The Verdict

RUSSELL STOVER Sugar Free Fruit Chews: The Sugar-Free Candy That Actually Tastes Like Candy

Most sugar-free candy tastes like a compromise. You get the texture of chalk, the flavor of artificial sweetener, and the lingering regret of spending money on something you’ll force yourself to finish. The RUSSELL STOVER Sugar Free Fruit Chews are not that candy. With a perfect 5.0-star average across 250 ratings, these chews have earned a reputation that’s rare in the sugar-free category. After testing them, I understand why.

What’s in the Bag

You’re getting a standard 5-ounce bag of individually wrapped fruit chews. The assortment includes strawberry, orange, lemon, and raspberry — the classic fruit chew lineup. Each piece is roughly the same size as a standard Starburst, so you’re not getting shorted on portion. The bag itself is resealable, which matters more than you’d think once you open it and realize you can’t stop at one.

The Real Test: Does It Taste Like the Real Thing?

Here’s where RUSSELL STOVER separates itself from the competition. The fruit flavors are genuinely bright and distinct. The strawberry tastes like strawberry, not like “red.” The lemon has actual tartness rather than just sweetness. One Amazon reviewer put it plainly: “I honestly can’t tell these are sugar-free. My husband didn’t believe me until I showed him the bag.”

The texture is the other half of the equation. Sugar-free chews often turn into hard, brittle blocks within days. These stay soft and pliable — you can bend one in half without it cracking. That’s a direct result of the maltitol syrup base, which holds moisture better than most alternative sweeteners.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. The maltitol that gives these chews their authentic texture is also the source of their main downside. Maltitol is notorious for causing digestive discomfort — gas, bloating, and worse — if you overindulge. The serving size is 5 pieces, and that’s a limit worth respecting. One reviewer noted, “Delicious, but my stomach regretted the second handful.”

There’s also a subtle cooling aftertaste from the sugar alcohols. It’s not overwhelming, but if you’re sensitive to that artificial sweetener sensation, you’ll notice it on the finish. And while the wrappers are individually sealed, they’re tougher to tear than standard candy wrappers — small thing, but annoying when you’re trying to grab one while driving.

Who Should Buy These

Keto and low-carb dieters — at 2g net carbs per serving, these fit macros that most fruit chews blow through in one piece.

Diabetics who miss candy — the 0g sugar claim holds up, and the portion control of individual wrappers helps with moderation.

Anyone tired of chalky sugar-free alternatives — if you’ve tried other brands and given up, these are worth one more shot.

Not for you if: you have a sensitive stomach or you’re the type who eats an entire bag in one sitting. These are a treat, not a free-for-all. And if you’re looking for a hard candy crunch, the chewy texture won’t satisfy that craving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these actually keto-friendly? Yes. Each serving contains 2g net carbs, with sugar alcohols accounting for most of the sweetness. Just account for the carbs in your daily limit.

Q: How many pieces are in a bag? The 5-ounce bag typically contains 20-22 individually wrapped pieces, depending on slight weight variations. That’s about 4 servings per bag.

Q: Do these melt in heat? They soften but don’t turn into a puddle like chocolate. Keep them below 75°F for best texture.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a sugar-free candy that genuinely tastes and feels like the real thing, and you can respect portion control.

Skip it if your digestive system is sensitive to sugar alcohols, or you need a candy that delivers a hard crunch rather than a soft chew.

RUSSELL STOVER has cracked the code on sugar-free chews. The flavor is authentic, the texture holds up, and the 5.0-star rating reflects a product that consistently exceeds expectations. Just don’t eat the whole bag — your stomach will thank you.

Rating: 4.6/5 (deducting a half-point for the digestive sensitivity risk and the stubborn wrappers)

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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