What does it mean that it's sweetened with stevia and isomalt, and how does that affect the taste? — “Smart Sweets” Barberry Marmalade Sugar-Free, 80 g — Di & Di

This marmalade uses a combination of stevia extract (steviol glycosides) and isomalt instead of regular sugar. Stevia provides the intense, primary sweetness with virtually no calories, while isomalt, a sugar alcohol, serves as the bulk sweetener that gives the marmalade its solid form and familiar chewy texture. Isomalt has a mild, clean sweetness that is less likely to cause a rapid spike in blood sugar compared to sucrose.

In terms of taste, this combination results in a sweetness profile that is slightly different from sugar-sweetened candies. Some people detect a milder, less 'sharp' sweetness or a faint cooling sensation, especially with isomalt. The bright, tart barberry flavor is emphasized to balance this and keep the overall taste engaging. It's a good choice if you are specifically seeking a sugar-free option, but if you are very sensitive to the taste of alternative sweeteners, you may notice the difference.

Note on moderation: As the product information states, consuming larger portions of sweets containing sugar alcohols like isomalt may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals, so it's best to start with a small serving.