Calories and Nutrition Facts for Orange Slice Candies

Calories in Orange Slice Candies - What You Need to Know

Orange slice candies are a nostalgic treat that many people remember fondly from childhood. The sweet and tart flavor combination makes them a popular choice for candy dishes and holiday treats. But how many calories are actually in those bright orange slices?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide a detailed breakdown of the calorie count and nutritional value of popular orange slice candy brands. We'll also compare orange slices to other candies to see how they stack up health-wise. And we'll provide tips for enjoying orange slices moderately as part of a balanced diet.

Calories in Orange Slices Per Candy

The main ingredients in orange slice candies are sugar and orange oil. Different brands use slightly different formulas, but a typical serving size of 4 to 6 pieces contains about:

• 70-80 calories
• 16-18 grams of sugar

So each individual candy slice contains roughly 15 to 20 calories and 3 to 4 grams of sugar on average.

For comparison, here are the calories in some other popular candies:

• Starburst: 20 calories per piece
• Skittles: 20 calories per piece
• Reese's miniature peanut butter cup: 50 calories per cup
• M&M's: 47 calories for 10 pieces
• Gummy bears: 80 calories for 8 pieces

As you can see, orange slices are fairly comparable to other fruit-flavored candies like Starburst and Skittles. They have slightly less sugar and calories than chocolate candies due to their lack of fat and protein.

Total Calories in a Whole Bag

The total calorie count for orange slices will depend on the full serving size in the package. Here's a look at some popular size options:

• Fun size bag (6 pieces): 90 calories
• Snack size bag (15 pieces): 225 calories
• Single serve bag (21 pieces): 315 calories
• Movie theater box (35 pieces): 525 calories
• Bulk bag (64 pieces): 960 calories

As you can see, the calories add up quickly if you eat an entire bag, especially the larger bulk packages. A good rule of thumb is to portion out just a serving size if you want to keep your calorie intake moderate.

Orange Slices Nutrition Facts

Beyond just calories, let's look at the full nutritional profile of orange slice candies in a 21 piece single serve bag:

• Calories: 315
• Total fat: 0g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Total carbs: 81g
• Sugars: 63g
• Protein: 0g

The main nutrients are carbohydrates from sugar. Orange slices contain no fat, protein, or fiber. The candies also provide some citric acid, orange oil, corn syrup, gelatin, and artificial colors.

While orange slices offer a quick burst of sweetness, they lack nutritional value beyond calories and sugar. The candies contain none of the vitamin C, fiber, or antioxidants found in real oranges.

Healthiest and Unhealthiest Orange Slice Brands

When choosing orange slice candies, you'll find subtle differences between brands. Here are some of the best and worst options if you're concerned about your health:

Healthiest Options

• YumEarth Organic Orange Slices - These have organic sugar and juices, no artificial colors or flavors, and 25% less sugar than conventional brands.
• Black Forest Organic Orange Slices - Another certified organic brand with no artificial colors or preservatives.
• Lovely Candy Company Orange Slices - These use cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.

Unhealthiest Options

• Brach's Orange Slices - Lots of artificial colors and corn syrup with partially hydrogenated oil.
• Crows Orange Slices - Uses trans fats and artificial flavors.
• Darrell Lea Orange Slices - Imported from Australia, these have no natural orange juice.

Always check the ingredients list if you want to minimize artificial additives. And compare brands to find ones with less sugar and more natural sources.

Health Impact of Orange Slice Candies

While orange slices provide a quick dose of sweetness, eating too many may negatively impact your health.

Some potential downsides of overindulging include:

• Weight gain - Orange slices are high in calories and sugar with no protein or fiber to balance it out.
• Tooth decay - The sugar can feed bacteria and cause cavities if not brushed away.
• Blood sugar spikes - Large amounts of sugar at once can cause unstable blood glucose levels.
• Inflammation - Frequent sugar intake is linked to systemic inflammation.
• Fatty liver disease - Excess fructose from sugar can contribute to liver damage over time.

Beyond physical health, overindulging in sugary treats may negatively impact your mental health and self-image as well.

However, enjoying orange slices occasionally as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to cause harm. Moderation and portion control is key.

Tips for Healthy Eating

Here are some tips to enjoy orange slices as part of a healthy diet:

• Have just a serving size instead of the whole bag.
• Pair candies with protein like nuts to balance blood sugar.
• Limit yourself to one small treat per day at most.
• Brush teeth after eating to prevent cavities.
• Drink water to wash away sugar from teeth.
• Compensate by eating extra fruits and veggies.

Focusing on moderation allows you to satisfy a sweet craving without overdoing calories and sugar. Be mindful of portions and see candies as occasional treats rather than daily snacks.

Healthier Alternatives to Orange Slices

If you're looking to cut back on sugar, try these healthier alternatives that provide natural sweetness:

• Fresh orange segments - Sweet, juicy, and full of vitamin C.
• Dried mango slices - Chewy with tropical fruit flavor.
• Frozen grapes - Sweet burst of juice in each cold grape.
• Dates - Caramel-like flavor and rich in antioxidants.
• Apple slices with peanut butter - Filling protein-fiber combo.
• Greek yogurt with honey - Get probiotics and protein.

You can also make your own orange slices at home by slicing a peeled orange and dehydrating the rings until chewy. This gives you the taste without all the added sugar.

The Bottom Line

Orange slice candies contain about 15-20 calories and 3-4 grams of sugar per piece. A typical single serve bag has around 300 calories and 60+ grams of sugar total. While orange slices can provide a refreshing burst of citrus flavor, moderation is key due to the high amount of added sugar with little nutritional value. Enjoy orange slices occasionally as part of an overall healthy pattern of eating focused on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats for balanced nutrition.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.