Smart Shopping for Candy

Overview
Not long ago, a search for a semi-healthful candy began and ended quickly. Sugar-free versions of a few favorite sweets occupied a space in the grocery store that was about the size of dorm-room closet. The main consumers of these sugar-free treats were grandmothers with diabetes. But what a difference a few years makes! Thankfully, the choices for sugar-watching grandmas are much more plentiful-and a smorgasbord of options now are available for people looking for other health-respecting (and even boosting) treats.

What to Look For
What type of candy you want will depend on your particular diet philosophy. For the refined-sugar-avoiders, Atlanta-based Innovative Candy Concepts began offering several treats sweetened with fruit juice in 2004, including sour Suck Ups liquid candy, Super Sweet or Sour Blast spray candy, Xtra Sour Goo and Dream Chews. In a taste test by staffers at Forbes magazine, they passed with flying colors.

A couple of years ago, some credible medical studies awarded chocolate fans with news that was like Willy Wonka's golden ticket: Dark chocolate may indeed be good for you.
Apparently, substances called flavonols found in cocoa may help the body process nitric oxide, which is necessary for healthy blood flow and blood pressure. Immediately, candy makers began offering high-cocoa-content dark chocolate.

Taking that a step further is Mars with its CocoaVia bar. It contains a patented blend of flavonols and cholesterol-lowering plant sterols from soy. The candy bars also are fortified with calcium and nutrients that are healthy for the heart, such as folic acid and vitamins B-6, B-12, C and E, according to the Forbes article_temp.

Muscle-builders who may also want to boost their immune systems may be intrigued by the claims of Detour, a "candy" bar made with whey protein and the antioxidant glutathione. For low-fat, high-fiber seekers, the Figamajigs bar got high marks from the Forbes staff.

Concerned about tooth decay? Xylitol is the magic substance that sweetens but does not cause decay, according to its maker, Xlear. And Grandma won't be disappointed with the progress on the sugar-free front, either. Hershey's has been working overtime to create alternate versions of its favorite candies--for Grandma and anybody concerned about insulin resistance.

Common Pitfalls
As obesity levels rise, particularly in the United States, trading the sticky, gooey, rich candy they traditionally eat for more healthful choices may seem like the perfect answer.
Unfortunately, it's not. If turning to a more healthful candy alternative satisfies your sweet tooth and yields fewer calories, that's great. Just remember that many people don't get enough healthful nutrients as it is, so filling up on things like candy that are, at best, only marginally helpful, is not a sweet deal for your body.