Are Jolly Ranchers Bad For You?

Jolly Ranchers Hard Candies are laden with corn syrup and sugar making them an issue with elevating glucose levels in the blood stream. They are basically just sugar cubes that contain no fat, no protein, no fiber, no vitamins or minerals. This is certainly not an appropriate snack for a diabetic. Ingesting high sugar containing snacks can predispose to insulin resistance, elevated blood glucose levels and resultant metabolic syndrome.  This syndrome is directly linked to intra-abdominal fat that holds on to toxins.  This can lead to type 2 diabetes, elevated blood lipids, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome has become epidemic in North America and now becoming more prevalent in other countries.

The additional concerning ingredients in these sugar candies are all of the artificial flavors and artificial colors. These include artificial colors Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. The candies look attractive and are very flavorful but the health risks are becoming clearer. The biggest controversies surrounding artificial dyes relate to their effects on children.  Research has pointed to behavioral changes in children after consuming food dyes, with the highest concerns being red and yellow dyes.  The problem is generally a type of food allergy that manifests itself through hyperactivity, lack of concentration, and poor judgment.  These effects are significantly increased in children with Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD & ADHD).  Researchers have found a strong correlation with allergic reactions and dyes Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. Yellow 5 is currently under investigation for possible removal from the FDA approved dye list. On the packaging of Jolly Ranchers it has the statement-“ Jolly Rancher Hard Candies are not allergen free.”

“Natural flavors” may not come from natural sources at all.  Many may start from natural fruits and vegetable sources but usually end up in a manufacturing facility that adds synthetic chemical ingredients.

Malic acid is another ingredient in Jolly Ranchers. Malic acid is commonly found in hard candies, gum, fruit butters, jams, jellies and ice cream. Something to keep in mind is that malic acid usually comes from fruits and vegetables, mostly apples, and it is an acid. It’s more acidic than citric acid (from lemons), ascorbic acid or vitamin C. Acids can damage tooth enamel because of their low PH level.

Other malic acids come from synthetic sources and are popular ingredients in gum and hard candy. It is not clear if the malic acid in Jolly Ranchers is synthetic or natural but either way when you hold the candy in your mouth the acid can start to destroy your tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

There are so many other great choices when you are craving something sweet-organic fruits being the wise choice. There are also several organic candies available today.  If you are going to have a Jolly Rancher, do not make it a regular habit.