Russell Stover Sugar-Free Vanilla Caramel Chocolate - these square chocolates have a vanilla caramel filling. They have 1g of fiber - and no carbs at all.

First, some people still have an iffy feeling about what a sugar-free chocolate might taste like. Rest assured that those odd flavors are all a long-gone figment of the past. Modern sweeteners create flavors that are just as pure as sugar. That's especially true when chocolate is involved, since high quality chocolates tend to have very low natural sugars in them.

Russell Stover is a well respected name in the chocolate industry, and I've reviewed many of their candies and chocolates in the past. This vanilla caramel is one of their "private reserve" line - individually wrapped squares of chocolate, about the size of a matchbook, but nice and thick so that the gooey vanilla caramel center is a good size.

Just to clarify, this is a CHOCOLATE square - the vanilla caramel describes the insides of that square.

It is 60% cocoa, and the flavors are really well balanced. I tend to like my chocolate a bit darker, but I know some people like it lighter so they did a good job of finding a balance to suit most people. The center is creamy and smooth, with a lovely flavor that isn't gummy or overly sweet.

For nutrition, again it's 1g of fiber and 0g of sugar. There are 2g of protein, 0g of trans fat and 35mg of sodium.

Now the warning here is that like most chocolate treats they have used sugar alcohols to sweeten it. It has to do with how chocolate is made. In this case it's maltitol. If you've never had sugar alcohols before, your stomach might need some time to adjust to it. Don't eat more than one on the first sitting!! I'd even start with half of one. Your stomach needs to build up the ability to digest and handle sugar alcohols. Over time you'll get used to them and be able to enjoy them in large quantities :) Just pace yourself.

These are definitely chocolates to savor. Don't grab the whole bag and start munching them down mindlessly. That won't do you any good. Instead, put one or two out on a plate, pour yourself your favorite coffee or port, and nibble them, savor them. Eating healthily is all about respecting and appreciating the food you enjoy. These chocolates certainly fit the bill!

Highly recommended.


Lisa Shea's Library of Low Carb Books