Sugar Free Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures

We don't have to tell you about the current low carb trend in food production. You've seen it everywhere--even colas and fast food restaurants are buying into this one--and now you can find it in your favorite candy. The sugar free version of good ol' Reese's Peanut Butter Cups has half the carbohydrates as regular ones. But, since nothing is free in life, it begs the question: at what cost?

Well, as far as we can tell, there is very little sacrifice of flavor to enjoy Reese's sans sugar. The overall taste is milder, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. As a matter of fact, popping three Miniatures in a row didn't give us the sugar-sore-throat that often comes with regular Reese's and other refined sugar treats. The chocolate itself is actually smoother and creamier, though lighter than the original.

But here's the part we can't figure out: the peanut butter is powdery. Seems like it would make sense for the peanut butter to be less sweet, or more sweet, or have a funny aftertaste or something. Instead, it tastes like it's lost all the fat instead of all the sugar. The flavor of the peanut butter is fine, actually. Like the chocolate, a touch milder, but that's okay. Just can't figure out where the fat went, and why we can't have it back.

It seems the responsible thing to do here to talk briefly about the chemical that makes the wonder of Sugar Free Reese's Peanut Butter Miniatures possible. Lactitol. Here's a summary of what the package says about Lactitol: It is a slowly metabolized carbohydrate. It is diabetic-friendly because it "causes only a small rise in blood glucose levels." And, of course, because nothing is free in this life, "Excess consumption may have a laxative effect." According to the nutrition information, one serving constitutes 170 calories, and 12 grams of fat.

Naturally, the package does not specify what constitutes excess. Five Miniatures makes one serving, and the small package holds about two servings. $2.49 seems a bit steep for two servings of candy, unless you're at a movie theater. Still, Hershey Foods Corporation is doing their share to make sure that peanut butter cups are available to everyone, and thats OK in our book.

• purchase price - $2.49 for a 3.3oz bag
• availability - Grocery and drug stores

Unique Reviews overall rating: 87 out of 100

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