sugar free jello is very low in calories, carbs, fat and sugar due to the artificial sweeteners. It contains no significant vitamins or minerals, only trace amounts. The gelatin provides a small amount of protein.
Benefits of Sugar Free Jello
Here are some potential benefits of choosing sugar free jello:
– Low in calories – With only 5 calories per serving, it fits into any diet focused on weight management.
– Sugar free – The artificial sweeteners contain no sugar, which benefits people limiting sugar intake due to diabetes or other health conditions.
– Low glycemic – Will not spike blood sugar levels. Safe for diabetics.
– Low carb – Contains no carbohydrates, good for low carb or keto diets.
– Convenience – Jello requires no baking or cooking. It’s portable and easy to make ahead of time.
– Gelatin content – The gelatin may provide some unique health benefits like improved hair, skin, nails and joint health
Potential Downsides
However, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind:
– Artificial sweeteners – Ingredients like aspartame are controversial and may cause side effects in sensitive people. Moderation is recommended.
– Lack of nutrients – Jello provides almost no vitamins, minerals or fiber. It is not a nutritious food.
– Food coloring – Some food dyes like Red 40 may be linked to health risks according to some studies. Natural colors may be preferable.
– Highly processed – Jello contains refined and chemically processed ingredients. Some people prefer to avoid these when possible.
– Can trigger cravings – The sweet taste may increase desire for more sugary foods and drinks. Portion control is advised.
Making Your Own Sugar Free Jello
You can also make homemade sugar free jello easily using just a few simple ingredients:
Ingredients
– 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup juice or extract like strawberry, lemon, orange etc.
– Optional: liquid or powdered sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to taste
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let soften for 1 minute
2. Heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds until dissolved
3. Add the sweetener and stir until fully dissolved if using granulated sweetener
4. Mix in the juice or extract and pour into molds
5. Refrigerate until firmly set, about 4 hours
You can replace the juice with sugar free syrups or other natural flavorings. This allows you to avoid artificial colors and flavors.
Conclusion
Sugar free strawberry jello can be a handy low calorie dessert or snack for those monitoring carbs and sugar due to the artificial sweeteners. It provides protein from the gelatin but minimal nutrients. The convenience and variety of flavors makes it an appealing option. But moderation is advisable due to concerns over artificial ingredients. Making your own sugar free jello gives you control over the ingredients. Overall, enjoy sugar free jello occasionally as part of an healthy diet that focuses on more nutritious whole foods.