Is Polaner, sugar free with fiber preserves, peach Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look past the marketing claims on the front of the jar and go straight to the ingredient list. For Polaner Sugar Free Peach Preserves, the story is a bit complicated. While it utilizes peaches and fruit pectin, there are specific additives that raise red flags for the keto community.

The primary issue lies in the inclusion of maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is a highly processed starch derived from corn, rice, potatoes, or wheat. In the food industry, it is used as a thickener and filler. From a metabolic standpoint, maltodextrin has a glycemic index (GI) that can range from 85 to 105, which is actually higher than table sugar (which has a GI of around 65). This means it causes a rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin, which is exactly what the keto diet aims to avoid. Even though the net carb count might look low on paper due to the fiber content, the maltodextrin can still trigger an insulin response in sensitive individuals.

Additionally, the product contains polydextrose. This is a synthetic soluble fiber often used to add bulk and texture without adding calories. While polydextrose is generally considered low-carb and doesn't impact blood sugar as severely as maltodextrin, it is often derived from corn or potatoes. In a strict keto context, we prefer natural fibers like chia or flax rather than these synthesized bulking agents.

Finally, the sweetener used here is sucralose. While sucralose is technically zero-calorie and doesn't contain sugar, some studies suggest it may still impact the gut microbiome or insulin sensitivity in certain people. For those following a 'clean keto' approach, this artificial sweetener is often avoided in favor of stevia or monk fruit.

Nutritional Value

Looking at the nutritional profile, the numbers seem promising at first glance. A standard serving contains very few calories and negligible fat, which is typical for a fruit preserve. The main selling point is the 'with fiber' claim, which attempts to lower the net carb count.

However, the presence of maltodextrin complicates the math. While the label might show 1 or 2 grams of net carbs, the glycemic load—the total impact on your blood sugar—can be much higher. On a keto diet, you are typically limited to 20-50 grams of net carbs per day. Consuming a product with high-glycemic fillers can use up your carb allowance rapidly without providing satiety, as these are 'empty' carbs derived from processed starches rather than whole foods.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 indicates the use of artificial food dyes. While these don't affect ketosis directly, many health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid synthetic colorants due to potential inflammatory responses or behavioral effects in children.