An In-Depth Look at the Nutrition Facts of Twizzler Fun Size Candy
Twizzlers are a classic American candy known for their unique twisted shape and sweet strawberry flavor. The Twizzler brand offers different sizes of this chewy licorice candy, including the very popular bite-sized Twizzler Fun Size. But what exactly are the nutrition facts and ingredients behind these colorful confections? Let's take a closer look.
Serving Size and Calories in Twizzler Fun Size
First, it's helpful to understand the serving size for Twizzler Fun Size. According to the nutrition label, each 1 package (28g) contains approximately 13 pieces of Twizzler Fun Size candy. This serving provides 140 calories, with 90 of those calories coming from sugar.
So if you eat the entire 28g package, you're getting 140 calories. Some other key micronutrients in one serving of Twizzler Fun Size are:
- Total fat: 2g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total carbs: 29g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 1g
As you can see, these candies are high in sugar, which accounts for the majority of their calories. They contain no fiber and minimal protein. The small serving size helps keep the calorie count reasonable, though the sugary nutritional profile is something to be aware of.
Twizzler Fun Size Ingredients
Now let's look at what's actually in Twizzler Fun Size candy:
- Corn syrup
- Wheat flour
- Sugar
- Palm oil
- Licorice extract
- Soybean oil
- Artificial and natural flavors
- Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1)
- Salt
- Carnauba wax
The main ingredients are corn syrup, wheat flour, and sugar. Corn syrup acts as a sweetener and humectant to keep the candy soft and chewy, while the wheat flour provides structure. Sugar naturally adds sweetness.
Palm oil, soybean oil, and carnauba wax add fat and prevent sticking. Licorice extract provides that classic Twizzlers flavor. The artificial colors create the bright candy colors, while artificial and natural flavors boost the taste.
Overall, the ingredient list is similar to most other gummy and licorice candies. There are no major red flags for common allergens except wheat. The candies do contain GMO ingredients and artificial colors and flavors.
Nutrition Differences Between Twizzler Fun Size and Regular Twizzlers
How does the nutrition of the mini Twizzler Fun Size differ from regular Twizzlers? Here's a comparison:
Twizzler Fun Size (28g package)
- 140 calories
- 29g carbs
- 21g sugar
Regular Twizzlers (1 piece, about 42g)
- 160 calories
- 34g carbs
- 24g sugar
Looking at this comparison, you can see the Fun Size versions are slightly lower in calories and carbs than regular Twizzlers. The small Fun Size pieces mean you get less food per serving compared to a full-size Twizzler.
However, the sugar content is fairly close between both types. Even though regular Twizzlers have 3 more grams of sugar per piece, Fun Size packs contain 13 pieces. So if you ate 13 regular pieces, you'd get about the same amount of sugar as in one Fun Size package.
The takeaway is that Twizzler Fun Size is very comparably nutritionally to regular Twizzlers. The mini size simply means you may eat less in one sitting.
Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Twizzler Fun Size Candy
Like most candies, Twizzler Fun Size has both pros and cons when it comes to your health:
Potential Benefits
- Small portion control
- No cholesterol
- Low in fat and protein
- Contains some antioxidants from soybean oil
Potential Drawbacks
- High in sugar and calories from sugar
- Contains artificial dyes
- May contain GMOs
- Lacks protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Can cause blood sugar spikes
The Fun Size pieces allow for sensible portion control compared to regular Twizzlers. They're also low in fat and cholesterol. However, their high sugar content without much nutritional benefit can be problematic, especially for diabetics.
Overall, Twizzler Fun Size can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a healthy diet. But they shouldn't become a daily indulgence due to the high sugar and lack of nutrients.
Who Should Avoid or Limit Twizzler Fun Size
Here are some groups who may want to avoid Twizzler Fun Size or at least limit intake:
- Diabetics - The high sugar load can spike blood sugar levels.
- Anyone watching sugar intake - The 21g of sugar is quite high for a small snack.
- People with wheat allergies - Twizzlers contain wheat flour.
- Anyone sensitive to artificial sweeteners or colors - Twizzlers do contain artificial colors and corn syrup.
- People with IBS or digestive issues - The sweeteners like corn syrup can exacerbate symptoms.
Children and adults who need to limit sugar for health reasons should be cautious with Twizzler Fun Size. Those with food sensitivities should also check the ingredients carefully before eating.
Healthier Candy Alternatives to Twizzler Fun Size
For those looking for less sugary candy options, here are some healthier alternatives to consider:
- Fruit snacks made with real fruit
- Dark chocolate pieces
- Annie's Organic Bunny Tails
- SmartSweets
- SkinnyPop popcorn bags
- YumEarth organic lollipops
- Jelly Belly jelly beans
Many of these options are still sweet treats but made without artificial colors and with more fiber, protein, or real fruit. They offer a less sugary way to satisfy a candy craving.
Tips for Enjoying Twizzler Fun Size Responsibly
Here are some tips to keep in mind if you plan to enjoy Twizzler Fun Size candy:
- Stick to the 28g serving size instead of eating multiple packages.
- Be mindful of your total daily sugar intake from all foods and beverages.
- Drink plenty of water to offset the sugar.
- Eat Twizzlers alongside more nutritious foods like fruit, yogurt, or nuts.
- Treat Twizzlers as an occasional snack rather than an everyday habit.
Practicing portion control is key with these sweet candies. Also be sure to account for the 21g of sugar within your total recommended daily limit.
Meeting Nutritional Needs with a Balanced Diet
FAQs
How many calories are in one Twizzler Fun Size package?
Each 28g package of Twizzler Fun Size contains 140 calories.
Do Twizzler Fun Size have gluten?
Yes, Twizzler Fun Size contains wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free.
Are Twizzler Fun Size vegan?
No, Twizzler Fun Size contains animal-derived ingredients like palm oil and carnauba wax, so they are not vegan.
Are Twizzler Fun Size healthy?
Twizzler Fun Size are high in sugar and low in overall nutrients, so they would not be considered a healthy snack choice.
What are some healthier candy alternatives to Twizzler Fun Size?
Some healthier candy options include fruit snacks, dark chocolate, Annie's Bunny Tails, SmartSweets, popcorn, and organic lollipops.
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.
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