Sugar-free confectionery isn’t just a trend, it’s one of the fastest-growing categories in the UK sweet market. From diabetic-friendly gummies to sugar-free chocolate and boiled classics, today’s ranges deliver authentic flavour without compromise.
For retailers, this is a golden opportunity. Stocking wholesale sugar-free sweets means tapping into demand from health-conscious shoppers, parents looking for better options, and customers managing diabetes.
With big brands like De Bron, Astra, Stockleys, Brays, and Free’ist now leading the way, you can offer guilt-free treats that sell fast and keep customers coming back.
In this article, we’re going to share our best sellers!
Sugar Free Gummy Sweets
Sugar-free gummy sweets are popular for all age groups, thanks to their fruity flavours and soft consistency. These sweets have plenty of flavour and perfectly mirror brands like Haribo, with one key difference - they don’t have any sugar.
So, whether you’re a fan of traditional gummy sweets or want to try something different, you can enjoy these brands with zero guilt.
Astra
Astra offers a variety of sugar-free sweets at low prices. We stock the brand because it lets our customers stock up on popular confectionery without worrying about the costs. Popular Astra sweets include Cola Bottles, Jelly Teddy Bears, and Fruit Salad sweets.
A 1.5 kg bag of sweets costs £9.99, which means your customers can enjoy delicious confectionery and you can save money.
De Bron
De Bron is one of the best-known sugar-free confectionery brands in the UK and further afield. The company doesn’t hold back when it comes to creating sweets, and confectionery stores can stock up on fan favourites.
The most popular sugar-free sweets De Bron offers include Cola Bottles, Twin Cherries, Wine Gums, and Liquorice Bears.
Sugar Free Boiled Sweets
Boiled sweets are a staple in the UK, becoming popular in the 1800s. However, these sweets actually date back to the 17th century, when barley sugar creations became popular in France.
Today, boiled sweets are a nostalgic treat, but until recently, they were full of sugar. Technology has enabled confectioners to create boiled sweets that replicate traditional flavours, but are suitable for diabetics or health-conscious consumers.
Here are just some of the most popular boiled sweets.
Brays Sweets
Brays is a well-known confectioner, and the company creates sugar-free boiled sweets that replicate fan favourites. For example, the Pineapple Rock sweets are based on seaside rock but come in a convenient bite-sized format.
We also have traditional Army & Navy sweets, which combine liquorice with herbs for a unique taste. The company is also well-known for its Rosey Apples and Pear Drops - both of which have a more subtle taste and a crunchy outer shell.
Stockleys
Stockleys needs no introductions; it’s one of the UK’s longest-running confectioners. The company began creating boiled sweets in 1918, but it now offers sugar-free alternatives for customers.
You’ll find an array of delicious sweets, including Sherbet Lemons and Sherbet Strawberries. Despite not having any sugar, your customers can still enjoy an authentic taste that ignites their taste buds.
Stockleys also offers Sugar-Free Fruit Drops, Mint Humbugs, and Rhubarb & Custard Sweets, averaging £15.99 for 2kg.
Sugar-Free Chocolate
Can chocolate be tasty without sugar? Absolutely. In the past, diabetic chocolate was more of a compromise, with many people using it as a last resort.
However, thanks to a wider range of sweeteners and technology, today’s creations mean your customers don’t have to sacrifice flavour and texture for their health.
While there are a range of sugar-free chocolate brands available, we choose to stock Free’ist.
Free’ist
Free’ist is a popular brand because it goes beyond offering sugar-free chocolate. Each bar contains ethically sourced ingredients and is free of palm oil. Choose between three flavours, including Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and Hazelnut.
Why Choose Sugar-Free Sweets?
Sugar-free sweets are incredibly popular, and they continue to be one of the most sought-after confectionery options, thanks to an increasingly health-conscious society.
With Grand View Research projecting a 4.7% CAGR between 2020 and 2027, confectionery businesses that don’t stock up on sugar-free options are missing out on a vast market.
Here’s why sugar-free sweets are so popular:
- Dental Health: Sugar is a major culprit in tooth decay, but sugar-free confectionery protects the teeth and can help avoid expensive dental trips. Parents also prefer them for children because they reduce the need for dental treatment.
- Weight Management: A high sugar diet contributes to weight gain. That’s a fact. People can reduce their sugar intake and control their weight by opting for sugar-free sweets. However, it’s important to mention that some sweeteners can cause water retention and bloating.
- Diabetes Friendly: Diabetics can’t consume sugar, as it can cause dangerous spikes in their blood sugar levels, leading to complications. Sugar-free sweets are suitable for diabetics, enabling them to enjoy treats without worrying about the health implications.
- Authenticity: Today’s sugar-free sweets pack has huge amounts of flavour and replicates the consistency of traditional sweets. In most cases, they’re indistinguishable from the real thing.
Whether your customers are reducing their sugar intake for health reasons or need diabetic friendly confectionery, opting for sugar-free sweets is a wise business decision.
Final Thoughts
Sugar-free confectionery continues to grow in popularity, and more brands will likely diversify their ranges to include no sugar options in the future.
Whether you want to stock up on confectionery for your personal collection or diversify your range of sweets, Appleton’s is your go-to resource.
Aside from providing a diverse selection of sugar-free options, we offer secure delivery and will ship your order for free when you spend £500. With no minimum order amounts, our wholesale sweets are also accessible for all budgets.
If you have any questions or need advice, please get in touch with our experts today.