Sugar Free Peeps..Really?

I have just read over 20 articles about how to create a Healthy Easter Basket. Every article has ideas for adding carrots, nuts, sugar free candies, etc. I am not sure that I agree with all of those strategies. But I think what bothers me the most is a new, very popular product--Sugar Free Peeps!

For one, I do not like to give my children artificial sweeteners. But, something about sugar-free peeps really bothers me. What could they be made of? Peeps are made of sugar right? The ingredient list says they are made from malitol, isomalt, polyglycitol syrup, sorbitol, gelatin, calcium chloride, natural flavors, yellow 5, sucralose, potassium sorbate, carnuba wax. These definitely aren't the ingredients I want my children to eat. Let's look at the calories. Each sugar-free peep is about 20 calories and each one has just under 8 grams of carbohydrate all in the form of sugar alcohols. For those of you that don't know much about sugar alcohols, all products with sugar alcohols contain a warning that with excessive consumption you may experience a laxative effect. I am sure that is exactly what you would like for your kids on Easter Morning or yourself, as far as that is concerned.

So let's compare. Regular peeps are made from Sugar, Corn Syrup, Gelatin, Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative), Natural Flavors, Red #3, Carnauba Wax. At least I can identify the ingredients easily. I notice the label also points out that they are gluten free. Nutritionally speaking, the calories for one regular peep: approximately 28. with 9 grams of carbohydrate. So I guess you save 8 calories per peep, but is it really worth it?

My advice is to use common sense. Teach your children that it is okay to enjoy a few peeps, just not the entire box at once. You do not need to be the food police and not allow them to have treats for a special occasion like Easter. Instead, teach them it is okay to have a treat and balance that treat with some activity. For each box of peeps, maybe the Easter Bunny should bring something like a jump rope, a soccer ball, or side walk chalk that will help your child to burn off the extra sugar.

If creating a healthy Easter Basket for your children is a priority, I hope you think carefully about these sugar-free options that are calling out to you in the store. They may not be the better choice. Not to mention, even if you try to provide only the healthiest choices like fruits, vegetables, and nuts--in the end, Grandma is always there to give them chocolate!