What is a Yum Yum?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to clarify what a yum yum is. A yum yum is a twisted, glazed, deep-fried pastry that is a staple in many UK and Irish bakeries. It is often described as a lighter, fluffier version of a traditional doughnut, though the preparation and ingredients can differ. The high fat and sugar content from the frying and the sticky glaze are the primary contributors to its significant calorie count.
Calorie Breakdown by Retailer
For those looking for precise nutritional information, the calories can vary depending on where you buy your yum yums. This is due to differences in recipe and size. Let's look at some examples from common retailers, noting that the calorie counts are for a single yum yum unless otherwise specified.
- Greggs Yum Yum: This is one of the most widely available and referenced versions. Each yum yum is a 78.2g portion and contains 323 kcal. Therefore, two Greggs yum yums would contain 646 kcal.
- Waitrose Raspberry Yum Yums: A yum yum from Waitrose is a smaller portion at 62g and contains 262 kcal. A pair of these would amount to 524 kcal.
- Tesco Haydens Yum Yums: These yum yums are listed at 237 kcal each, making a serving of two come to 474 kcal.
- Sainsbury's Yum Yums: At Sainsbury's, a single yum yum contains 225 kcal. Two would be 450 kcal.
- Co-op Yum Yums: The nutritional data for these shows a higher calorie density, with 100g containing 429 kcal. A specific portion size would be needed for an exact calculation, but this provides a benchmark.
Other Nutritional Considerations
Beyond just calories, yum yums are high in other macronutrients that are important for a balanced diet. A Greggs yum yum, for example, is particularly high in saturated fat and sugar.
- Fat: A single Greggs yum yum has 17g of fat, with 8.3g being saturated fat, which is 41% of an adult's reference intake.
- Sugar: Each Greggs yum yum contains 15g of sugar, contributing to 17% of the reference intake.
- Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is also high, with a Greggs yum yum containing 38g of carbohydrates.
Factors Affecting Calorie Count
Several variables can influence the final calorie count of a yum yum. These include:
- Preparation Method: Whether the yum yum is deep-fried or baked significantly impacts its fat content. Fried versions absorb more oil and are typically higher in calories.
- Ingredients: The type of fat used, the amount of sugar in the dough and glaze, and the addition of other fillings or toppings all contribute to the final calorie total.
- Size and Weight: As the examples from different retailers show, the weight of the pastry is a direct factor. A heavier, larger yum yum will naturally have more calories.
- Glazing: The amount and type of glaze applied can add a considerable number of extra calories from sugar.
Comparison of Pastry Calories
Here is a comparison table to help put the yum yum's calorie count into perspective against other common pastries. It's important to remember that portion sizes can vary, so these are averages or based on typical serving sizes.
| Pastry Type | Typical Calories (per item) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greggs Yum Yum | 323 kcal | Twisted, glazed, deep-fried pastry. |
| Croissant | ~300 kcal | Calories can be significantly higher with fillings like chocolate. |
| Glazed Ring Doughnut | ~214 kcal | Averages based on nutritional databases; smaller than a yum yum. |
| Danish Pastry | ~419 kcal | Often has a filling, increasing overall calories. |
| Blueberry Muffin | ~426 kcal | Averages can vary based on size and recipe. |
Healthier Alternatives and Moderation
For those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without the high calorie and sugar content, there are several strategies. First, consider a homemade recipe that allows you to control the ingredients. You can opt for a baked version rather than a fried one and reduce the sugar in the glaze. Alternatively, some recipes replace calorie-rich ingredients with healthier alternatives.
- Use a reduced-sugar sweetener in the glaze.
- Substitute some fat with healthier ingredients like yogurt or puréed fruit.
- Opt for a smaller portion or share one yum yum with a friend.
Ultimately, yum yums, like many pastries, are a treat to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Being aware of the nutritional information allows for informed choices. For more on healthier baking techniques and ingredient substitutions, the National Institutes of Health provides extensive resources on the nutritional improvement of baked products.
Conclusion
The number of calories in 2 yum yums is not a single, universal figure but typically falls within the 450-650 kcal range depending on the retailer. A pair of the popular Greggs yum yums contains 646 kcal, a number driven by the fat from frying and sugar from the glaze. When enjoying these sweet treats, understanding the nutritional breakdown is key to fitting them into a healthy lifestyle. For those watching their calorie or sugar intake, considering healthier alternatives or simply practicing moderation is the best approach. The varying recipes across different bakeries mean it's always wise to check the specific nutritional information if you are concerned about the details.
