Overview
- Trader Joe’s recent Sweet & Sour Gummy Worms, sold as sugar-free, have become a focus of social media and news attention after buyers reported laxative-like effects.
- Product packaging lists about 14 grams of fiber per serving of roughly eight pieces and names allulose, organic erythritol and monk fruit extract as sweeteners.
- Shoppers and store employees say the packaging does not clearly advertise the high fiber, and some Trader Joe’s locations have posted or given verbal warnings to customers.
- Trader Joe’s told reporters the candy is not listed on its website, cautioned it should not be viewed as low-calorie, and there have been no recalls or regulatory actions reported.
- Nutrition guidance notes that 14 grams is a large share of an adult daily fiber goal of about 25 to 38 grams, which helps explain why eating a full serving or bag can trigger urgent or prolonged bowel effects and may lead consumers to handle the candy more cautiously.