Aussie brand sells sugar-free lollies every 2.5 seconds as demand surges nationwide

If you’ve strolled through the aisles of Woolworths or Chemist Warehouse lately, you might have noticed a particular sweet treat flying off the shelves faster than you can say 'guilt-free indulgence.'

In fact, one Australian brand is selling a lollipop every 2.5 seconds—yes, you read that right!

So, what’s behind this sugar rush, and why are Aussies of all ages snapping them up? Let’s unwrap the story behind their runaway success.


Funday Natural Sweets is the brainchild of Daniel Kitay, a self-confessed lolly lover who, after cutting out sugary treats and shedding 25kg, realised that life without lollies just wasn’t as sweet.

But instead of giving in to temptation, Daniel set out to reinvent the classic confectionery experience—minus the sugar crash and guilt.


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Sugar-free lollipops made with natural ingredients were launched by Funday Natural Sweets and sold every 2.5 seconds across Australia. Credit: Woolworths


For four years, Funday focused on reinventing gummy classics, offering 'better for you' versions of Party Mix, Peaches and Cream, and Sour Cola Bottles.

But earlier this year, they took a bold leap into the world of lollipops, launching a range with no added sugar, natural flavours, and sweeteners.

The result is a lolly that tastes just as good as the ones you remember from childhood, but without the sugar overload.


Since their launch, Funday’s lollipops have been selling at a jaw-dropping rate—one every 2.5 seconds, which adds up to a whopping 35,000 pops a day!

The secret is that Aussies are increasingly looking for treats that don’t compromise on taste but are kinder to their waistlines and teeth.

Daniel Kitay explains, 'More and more Aussies are looking for treats and lollies they can feel good about, but they still want the fun and flavour—just without all the artificial ingredients and high sugar.'

And he’s right: a traditional 12-gram lollipop can pack in over 10 grams of sugar. Funday’s version?

Zero added sugar, thanks to clever use of real food ingredients like tapioca starch, chicory root fibre, and a touch of all-natural stevia leaf.


Funday’s lollipops come in a range of nostalgic and mouth-watering flavours: pineapple, strawberry and cream, cola, and sour apple.

These aren’t just for kids—adults are loving them too, especially those who want to enjoy a treat without the sugar spike.

The response has been so overwhelming that some customers are struggling to find them in stores, with shelves often cleared out as soon as they’re restocked.

'It’s the exact type of response we want when we launch a product,' Daniel says. 'It clearly means we’re talking to what the customer wants.'

Since its humble beginnings just four years ago, Funday has expanded into over 7,000 stores across Australia, including major supermarkets, chemists, petrol stations, and independent grocers.

The brand has also made its mark overseas, launching in New Zealand, Singapore, the Middle East, and even on Amazon in the US.


What’s the secret to their rapid growth? Daniel credits Funday’s 'big business mentality' combined with the agility of a start-up.

'What separates us from multinationals is our smaller size and ability to respond to market demands way faster than anyone else. It’s our secret weapon.'

It’s not just about sales—Funday has become a part of people’s lives. Fans have sent in wedding invitations, thank you cards, and even holiday greetings, all expressing their love for the brand’s guilt-free goodies.

It’s clear that Funday isn’t just selling lollies—they’re helping Aussies rediscover the joy of a sweet treat, no matter their age.

While Daniel is keeping future plans under wraps, he hints that the next 12 months will bring 'revolutionary' new products that build on the success of the iconic lolly.


For our Seniors Discount Club members, Funday’s lollies are a game-changer. Whether you’re watching your sugar intake, managing diabetes, or just want to indulge without the guilt, these treats offer a nostalgic taste of childhood with a modern, health-conscious twist.

Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with the grandkids—no need to worry about sugar highs (or the inevitable crash!).
Key Takeaways
  • Funday Natural Sweets has launched a sugar-free lollipop range using natural ingredients, which has been extremely popular, selling one every 2.5 seconds across Australia.
  • The new lollipops use real food ingredients like tapioca starch, chicory root fibre, and stevia instead of sugar, tapping into Aussies’ desire for tasty treats without artificial additives or high sugar content.
  • Since launching four years ago, Funday products are now available in over 7000 stores nationwide and have also expanded overseas to places like New Zealand, Singapore, the Middle East and the US.
  • The overwhelming demand and positive feedback for the lollipops have caught many by surprise, including founder Daniel Kitay, who says the brand will be launching more innovative, 'better for you' confectionery products in the coming year.
Have you tried Funday’s lollipops or gummies? What’s your favourite flavour, and how do they compare to the lollies you remember from years gone by? Do you think more brands should offer 'better for you' versions of classic treats? Share your thoughts and sweet memories in the comments below.

Read more: Sweet Tooth, Bitter Truth: The High Cost of Free Sugars in Our Golden Years
 

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Becareful not to eat too many or you will be sitting on the toilet due to the artificial sweetener.

The packets are very small
The sweetener in Funday Natural Sweets lollipops is steviol glycoside (Stevia).

Continued use can cause significant elevations in liver and kidney function enzymes, such as alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin, all indicative of hepatitis, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. Which is indicated in a liver function test, of which I have had many.

Steviol glycoside can also cause abdominal bloating, diarrhoea and hypotension.
 
Just as easy as these sugar-free lollipops were created and still have a sweet flavour to them, why can't every confectionery and dessert use natural sweeteners instead of sugar. I believe if sugar was cut out of every dessert and confectionery, and replaced with natural sweeteners, the people in our world would live longer happier and healthier lives. People would then not have to skip dessert or feel guilty for eating a sweet treat. Also people with type 1 diabetes and people with weight issues, could be free to enjoy dessert and confectionery, that are made sugar-free, just like everyone else. 🙏🦋
 
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The sweetener in Funday Natural Sweets lollipops is steviol glycoside (Stevia).

