Do Red Hots Have Sugar? Unpacking the Candy's Ingredients

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a standard serving of Red Hots Cinnamon Flavored Candy is approximately 80% sugar by weight. This spicy confectionery, a product of the Ferrara Candy Company, has a long history, but its core composition is often a source of curiosity for consumers. Many people wonder exactly what goes into creating that signature fiery and sweet flavor, particularly concerning its high sugar content and other additives.

Quick Summary

Yes, Red Hots candy contains significant amounts of sugar and corn syrup, which are the primary ingredients. The article details the full ingredient list, breaks down the sugar content per serving, and explains the role of other components like artificial flavors and colorings.

Key Points

Primary Ingredient: The main components in Red Hots are sugar and corn syrup, which provide both sweetness and structure.
High Sugar Content: Red Hots are a high-sugar candy, with a standard serving often containing a significant percentage of sugar by weight.
Ingredient List: The full ingredient list includes sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon oil, artificial flavors, and additives like Red 40 and Shellac.
Texture Formulation: Acacia gum and carnauba wax are used to create the hard, shiny coating of the candy and prevent sticking.
Moderation is Key: Due to their high sugar content, Red Hots should be consumed sparingly as part of a balanced diet to avoid potential health issues.

Do Red Hots Really Contain That Much Sugar?

Yes, Red Hots are primarily composed of sugar and corn syrup, making them a very high-sugar candy. The first two ingredients on the list for a typical box of Red Hots are "sugar" and "corn syrup," indicating they form the bulk of the product by weight. For many consumers, this confirmation is surprising, as the intense cinnamon spice can sometimes distract from the overwhelming sweetness. This heavy reliance on sugar is standard for hard candies, where the ingredient is essential for creating the hard, crystalline texture and acting as a preservative.

A Breakdown of Red Hots' Ingredients

Beyond just sugar, Red Hots contain several other key components that give them their unique properties. Understanding each ingredient helps paint a clearer picture of this popular treat.

Sugar and Corn Syrup: The base of the candy is a syrup of cooked sugar and corn syrup. Corn syrup is an inexpensive sweetener that also helps prevent sugar crystallization, which keeps the candies smooth rather than grainy.
Flavoring: The signature "hot" sensation comes from cinnamon oil and artificial flavoring. This potent combination provides the fiery kick that defines the candy's taste.
Acacia (Gum Arabic): This is a natural gum that acts as a stabilizer, binding the ingredients together and giving the candy its structure.
Confectioner's Glaze (Shellac): This is a resin secreted by the lac insect. It's used to give Red Hots their hard, shiny exterior and to prevent moisture from getting in.
Carnauba Wax: Derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm, this ingredient provides extra glossiness and helps keep the candies from sticking together.
White Mineral Oil: This is a food-grade lubricant used in the manufacturing process to ensure the candy pieces don't stick to the equipment.
Artificial Color (Red 40): This is the synthetic food dye that gives Red Hots their iconic bright red color. The use of artificial dyes like Red 40 is a point of concern for some consumers.

A Look at Different Red Hots Varieties

While the classic hard candy is the most well-known version, there are other types of Red Hots, such as the chewy variety. The ingredient list for Chewy Red Hots differs slightly to achieve a different texture.

Chewy Red Hots: These include modified food starch (corn) to create a softer, chewy consistency. They also have different flavorings, sometimes listed as "natural and artificial flavors," and other additives like sodium citrate. Despite the textural differences, sugar and corn syrup remain the primary ingredients.

Comparison: Red Hots vs. Other Candies

To put Red Hots' sugar content into perspective, here is a comparison with a few other popular candies based on typical nutritional information.


Feature	Red Hots (Hard Candy)	Gummy Bears	Sour Patch Kids
Primary Sweeteners	Sugar, Corn Syrup	Corn Syrup, Sugar	Sugar, Invert Sugar, Corn Syrup
Sugar per Serving	12g (approx. 25 pieces)	16g (approx. 17 pieces)	26g (approx. 12 pieces)
Texture	Hard, crystalline	Soft, chewy, gelatinous	Chewy, coated in sour sugar
Key Additives	Red 40, Shellac	Artificial colors, Gelatin	Artificial colors, Citric Acid
Key Flavoring	Cinnamon oil, artificial flavor	Fruit flavors	Fruit flavors, sour powder

Health Implications of High Sugar Content

Consuming candies like Red Hots should be done in moderation, primarily because of the high sugar content. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to a range of health issues, including dental problems, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that most women limit added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day, and men to no more than 9 teaspoons (38 grams) per day. A single serving of Red Hots can account for a significant portion of this daily limit.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Sugar

The answer to "do Red Hots have sugar?" is a definitive and resounding yes. Sugar, along with corn syrup, forms the very foundation of this fiery cinnamon treat. While the intense cinnamon flavor might be what you remember most, the primary chemical components responsible for its texture and taste are simple and processed sugars. As with any confectionery, understanding its ingredients is key to making informed choices about consumption. Enjoy Red Hots in moderation to balance their sweetness and spice with a healthy diet.

Ferrara Candy Shop is the brand owner for Red Hots.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main sweeteners in Red Hots are sugar and corn syrup, which are the first two ingredients listed on the packaging.

There is no widely available, officially produced sugar-free version of Red Hots. Any substitutes would likely be produced by a different manufacturer using artificial sweeteners.

The amount of sugar varies slightly by product type (e.g., hard candy vs. chewy), but a theater box of classic hard Red Hots contains 12 grams of sugar per serving (25 pieces).

Corn syrup is used in Red Hots to act as a secondary sweetener and to help control the crystallization of the sugar, resulting in a smoother, harder candy texture.

The spicy "hot" sensation in Red Hots comes from cinnamaldehyde, the primary compound in cinnamon oil, along with other artificial flavorings.

Yes, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has classified Red Hots as an unhealthy ultra-processed food due to their high sugar content and synthetic additives.

Like most high-sugar candies, Red Hots are not considered a healthy food item. They are high in sugar and calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.