Sugar-Free Cookies: Enjoy Delicious Guilt-Free Snacks

We’ve all been there: standing in the cookie aisle, trying to find that perfect snack that won’t ruin our diets or ramp up our blood sugar levels. Sugar, that sweet yet sneaky ingredient, is found lurking in almost every biscuit on the shelf. While it might make cookies taste divine, consuming too much sugar can lead to a host of health problems, including weight gain, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. And let’s not forget how it messes with our energy levels—hello, sugar highs and inevitable crashes! Moreover, there’s a significant chunk of the population in the US, from diabetics to those adhering to low-sugar diets, who simply cannot afford to indulge in sugary goodies. It's no wonder that folks are on a quest to find sugar-free options that still satisfy that crunchy, munchy craving. But fear not, because there are indeed biscuits out there that are free from added sugars, and they’re here to save your snack attacks without compromising your health. Let’s dig into some of these healthier biscuit choices that you can actually feel good about eating!

How much sugar do Biscuits usually contain

Let's have a heart-to-heart about sugar in biscuits, a staple in many American households. You might be indulging in your favorite snack with a glass of milk, not realizing just how sweet it really is. Take, for instance, the classic biscuit: some popular options have sugar making up about 25% of their content, and it's often listed as the second or third ingredient. This means after the main base, sugar is the star player in terms of quantity. I remember rummaging through my pantry one evening and finding a box where sugar was the third ingredient—no wonder they tasted so good! It’s surprising how this seemingly innocent treat can pack such a sugary punch, right? It's worth checking those labels, especially since moderation is key to a balanced diet. Next time you pop into the grocery store, maybe give that label a little more attention—you might be amazed at what you discover!

1. ChocZero Keto Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

Almond Butter, Non-gmo Resistant Dextrin, Butter, Sustainable Palm Oil, Eggs, Whole Milk Powder, Cheese Powder, Gluten Free Flour Mix (oat flour, rice flour, oat fiber), Baking Soda, Vanilla Flavor, Salt, Monk Fruit Extract

Sweeteners used: Non-gmo Resistant Dextrin

ChocZero Keto Butter Cookies are a nostalgic delight that brings the charm of Danish shortbread without the health pitfalls of sugar. Packed in a charming tin, these cookies are a treat reminiscent of grandma’s secret recipes but adapted for health-conscious folks. The absence of sugar makes them ideal for a keto lifestyle, as they’re sweetened with monk fruit extract and non-GMO resistant dextrin instead. The use of almond butter, gluten-free flour mix, and other low-carb ingredients ensures you enjoy a delicious snack without the guilt. However, be mindful that these cookies do contain sustainable palm oil, which some might want to consume in moderation.

2. Bauducco Peanut Butter Wafers

Ingredients:

Vegetable Oils (Palm And Soybean), Maltitol, Maltodextrin, Wheat Flour, Oat Fiber, Soy Lecithin, Cornstarch, Corn Oil, Natural Flavor, Salt, Baking Soda, Polyglycerol Esters, Sucralose, Steviol Glycosides (Stevia Extract)

Sweeteners used: Maltitol, Maltodextrin, Sucralose, Steviol Glycosides (Stevia Extract)

Bauducco Peanut Butter Wafers are a crispy, indulgent treat that provides 3 layers of delicious peanut butter flavored cream without the use of sugar. Instead of sugar, this product utilizes maltitol, maltodextrin, sucralose, and steviol glycosides as substitutes to give it a sweet flavor. While these wafers are certainly a delightful option for occasional snacking, it’s worth noting that they do contain some ingredients like vegetable oils which may not be the healthiest option if consumed in large quantities. Enjoy a wafer with your coffee or tea, but remember to enjoy in moderation.

