Is Extra Refreshers Spearmint Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product for the ketogenic diet, the primary goal is to identify hidden sugars or high-glycemic carbohydrates that spike insulin. Extra Refreshers Spearmint largely avoids these pitfalls through its selection of sweeteners.

The first ingredient listed is Xylitol. This is a sugar alcohol that is popular in keto circles because it has a minimal impact on blood glucose levels. While it contains calories, it is not metabolized as a standard sugar, making it a safe choice for ketosis. Following this is Sorbitol and Mannitol, two other sugar alcohols that function similarly. While consuming large quantities of these can cause digestive discomfort, they do not kick you out of ketosis.

For sweetness intensity, the formula utilizes Aspartame and Acesulfame K. These are high-intensity artificial sweeteners that are zero-calorie and zero-carb. They are frequently used in diet sodas and sugar-free products specifically because they provide sweetness without the metabolic cost of sugar. Finally, the Gum Base provides the chewy texture; while modern gum bases are synthetic polymers, they are non-caloric and inert regarding carbohydrate counting.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Extra Refreshers Spearmint is essentially a zero-calorie product. A standard stick of this gum contains approximately 5 calories, which is negligible in the context of a daily caloric intake. More importantly, the Total Carbohydrate count is usually 1g per serving, with 0g of Sugar.

In the context of a ketogenic diet, the math is simple: if the Total Carbohydrates are 1g and the Sugar Alcohols account for that 1g, the Net Carbs are effectively 0g. This makes it an excellent tool for freshening breath or curbing the urge to snack without breaking your fast or exceeding your daily carb limit of 20-50 grams. It fits easily into the diet limits without requiring any compensation elsewhere in your meals.