Comparing the Candies: M&M's vs. Skittles
When it comes to two of the most popular candies on the market, the question of which is "healthier" often arises. While neither can be considered a nutritional food, a look at their sugar content can provide surprising insights. The answer to whether Do M&Ms have more sugar than Skittles? is not as simple as it seems and requires a closer look at the nutritional information per gram and per serving size.
Skittles: The Rainbow of Sugar
Skittles are essentially a sugar-based confection, with very little nutritional value outside of carbohydrates. A close examination of their ingredients and nutritional data reveals why they are so high in sugar.
- High Sugar Content: For every 100 grams, original Skittles contain approximately 73.7 to 76 grams of sugar. This means that the majority of the candy's weight is pure sugar.
- Low Fat Content: Because they are not chocolate-based, Skittles have a very low fat content, around 4.2 grams per 100g.
- Artificial Ingredients: Beyond sugar, Skittles are known for their use of artificial colors and flavors, which have raised concerns among some nutritionists.
M&M's: The Chocolate-Coated Alternative
M&M's, particularly the classic milk chocolate variety, offer a different nutritional profile due to their chocolate and milkfat content. This composition changes the balance between sugar, fat, and protein.
- Lower Sugar by Weight: Plain milk chocolate M&M's contain about 66 grams of sugar per 100g, which is less than Skittles.
- Significantly Higher Fat: With a rich chocolate base, M&M's have a much higher fat content, around 19 grams per 100g.
- Small Nutritional Benefits: While still a treat, the chocolate and milk content in M&M's provide trace amounts of calcium and protein.
Per Gram Breakdown: The Key to an Accurate Comparison
To truly answer the question of whether Do M&Ms have more sugar than Skittles?, it's critical to look at the numbers consistently. The per-100g data provides the most accurate and standardized comparison.
- Sugar: Skittles consistently have more sugar per 100g than plain milk chocolate M&M's.
- Calories: Despite lower sugar, M&M's often have a higher caloric density due to their fat content.
- Fat: M&M's have a considerably higher fat content, whereas Skittles are nearly fat-free.
Comparison Table: Skittles vs. Plain M&M's (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Skittles (Original) | M&M's (Plain Milk Chocolate) |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | ~73.7g - 76g | ~66g |
| Calories | ~397-402 kcal | ~480 kcal |
| Fat | ~4.2g | ~19g |
| Protein | <0.1g | ~5.1g |
The Importance of Moderation
Regardless of which candy has more sugar or fat, the key takeaway for a healthy diet is moderation.
- Portion Control is Key: Eating a single fun-size bag of either candy is a manageable treat. A 1 oz serving of Skittles contains 21g of sugar, while a 29g serving of M&M's contains 28g. The total grams of sugar depends heavily on the serving size consumed.
- Empty Calories: Both candies provide mostly "empty calories," meaning they offer energy without essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, or minerals.
- Health Impacts: Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to a range of health issues, including weight gain and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion: Sugar Showdown Verdict
In summary, when comparing the sugar density per 100 grams, Skittles have more sugar than M&Ms. However, M&M's have a higher overall caloric density due to their fat content. The choice between the two really comes down to whether you are more concerned with sugar intake or fat intake, but ultimately, both are high-sugar processed foods that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Remember that nutritional information can vary slightly between different product variations (e.g., Peanut M&M's vs. Plain M&M's) and regional packaging. A good nutritional habit is to check the label for the specific product you are consuming.
For further reading on the effects of sugar on health, you can visit the CDC's page on added sugars.