3. HighKey Sugar Free Cookies

Ingredients:

Almond Flour, Erythritol, Coconut Oil, Butter (cream [milk], natural flavors), Unsweetened Chocolate, Oligofructose, Eggs, Natural Flavors, Baking Powder (monocalcium phosphate, tapioca starch, baking soda), Hydrolyzed Collagen, Cocoa Butter, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Stevia Extract, Monk Fruit Extract, Milkfat, Sunflower Lecithin

Sweeteners used: Erythritol, Oligofructose, Stevia Extract

If you’re looking for a sweet treat without the guilt, the HighKey Sugar Free Cookies Variety 2-Pack is a solid option that goes the extra mile in removing sugar from its ingredient list. These keto-friendly cookies come in delightful flavors like Chocolate Chip and Snickerdoodles and are sweetened with natural alternatives such as monk fruit, erythritol, and stevia. Instead of using sugar, these sweeteners provide a more health-conscious way to enjoy cookies. While the ingredients are mostly wholesome, it's worth noting the use of erythritol and other sugar substitutes might not suit everyone’s digestive system. Perfect for low-carb enthusiasts, this is a snack you can feel better about reaching for.

4. 365 by Whole Foods Market, Chocolate Chips Dark

Ingredients:

Chocolate Liquor, Erythritol, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Stevia Extract (Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf), Dry Whole Milk

Sweeteners used: Erythritol, Stevia Extract (Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf)

365 by Whole Foods Market's Chocolate Chips Dark Sugar Free offers a delightful chocolatey treat without the inclusion of sugar, making it a perfect option for those seeking to cut down on their sugar intake. These chocolate chips are sweetened with erythritol and stevia extract, both of which provide sweetness without the potential downsides of sugar. Erythritol, a sugar alcohol, adds sweetness while helping to avoid the spikes in blood sugar commonly associated with traditional sugar. Additionally, the lack of hydrogenated fats and high fructose corn syrup demonstrates a commitment to healthier ingredients. However, it’s important to be mindful of the overall dietary content as the presence of soy lecithin and dry whole milk means it might not be suitable for all dietary needs. Although a delicious alternative for those aiming to avoid sugar, these should still be consumed in moderation.

5. HighKey Keto Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies

Ingredients:

Sweeteners used: Erythritol, Oligofructose, Stevia Extract

HighKey Keto Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies provide a delightful option for those looking to indulge without the guilt of consuming sugar. These cookies swap out traditional sugar with a combination of monk fruit, erythritol, and stevia, making it a fantastic choice for anyone following a keto or diabetic-friendly diet. While almond flour and coconut oil offer healthier fats, the inclusion of ingredients like butter and chocolate ensures that these cookies still have that rich, comforting flavor of classic chocolate chip cookies. However, it's worth noting that erythritol and other sweeteners might not be suitable for all, so it's important to enjoy these treats in moderation.

6. LILY'S Milk Chocolate Style Peanut Butter

Ingredients:

Cocoa Butter, Erythritoli, Organic Roasted Peanut Flour, Unsweetened Cocoa, Chicory Root Aber Dextrin Organic Whole Milk Powder (Rbst Free), Milk Fat (Rbst Free), Salt, Organic Peanut Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Stevia Extract, Vanilla Extract

Sweeteners used: Erythritoli, Stevia Extract

For a delightful treat without the sugar, LILY'S Milk Chocolate Style Peanut Butter Cups offer a tempting option. With no added sugars and sweetened with erythritol and stevia, they provide a rich and creamy experience, perfect for those who crave sweetness but are mindful of unnecessary sugar intake. Cocoa butter and organic roasted peanut flour come together to create a snack that's indulgent yet mindful of health. However, ensure moderation as some ingredients, like milk fat and added oils, can be unhealthy in excess. These peanut butter cups make for a satisfying treat at special events, but daily indulgence should be monitored.

Other Ingredients to Watch Out For in Cookies

When it comes to biscuits, sugar often takes center stage on the ingredient list. Besides cane sugar, which can appear as soon as the first ingredient, other common culprits like palm oil and various forms of sugar syrups show up frequently. Palm oil, often found around the third to sixth position, has been a matter of concern for some due to its high saturated fat content. While I love the taste as much as the next person, I try to be mindful of these ingredients. Instead of opting for biscuits loaded with cane sugar or palm oil, why not experiment with alternatives made from healthier options? Ingredients like honey and stevia can offer sweetness without the same impact. For fats, look for products using olive oil or avocado oil, which can provide healthier fats. And of course, enjoying biscuits in moderation can make all the difference. Remember, it's all about striking a balance that keeps your taste buds and your health in happy harmony!