The sweet taste has always appealed to human palates, from the earliest uses of honey as a natural sweetener to the introduction of sugar cane in Europe. However, it wasn't until the 12th century, thanks to the Crusaders bringing sugar cane back from the Orient, that sugar was truly integrated into French food culture. Initially considered a rare and precious commodity, it was reserved for medicinal use. The evolution towards the consumption of sweets, such as sucres d'orge and réglisses, is attributed to the Renaissance, notably the marriage of Catherine de Médicis and Henri II, when these sweets gained in popularity. It was only with the advent of beet sugar and the industrial revolution that candy production became more democratic, making these sweets accessible to a majority of the population.
Candy and chewing gum, whether sweetened or sugar-free, remain universal pleasures, appreciated for their flavor and practicality. Candy satisfies a need for sweetness and indulgence, while chewing gum is often used to freshen breath or keep the mouth busy. Both products embody a sweet tradition that continues to adapt to the tastes and demands of each age.
From artisanal candies to sugar-free chewing gums, the world of confectionery has evolved to meet the varied expectations of consumers. While ingredients and manufacturing methods differ between traditional and industrial approaches, the pleasure of tasting these sweets remains universal. For an enlightened choice, opt for quality products, adapted to your needs, and find a varied selection in your pharmacy or online organic store.
Whether homemade or from a confectionery shop, candies generally contain honey, milk, water, fruit and flavoring... In short, alluring and completely natural compositions. Industrially-produced sweets, on the other hand, contain molasses sugar syrup, glucose syrup, starch, vegetable oil, hydrogenated vegetable fat, gelling agents, coating agents and colorants. In any case, because of their sweetness, the majority of the world consumes them widely.
The composition of sweets varies considerably according to their method of manufacture.
Homemade sweets or those prepared in traditional confectioneries contain simple, natural ingredients. They often include :
These ingredients give candy its authentic flavor and relatively simple nutritional profile.
Mass-produced candies contain, in addition to conventional sugar, additives and complex components designed to improve texture, preservation and visual appeal. These ingredients include :
These formulations allow a wide variety of textures, flavors and appearances, but raise questions about their impact on health, notably because of hydrogenated fats and artificial colorings.
Sold in the form of dragées or chewing gums, chewing gum contains sugar, glucose syrup, chewing gum, flavoring and ingredients to deliver that pleasant sensation in the mouth. We don't really know why we love chewing it. What we do know is that when we chew it, it provides a certain satisfaction and a semblance of distraction that almost becomes a habit. Whether you're waiting in line or looking for a break, you don't hesitate to chew gum.
Need to freshen your breath? Try candy and chewing gum! For those addicted to sweet treats , to quell hunger pangs or for diabetics, find all the pleasures of healthy snacking with sugar-free candies and lozenges.
To meet the specific needs of the health-conscious or diabetic, a variety of sugar-free candies and chewing gums are available. These products replace sugar with sweeteners such as xylitol, sorbitol or maltitol, which impart a sweet taste while having a reduced impact on blood sugar levels. These alternatives offer several advantages:
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