Understanding All the Different Types of Candy
Candy is a beloved treat for almost everyone. With endless varieties available, what are the different types of candy out there? And what impacts do different candies have on your health?
Major Candy Categories
When considering different candies, they generally fall into a few major categories:
Chocolate Candy
Chocolate reigns supreme in the candy world. From chocolate bars to truffles to candies with chocolate fillings or coatings, it is ubiquitous.
Dark chocolate is less processed than milk or white chocolate, retaining more antioxidants and nutrients from the cocoa bean. It also tends to have less added sugar.
Fruit Candy
These candies are made using juices and oils from fruits like berries, cherries, oranges, lemons, etc. They can come in chewy or hard candy forms.
Fruit snacks are a popular type of fruit candy. While they contain fruit puree, they also tend to contain added sugars.
Caramel Candy
Chewy caramel candies are made by boiling sugar and sometimes corn syrup to around 236F. The texture comes from proteins in milk or cream.
Salted, soft caramels are a beloved variety. Caramel is also used in candy apples, sauces, chocolate fillings, and more.
Sugar Candy
These candies are made mainly from sugar as the primary ingredient. They can be pulled into chewy strands like taffy or formed into hard candies through cooling and crystallization.
Types include candy canes, lollipops, lemon drops, jelly beans, rock candy, and old-fashioned ribbon candy.
Ingredients to Watch For
Certain ingredients can make some candies better or worse for your health. Heres what to look out for:
Added Sugars
Check how much added sugar is in different candies, including sugar, corn syrup, honey, agave, etc. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men.
Artificial Colors and Flavors
Many colorful and flavorful candies contain artificial colors made from petroleum and artificial flavors. Studies link them to effects on childrens attention and hyperactivity.
Trans Fats
Some candies contain trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils, which raises bad cholesterol and increases heart disease risk. The FDA banned trans fats as of 2018, but some candies made overseas still contain them.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate
While most candies provide little nutritional value beyond calories and sugar, higher cacao dark chocolate does offer some benefits:
Rich in Antioxidants
Compounds in cocoa called flavanols have antioxidant effects that protect cells from damage. One Italian study found participants who ate dark chocolate regularly had lower markers of inflammation.
May Improve Heart Health
Dark chocolate might reduce risk for cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, research indicates. Effects are thought to come from cocoa flavanols.
Boosts Mood
Chocolate contains mood-boosting compounds like phenethylamine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and theobromine. This may explain why many people reach for chocolate when they need a pick me up!
Best and Worst Candies for Health
Wondering which candy options are healthiest versus those that are heavy in sugar, colors, or unhealthy fats? Here is a comparison:
Best Candy Choices
These options offer some nutrition instead of just sugar:
1. Dark Chocolate
Go for at least 70% cacao if possible. The higher the percentage, the less sugar. Brands like Alter Eco, Hu, Endangered Species, and Equal Exchange are good quality.
2. Dried Fruit
Fruit leathers or 100% dried fruit have fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Low-sugar varieties include mango, cherry, strawberry, pineapple, and banana chips.
3. Greek Yogurt Bars
Choose bars with live active cultures and low amounts of added sugar. Varieties from Siggi's, Wallaby, and Lifeway offer protein without lots of lactose.
Worst Candy Choices
You may want to limit these hyper-processed picks:
1. Candy Corn
Candy corn is mostly sugar mixed with artificial colors,Binders, and humectants like honey or invertase. It offers zero nutritional value.
2. Sour Candy
Extremely sour candy like Toxic Waste usually contains malic acid or citric acid. These acids can erode tooth enamel. Acidic candy is especially bad for kids' teeth.
3. Marshmallow Candy
Marshmallows contain mostly refined sugar, corn syrup, and artificial colors and flavors. Whether Peeps, circus peanuts, or other puffy candies, they provide empty calories and ingredients linked to hyperactivity.
Healthy Homemade Candy Recipes
You don't have to give up enjoying candy entirely. Making DIY candy at home lets you control what goes into it. Here are some healthier recipes to try:
1. Dark Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars
Melt 70% cacao chocolate with almond butter, then mix in almonds, dried cranberries, coconut, and oats. Pour into a dish, chill until set, then cut into squares.
2. Coconut Date Rolls
Blend pitted Medjool dates with almond butter, vanilla, salt, and shredded coconut. Form into balls, coat with more coconut, and refrigerate until firm.
3. Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bark
Mix Greek yogurt with freeze dried strawberries and a touch of honey for sweetness. Spread on parchment paper in a baking dish, freeze, then break into shards.
Tips for Healthier Candy Eating
When enjoying candy, moderation is key. Here are some tips to keep it a occasional treat instead of everyday habit:
Control Serving Size
Stick to a 1-2 ounce serving of candy at a time. This equals about 1 small snack size candy bar, a handful of jelly beans, or a couple cubes of fudge.
Watch the Frequency
Limit candy to 2-3 times per week at most. Having it daily instead of occasionally can cause weight gain and increase risks for chronic diseases related to sugar overconsumption.
Brush Teeth Afterwards
Be sure to properly brush your teeth after eating sugary or acidic candies. This protects tooth enamel against decay and erosion that candy can cause.
Overall moderation, proper dental hygiene, and choosing healthier options when possible can let you keep enjoying candy guilt-free!
FAQs
What are the major types of candy?
The main types are chocolate candy, fruit candy, caramel candy, and sugar candy. Chocolate is used in many forms from bars to fillings. Fruit candy uses fruit juices/oils and can be chewy or hard. Caramel involves boiling sugar and sometimes corn syrup. Sugar candy includes taffy, lollipops, and more made mainly from crystallized sugar.
Is dark chocolate actually healthy?
Yes, dark chocolate with higher cacao percentages provides beneficial antioxidants that can improve heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol, and mood. The less sugar in the chocolate, the better.
What should I limit in candy?
You'll want to limit added sugars, artificial colors/flavors, trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup. Checking labels can help identify candies with excessive amounts of these unhealthy ingredients.
What are some healthier candy options?
Some better options include 70% or higher dark chocolate, 100% dried fruit without added sugar, Greek yogurt bars with live cultures/low sugar, and homemade candy where you control what goes in such as dark chocolate nut bars or date rolls.
How can I enjoy candy more healthfully?
Tips for healthful candy consumption include controlling portion sizes to 1-2 ounces, limiting frequency to 2-3 times per week maximum, always brushing teeth afterwards, and choosing healthier versions whenever possible.
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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