A Detailed Look at Black Jack Chew Calories
Many people remember the classic aniseed-flavored Black Jack chews as a nostalgic treat. While enjoying them is a trip down memory lane, understanding their nutritional content is important for those mindful of their calorie intake. It's crucial to first distinguish between the classic UK chew (made by Barratt) and other aniseed-flavored products on the market, such as American-made taffy or gum, as their calorie counts will differ significantly.
The Barratt Black Jack Chew: A Nutritional Breakdown
The most widely recognized Black Jack is the chewy sweet produced by Barratt. Based on nutritional information, its energy content is consistent across various retailers.
Per 100g serving:
- Energy: 1612kJ / 380 kcal
- Fat: 3.7g
- Carbohydrates: 86.3g
- Of which sugars: 48.8g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Salt: 0.19g
Per individual chew: While the per-100g figure provides a solid baseline, most people consume individual sweets rather than a full 100g. A common estimate suggests there are around 19 kcal per individual chew, a useful number for portion control. The sweet is primarily composed of carbohydrates, with a significant portion coming directly from sugar, while being very low in protein and fats.
Ingredients and What They Mean for Calories
The calorie content in Black Jack chews comes from its core ingredients. A typical ingredients list includes:
- Glucose Syrup
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Colour (Vegetable Carbon)
- Hydrolysed Pea Protein
- Acid (Citric Acid)
- Aniseed Oil
- Acidity Regulator (Trisodium Citrate)
Both glucose syrup and sugar are the primary sources of energy in the form of simple carbohydrates. The palm oil contributes a small amount of fat. As with most confectionery, the chews offer very little in the way of essential vitamins or minerals.
Other Black Jack Varieties and Their Calories
To avoid confusion, it is important to note that other products carry the Black Jack name, with different calorie counts.
- American Black Jack Taffy: Some U.S. products, like Howe Black Jack Taffy, have different nutrition facts. One product is listed as having 160 calories per serving of 7 pieces, or roughly 23 calories per piece.
- Black Jack Chewing Gum: This classic gum, now produced by Gerrit J. Verburg, contains different ingredients and is often sugar-free in its modern iteration, meaning its calorie count is negligible.
Comparison Table: Black Jack Chews vs. Other Candies
To put the calorie count of a Black Jack chew into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular sweets based on their approximate per-piece or per-serving calorie count.
| Candy Type | Serving Size | Approximate Calories (kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| Barratt Black Jack Chews | 1 chew | ~19 |
| Starburst Chewy Fruit | 1 candy | ~20 (based on 182 kcal per 45g pack) |
| Bassetts Jelly Baby | 1 sweet | ~20 |
| Haribo Starmix | 1 sweet | ~18 (based on 177 kcal per 50g pack) |
| Tootsie Roll Snack Bar | 1 bar (14g) | 50 |
| Milky Bar | 1 bar | 68 |
How to Factor Black Jack Chews into a Balanced Diet
Incorporating occasional candy into a balanced diet is certainly possible, but mindful consumption is key. The NHS provides useful guidance on calorie counting and balancing your intake. A single Black Jack chew is relatively low in calories compared to larger chocolate bars, but its high sugar content means it should be seen as an infrequent treat. The energy provided is a burst of sugar, not sustained fuel, which is typical of most high-sugar confectionery. Those with specific dietary concerns, such as managing diabetes, should be cautious with high-sugar items like this, as mentioned by the American Heart Association concerning black licorice.
Conclusion
To summarize, a standard Barratt black jack chew contains approximately 19 calories. This calorie count is derived primarily from its sugar and glucose syrup content. While low in energy per piece, its lack of nutritional value means it should be enjoyed as an occasional sweet treat rather than a regular part of a diet. Consumers should also be aware of the different types of Black Jack products to ensure they are referencing the correct nutritional information. For anyone looking to manage their weight or sugar intake, understanding these figures is a key part of making informed dietary decisions.
References
- Barratt Black Jack Chews - Retro Aniseed Chewy Sweets - ToffeeWorld,
https://www.toffeeworld.co.uk/product/barratt-black-jack-chews - Barratt Black Jack Chews - Sweet Genie,
https://www.sweetgenie.co.uk/product/barratt-black-jack-chews-bag/ - Calorie counting - Better Health - NHS,
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/calorie-counting/
