The nutritional value of candy canes

Is there a more festive treat than candy canes?

With its playful red and white swirls, this deliciously delicious dessert is everywhere throughout the holiday season.

Striped and sugary, they range from tiny morsels to voluminous novelties—and unlike the traditional mint flavor, candy canes now come in flavors like eggnog, strawberry, and even pumpkin spice.

But have you ever stopped wondering about the nutritional value of candy canes?

candy cane ingredients

Here’s the truth, which may or may not surprise you: candy canes don’t offer much in terms of nutrition.

Brocha Soloff, BS, RD, CDN, Founder says heart health.

Ingredients list A typical candy cane is usually short and sweet, with an emphasis on sweet: sugar, corn syrup, natural flavor, and colors added such as red 40, yellow 5, blue 1.

Some brands list real mint Among the ingredients: FSG lists cane sugar, glucose syrup, water, citric acid, peppermint oil, titanium dioxide (for color), and artificial colors (red 40, red 3, yellow 5, blue 1).

The nutritional value of candy canes

The nutritional value of candy canes depends on the size.

Small candy canes weigh about 4 grams. Regular size weighs approximately 28 grams.

(Exact nutritional value will vary by brand, due to different weight.)

One An example of an ordinary candy cane Contains 50 calories, 14g carbohydrates, 11g sugars. However, we have seen countless serving sizes Half of candy canes.

If you compare candy canes to others seasonal treatsThey tend to be less calorie dense, Solove says.

Candy that consists mostly of sugar contain fewer calories than sweets such as chocolate, which also contain fat and small amounts of protein.

for example, Share of Chocolate Kisses It contains 140 calories, including eight grams of fat, two grams of protein, and 16 grams of carbohydrates.

“However, carbs are also important, and although candy has fewer calories than chocolate, it is also high in carbs and sugar,” Solove says.

Without protein and fat to provide satiety and a mouthful sensation, candy canes or any other type of sugar-based candy can be “less satisfying than chocolate and easier to eat.” Consume too much“, she says.

On the plus side, the strong, breathtaking flavor of the traditional candy cane can make it hard to “overdo” it, Solov adds.

She says, in theory, studies show that peppermint may be associated with some health benefits such as calming Indigestion, nausea and other digestive problemsAfter a big holiday feast, candy canes may seem more attractive to you.

“However, I recommend other sources of mint instead of candy,” she says.