Russell Stover Joy Bites bid adieu to added sugar

Russell Stover’s newest chocolate bars are making indulgence possible without added sugar. The Kansas City, Mo.-based company is introducing Joy Bites, which are free of the sweet ingredient.

Made with fair-trade cocoa and non-GMO and organic ingredients, the chocolate bars are available in five varieties that feature fully recyclable packaging with FSC-certified outer sleeves, the company said.  

Joy Bites, made with plant-based stevia extract, are free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, Russell Stover said. 

“With 100 years of experience making high-quality chocolate, we are better equipped than most to deliver great-tasting chocolate without all of the added sugar,” said Jill Beveridge, vice president of innovation and development. “We have received an extremely positive response to the Joy Bites collection from our customers and from consumers. Joy Bites highlight Russell Stover’s consumer-focused commitment to innovation and creativity, and we look forward to continuing to introduce new and exciting products to this collection.”

Available flavors include caramel in chocolate, peanut butter in chocolate, smooth creamy chocolate, sea salt caramel in dark chocolate and roasted almonds in dark chocolate.

Russell Stover Joy Bites have launched at Albertsons, Safeway, Kroger, Meijer, Winn-Dixie and Walmart.