Sour Patch Kids Fun Size Nutrition Facts, Ingredients, Sugar

Sour Patch Kids Fun Size Nutrition Information

Sour Patch Kids are a beloved sour then sweet candy that have been around since the 1970s. The fun size packs make these colorful gummy candies an especially popular halloween treat. But what's actually in those tiny Sour Patch Kids packs? Let's take a detailed look at the nutrition facts, ingredients, and health impact of eating Sour Patch Kids Fun Size.

Serving Size and Calories

Each Sour Patch Kids Fun Size pack contains 5 pieces and weighs 13 grams. Here are the basic nutrition facts for a 5-piece fun size pack:

• Calories: 50
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Total Carbs: 13g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 0g

So in each fun size pack there are 50 calories, with all those calories coming from the 13 grams of carbohydrate. The most concerning nutrient is the 8 grams of sugar in each pack.

Sugar Content

Since the fun size packs are so small, the sugar content seems low at only 8 grams. But when you consider the tiny serving size, almost two-thirds of the candy is pure added sugar. Each pack gets nearly 70% of its calories from sugar.

Consuming too much added sugar can negatively impact health and has been linked to increased risk for:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Tooth decay

Government guidelines recommend limiting added sugar to no more than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons per day for children and 36 grams or 9 teaspoons for adults. Just 1-2 fun size packs would already exceed the recommended limits for kids.

Sour Patch Kids Ingredients

Sour Patch Kids have a relatively short ingredient list for a candy product. The main ingredients in Sour Patch Kids Fun Size packs are:

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Modified food starch (from corn)
• Gelatin
• Natural and artificial flavors
• Citric acid
• Coconut oil
• Carnauba wax
• Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1)

Let's break these ingredients down further:

Sugar

White granulated sugar is the primary ingredient. Table sugar has no nutrients and provides empty calories and carbohydrates.

Corn syrup

Corn syrup is another added sugar that also adds sweetness with extra calories. It has a high glycemic index that can spike blood sugar.

Modified food starch

This processed ingredient made from corn adds thickness and texture to the gummy candy.

Gelatin

Gelatin is what gives Sour Patch Kids their chewy gummy texture. It is made by boiling animal parts like skins and bones.

Natural and artificial flavors

Proprietary blends of natural and artificial flavorings are added to give Sour Patch Kids their signature sweet-sour taste.

Citric acid

Citric acid provides the sour tangy flavor. It is made from fermented sugars or mold.

Coconut oil

A small amount of coconut oil is used to coat the candy. It has no coconut flavor.

Carnauba wax

Wax from the carnauba palm is used to make the candies shiny.

Artificial colors

Synthetic dyes Yellow 6, Red 40, and Blue 1 color the iconic Sour Patch Kids red, yellow, orange, green, and blue.

Nutritional Pros and Cons

Here's a summary of the main nutritional pros and cons of Sour Patch Kids Fun Size packs:

Pros:

• Fat free
• Low in sodium
• Provide a small amount of energy
• Made with simple recognizable ingredients

Cons:

• High in added sugar
• Lack nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
• Artificial colors
• Contains controversial additive gelatin
• High glycemic index can spike blood sugar

Health and Dietary Considerations

Here are some health and dietary factors to keep in mind when consuming Sour Patch Kids Fun Size packs:

Diabetes

People with diabetes need to watch their carbohydrate and sugar intake closely. The high sugar content of Sour Patch Kids can cause blood sugar spikes. Stick to only 1 pack as an occasional treat.

Vegetarian/Vegan

Sour Patch Kids are not vegetarian or vegan due to containing gelatin, which is made from animal parts. There are gelatin-free alternatives available.

Kosher

Most Sour Patch Kids are certified Kosher dairy, meaning they contain dairy ingredients.

Gluten-free

Sour Patch Kids are gluten-free, making them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Food Allergies

Sour Patch Kids may contain corn, coconut, and common food coloring allergens. People with allergies should read labels carefully.

Children

The fun size is an appropriate serving size for a child's treat, but limit to 1-2 packs due to the high sugar content. Avoid choking hazard for very young kids.

Daily Recommendations

Enjoying Sour Patch Kids Fun Size in moderation can be part of a healthy, balanced diet for most people. Here are some daily intake recommendations if eating these candy packs:

• Children 4-8 years: 1 fun size pack
• Older children: 1-2 fun size packs
• Adults: 1-3 fun size packs

Try sticking to the daily values above as maximums. For kids, one pack is ideal to keep sugar intake in check.

Always combine with nutritious whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and dairy. Do not let Sour Patch Kids replace healthy meals and snacks.

Drink plenty of water when consuming to help dilute the sugar content. Brushing teeth afterward is also beneficial to protect against cavities.

The Bottom Line

Sour Patch Kids Fun Size packs provide 50 calories and 8 grams of sugar per 5-piece pouch. They are fat free and gluten free, but also packed with added sugar and artificial colors. Enjoy these nostalgic candies in moderation as an occasional sweet treat, being mindful of the serving size for your age.

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.