The Calorie Count: A Detailed Look
For a standard 25g Wham Original bar, the calorie count is approximately 93-95 calories, with reliable sources like Nutracheck and MyNetDiary confirming figures in this range. This puts it in line with many single-portion chewy candies from the same era. A slightly different version, like the 25g Wham Extreme Super Sour bar, has a very similar energy profile, with Nutracheck listing it at 94 calories. The total energy value is almost entirely derived from its carbohydrate and sugar content, reflecting its composition as a sugary, chewy sweet rather than a balanced snack. The key takeaway is that for a small item, it provides a quick, concentrated energy boost typical of high-sugar treats.
Nutritional Breakdown of a 25g Wham Bar
Beyond the headline calorie number, understanding the full nutritional profile provides better context. For a 25g serving, the figures are quite specific due to the high proportion of glucose syrup and sugar. Below is a typical breakdown based on data for a 25g Original bar:
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 21.2g
- Sugars: Approximately 12g to 12.3g, making up a significant portion of the total carbohydrate content.
- Fat: Less than 1g (around 0.9g)
- Protein: Minimal, often listed as 0.1g or 0g
- Salt: Very low
This profile reveals that the Wham bar is not a source of essential nutrients like protein or fiber, but is instead a simple sugary confectionery. Its role is as an occasional treat rather than a nutritional food source.
The Ingredients Behind the Fizz
The iconic, mouth-tingling sensation of a Wham bar comes from a careful blend of ingredients. The base is a classic chewy toffee, while the fizzy sensation is delivered by infused sour crystals. The typical ingredients list for an Original Wham bar includes:
- Glucose syrup
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Citric Acid
- Flavouring (e.g., raspberry)
- Hydrolysed milk protein
- Colours and Acidity Regulators
Notably, the inclusion of hydrolysed milk protein means the product is not suitable for vegans, although it is suitable for vegetarians. The list is indicative of a confectionery product, with a clear focus on delivering flavour and texture. Some variations may feature different flavourings or colours, but the core formula remains centered on high sugar and glucose syrup content.
Comparing Wham Bars to Other Chewy Sweets
To put the Wham bar's nutritional content into perspective, it's useful to compare it with other popular chewy sweets. The table below outlines the nutritional information per 100g for an Original Wham bar versus a few other classics.
| Nutrient | Original Wham Bar (per 100g) | Refresher Bar (per 100g) | Fruit Salad Chew (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 372 | 392 | 396 |
| Fat (g) | 3.5 | 4.9 | 5.3 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 84.7 | 85.9 | 83.6 |
| Sugars (g) | 49.2 | 63.4 | 83.6 |
This comparison shows that the Wham bar is comparable in overall calories and macronutrient profile to other chewy, high-sugar confections. Its slightly lower sugar content per 100g compared to some alternatives, along with its slightly higher fat content from the palm oil, provides a different texture and flavour profile but remains firmly in the treat category.
Wham Bar History and Variations
Originally launched in the early 1980s by Scottish confectioner McCowan's, the Wham bar quickly became a playground staple, selling over 30 million units annually at its peak. Its iconic comic-strip style packaging and tongue-tingling fizz made it a hit. After McCowan's went into administration, the brand rights were acquired by Tangerine Confectionery (now part of Valeo Confectionery) in 2011, ensuring its survival.
Over the years, the Wham bar range has expanded beyond the original raspberry. Other popular flavours and products include:
- Wham Extreme Super Sour: Features an even more intense sour and fizzy experience.
- Wham Minis: Smaller, bite-sized chews with sour crystals.
- Glam Bar: A strawberry-flavoured version introduced in 2010.
- Other Flavours: Varieties like Cola, Sour Apple, and Sour Cherry have also appeared.
Conclusion
In summary, a 25g Wham bar contains approximately 93-95 calories, with the specific number varying slightly between the Original and Extreme flavours. The bar's energy comes predominantly from its high carbohydrate and sugar content, while its fat and protein are minimal. While a cherished retro sweet known for its chewy texture and signature fizzy sensation, it remains a treat to be enjoyed in moderation, rather than a significant source of daily nutrition. For anyone tracking their caloric intake, this information provides a clear picture of what to expect from this nostalgic candy. You can find detailed nutritional information on many websites, including the official Barratt sweets page or via nutrition trackers like Nutracheck.
