The number of calories in a single Fruittella depends on its specific product type and weight, but most standard fruity chews fall within the 16 to 24 calorie range. This figure is influenced by the weight of an individual sweet, which can differ between different packs, such as a Fruittella Strawberry stick versus a bag of Juicy Chews. The primary source of these calories is carbohydrates, especially sugar, which makes up a significant portion of the sweet's composition. Understanding the exact caloric and nutritional content requires a closer look at the product packaging, as slight recipe variations or piece sizes can lead to different values.
Calorie Breakdown by Fruittella Type
While Fruittella's core ingredients of glucose syrup, sugar, and fruit juice remain consistent, the final calorie count per piece can vary. Some products are sold in smaller sticks with more pieces per pack, leading to a lighter weight per individual sweet. Other bags, such as Juicy Chews, might feature slightly heavier pieces. For example, a 6.2g piece from a bag of Juicy Chews is listed at 24 kcal, while a smaller 4.1g piece from a vegan-friendly multi-pack has just 16 kcal.
Key Macronutrient Information
Beyond just calories, it's important to understand the macronutrient profile of a Fruittella sweet. Here's a general breakdown based on a typical 6.2g piece:
- Carbohydrates: A single Fruittella contains around 5.4g of carbohydrates. The vast majority of this is sugar (approximately 3.4g), which contributes significantly to the caloric load. These are simple sugars that provide a quick burst of energy but offer little in the way of sustained nutrition.
- Fat: Fat content is very low, typically around 0.2g per piece. Most of this comes from coconut oil and cocoa butter used in the manufacturing process to give the candy its chewy texture and prevent sticking.
- Protein: Fruittella contains no protein. This is common for most chewy candies that lack any significant protein-based ingredients.
Comparing Fruittella with Other Chewy Candies
To put the calorie count into context, it's useful to compare Fruittella with other similar chewy sweets. While exact recipes and nutritional information can vary by country, the table below provides a general comparison based on available data for standard pieces.
| Candy Brand | Average Calories per Piece | Key Macronutrient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruittella | 16–24 kcal | Sugar, Carbohydrates | Calories depend on piece weight (4.1g vs 6.2g) |
| Starburst | ~20 kcal | Sugar, Saturated Fat | A single 5.5g Starburst has roughly 20 kcal. |
| Chewits | ~16 kcal | Sugar, Carbohydrates | A Chewit is generally smaller than a Fruittella. |
List of Common Fruittella Variants and Their Nutrition
Fruittella produces a variety of sweets, each with slightly different nutritional profiles. Here is a list of some common types and their typical characteristics:
- Classic Chewy Sweets: These are the original stick-wrapped sweets, available in Strawberry, Orange, and Lemon flavours. Newer versions are often vegan-friendly and contain about 16-18 calories per smaller piece.
- Juicy Chews: Found in larger bags, these pieces are often slightly heavier, and thus higher in calories, around 24-25 kcal per piece.
- Duo Stix: These two-tone, two-flavor sweets are larger than the standard chews and, as a result, contain more calories, around 33-34 kcal per piece.
- Vegan-Friendly Versions: Some newer Fruittella products, particularly in the UK, have been reformulated to be vegan, replacing gelatine with other gelling agents. The nutritional content of these sweets remains similar to their non-vegan counterparts.
For more detailed nutritional specifics, it's always best to check the product label or the manufacturer's website, as recipes can change. For a reliable source on various food items, check out independent nutrition databases. For example, Nutracheck offers a detailed breakdown of Fruittella products.
Conclusion: Counting Your Chewy Treats
In summary, the calorie count for a single Fruittella sweet is relatively low, making it a manageable treat within a balanced diet. However, because they are high in sugar and carbohydrates, moderation is key. The specific count of 16 to 24 calories per piece can vary slightly based on the product line and individual sweet size, so checking the packaging is always the most accurate method. Understanding the nutritional information allows you to enjoy these fruity chews responsibly, fitting them into your daily intake without unexpected surprises.
