(Photo Credit: stevendepolo)
As a kid, I remember being completely fascinated with the concept of gelatin. It's not exactly a solid food, yet not liquid ... and when you poke it, it jiggles! Plus it was always a good eat, whether paired with whipped cream, layered in a jello casserole, or solo. Even so, until one of the relatives trotted out this traditional dish at a family gathering, I had neglected this childhood staple for the past decade or so! During a routine grocery shop, I happened to spy Royal Sugar Free Strawberry Gelatin, and decided to try it out of nostalgia for the original, and curiosity about how a sugar-free version would taste.
I tried it as a stand-alone snack by making it in a bowl. The flavor reminded me of the jello that I loved as a child: sweet strawberry (the flavor I chose to sample), with only a slight aftertaste that is associated with sugar free products. However, for such a low calorie snack, I think the slight taste difference is well worth it.
A serving of Royal Sugar Free Strawberry Gelatin is 1/2 cup, which provides 5 measly calories, no fat, and no sugar. The calories come from the 1 gram of protein in each serving, which, for those watching carbs, is excellent news. Each package provides 4 servings and I readily admit to eating the entire thing in one sitting. The HUGE 2-cup portion that I had left me completely satisfied.
The ingredient list however, is not for the faint of heart: Gelatin , Fumaric Acid for Tartness , Sodium Citrate Controls Acidity , Artificial Flavor , Aspartame Less than 2% of - Phenylketonurics - Contains Phenylalanine - Sweetener , Maltodextrin. However, for 20 calories TOTAL, the lack of "whole" ingredients didn't bother me too much.
I purchased Royal Sugar Free Strawberry Gelatin on sale for $0.25 per package, or, 4 for $1.00. I also stocked up on the orange and raspberry flavors that the company also sells in sugar free form.