Continued use can cause significant elevations in liver and kidney function enzymes, such as alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin, all indicative of hepatitis, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. Which is indicated in a liver function test, of which I have had many.

Steviol glycoside can also cause abdominal bloating, diarrhoea and hypotension.
Dear member Veggiepatch, sugar-free lollies, it just sounded too good to be true, and I realised that after reading your post regarding the dangerous side affects of Stevia. l think that the safest deserts would probably have to be those made with natural fruit like strawberries, bananas and apricots. I believe it is misleading information when sugar-free lollies are advertised as a healthier choice, when in fact they contain Stevia an ingredient that as you have mentioned, can harm the liver and kidneys. God bless, 🙏🦋
 
  • Like
Reactions: Leenie
The sweetener in Funday Natural Sweets lollipops is steviol glycoside (Stevia).

Continued use can cause significant elevations in liver and kidney function enzymes, such as alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin, all indicative of hepatitis, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. Which is indicated in a liver function test, of which I have had many.

Steviol glycoside can also cause abdominal bloating, diarrhoea and hypotension.
Dear member Veggiepatch, sugar-free lollies, it just sounded too good to be true, and I realised that after reading your post regarding the dangerous side affects of Stevia. l think that the safest deserts would probably have to be those made with natural fruit like strawberries, bananas and apricots. I believe it is misleading information when sugar-free lollies are advertised as a healthier choice, when in fact they contain Stevia an ingredient that as you have mentioned, can harm the liver and kidneys. God bless, 🙏🦋
 
  • Like
Reactions: Veggiepatch
Dear member Veggiepatch, sugar-free lollies, it just sounded too good to be true, and I realised that after reading your post regarding the dangerous side affects of Stevia. l think that the safest deserts would probably have to be those made with natural fruit like strawberries, bananas and apricots. I believe it is misleading information when sugar-free lollies are advertised as a healthier choice, when in fact they contain Stevia an ingredient that as you have mentioned, can harm the liver and kidneys. God bless, 🙏🦋
Stevia is a natural sweetener from the Stevia rebaudiana plant which is closely related to the chrysanthemum. However, the plant is highly refined to give a concentrated form called rebaudioside A, which is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose.

It just goes to show that "natural" substitutes and supplements are not as cracked up to be what the manufacturers and proponents claim to be.

The Golden Rule is beware on the side of caution with both prescribed and "natural" preparations, especially those obtained from unregulated online sources.

Consult with your pharmacist and GP before taking anything new.

Forget "Big Pharma". "Big Supplement" is the one to watch out for!
 
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Stevia is a natural sweetener from the Stevia rebaudiana plant which is closely related to the chrysanthemum. However, the plant is highly refined to give a concentrated form called rebaudioside A, which is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose.

It just goes to show that "natural" substitutes and supplements are not as cracked up to be what the manufacturers and proponents claim to be.

The Golden Rule is beware on the side of caution with both prescribed and "natural" preparations, especially those obtained from unregulated online sources.

Consult with your pharmacist and GP before taking anything new.

Forget "Big Pharma". "Big Supplement" is the one to watch out for!
Dear member Veggiepatch, thankyou for your much appreciated information and valuable advice. Wishing you a pleasant and enjoyable evening, God bless, 🙏🦋
 
I have been using stevia in my tea and coffee for well over 20 years now. I’ve also consumed other foods/drinks that are sweetened with stevia. But the amount used in the products is minimal and they’ve had no cause for me to be concerned.

I’ve not experienced any health problems with my consumption of stevia.

Perhaps the health problems could become apparent if stevia intake is excessive. That can be said of anything. The key to usage is moderation and common sense.

Until such time when or if the powers to be deem it to be dangerous and taken off the market, (which I very much doubt), I shall continue to use stevia.

Whatever others choose to do is their business.
 
I have been using stevia in my tea and coffee for well over 20 years now. I’ve also consumed other foods/drinks that are sweetened with stevia. But the amount used in the products is minimal and they’ve had no cause for me to be concerned.

I’ve not experienced any health problems with my consumption of stevia.

Perhaps the health problems could become apparent if stevia intake is excessive. That can be said of anything. The key to usage is moderation and common sense.

Until such time when or if the powers to be deem it to be dangerous and taken off the market, (which I very much doubt), I shall continue to use stevia.

Whatever others choose to do is their business.
Dear member DLHM, thankyou for sharing your information about Stevia. I am a little undecided about what to think about Stevia now, as this evening I have had two different opinions, both of which I respect as reliable sources, on the effects of Stevia on one's health. I guess I will just stay with honey to sweeten my recipes. Wishing you a pleasant evening, God bless, 🙏🦋
 
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I have been using stevia in my tea and coffee for well over 20 years now. I’ve also consumed other foods/drinks that are sweetened with stevia. But the amount used in the products is minimal and they’ve had no cause for me to be concerned.

I’ve not experienced any health problems with my consumption of stevia.

Perhaps the health problems could become apparent if stevia intake is excessive. That can be said of anything. The key to usage is moderation and common sense.

Until such time when or if the powers to be deem it to be dangerous and taken off the market, (which I very much doubt), I shall continue to use stevia.

Whatever others choose to do is their business.
My sister in law is like you she’s been using stevia for donkeys years and she’s 75 and had no issues. 🌞
 
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