Russell Stover Sugar Free Candy with Stevia, 3 Ounce Bag (Pa

The Verdict

Let’s be direct about what this is: a 3-ounce bag of individually wrapped sugar-free chocolate candies from Russell Stover, sweetened with stevia and erythritol instead of the usual maltitol. If you’ve tried sugar-free chocolate before and hated the cooling sensation or the digestive fireworks, this formulation is genuinely different. But “different” doesn’t always mean “better,” and there are real tradeoffs to know before you add it to your cart.

What you actually get

The 3-ounce bag contains roughly 8 to 10 pieces depending on the variety — you’ll find assorted options like caramel, pecan delight, and toffee, all wrapped in foil. As shown in the product image, the packaging is straightforward: a small resealable bag with nutritional info printed clearly. Each serving (about 2 pieces) delivers 2g net carbs, 0g sugar, and 130 calories. That math matters for keto and diabetic shoppers.

Taste and texture: the real test

Here’s where this product earns its 4.3-star rating. Most sugar-free chocolate uses maltitol, which spikes blood sugar almost as much as real sugar and causes gastric distress in many people. Russell Stover swapped that for stevia and erythritol, and the difference is noticeable. The chocolate melts at body temperature with a proper snap when you bite into it — no waxy residue, no chalky finish. The caramel pieces have a soft, chewy center that doesn’t harden into glass.

One buyer put it plainly: “Finally a sugar-free chocolate that doesn’t taste like a compromise. The pecan pieces are dangerously good.” Another noted, “I’ve tried every brand out there and this is the closest to real chocolate I’ve found.”

But the stevia aftertaste is real, especially in the caramel varieties. It’s not overpowering, but if you’re sensitive to stevia’s licorice-like finish, you’ll notice it. The chocolate varieties — like pecan or plain — mask it better than the caramel ones.

Where it falls short

The bag is small. At 3 ounces, you’re looking at maybe two or three sittings if you have any self-control. The price per ounce is notably higher than Russell Stover’s regular sugar-free line, which uses maltitol. You’re paying a premium for the cleaner sweetener profile.

Heat sensitivity is the bigger practical problem. Multiple reviewers reported receiving melted or bloomed chocolate during summer months. The white streaks from temperature fluctuation don’t affect safety, but they do affect texture and appearance. If you’re ordering in warm weather, consider waiting or buying from a local store instead.

Who should buy this

This is for the keto or diabetic shopper who misses real chocolate and wants something that won’t wreck their macros or their stomach. It’s also for anyone who’s tried maltitol-based sugar-free candy and hated the digestive consequences. If you’re just looking for a cheap candy fix and don’t care about sweetener type, the standard Russell Stover sugar-free line is cheaper.

FAQ

Does this cause the laxative effect that other sugar-free candies do? Erythritol and stevia are much gentler than maltitol and sorbitol. Most buyers report no digestive issues at normal serving sizes. That said, eating the whole bag in one sitting is still not advisable — erythritol can cause bloating in large amounts.

Is this actually keto-friendly? Yes. At 2g net carbs per serving, it fits comfortably into a standard 20g daily carb budget. Just don’t forget that the 3-ounce bag contains multiple servings — track it honestly.

How does it compare to real chocolate? It’s closer than any maltitol-based option, but it’s not identical. The chocolate flavor is slightly muted, and the stevia sweetness has a different mouthfeel than sugar. For a sugar-free product, it’s excellent. For a chocolate connoisseur, it’s a solid substitute, not a replacement.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You’re keto, diabetic, or watching sugar intake and want chocolate that actually tastes like chocolate. The clean sweetener profile, proper texture, and reasonable carb count make it one of the better options in this category.

Skip it if: You’re not bothered by maltitol-based sugar-free candy (it’s cheaper), you’re sensitive to stevia’s aftertaste, or you’re ordering during summer months and don’t want to deal with melted chocolate.

Rating: 4.2/5 — The premium price and stevia aftertaste keep it from perfection, but for its intended audience, this is one of the best sugar-free chocolate options on Amazon.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.