How Many Calories Are in a Drumstick Bar? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

A single Nestlé Original Vanilla Drumstick ice cream cone contains approximately 290 calories, though variants exist with slightly lower or higher counts. It is important to know if you are referencing the ice cream dessert cone or the chewable candy, as they have vastly different calorie profiles.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Drumstick varies significantly based on the product type and flavor. A standard Original Vanilla ice cream cone contains around 290 calories, while flavors like vanilla fudge or king size cones may have up to 350 calories. Factors like ingredients, cone size, and toppings influence the final count.

Key Points

Two Types of Drumsticks: The term 'Drumstick bar' can refer to either the Nestlé ice cream cone or the Swizzels chewable candy, which have very different calorie counts.
Standard Vanilla Cone: A standard Nestlé Original Vanilla Drumstick ice cream cone contains approximately 290 calories.
Calorie Variations: Other Nestlé Drumstick flavors and larger King Size versions can range from 280 to 390 calories, with add-ins like chocolate, fudge, and nuts increasing the total.
Chew Bar Calories: The smaller Swizzels Drumstick chew bar candy contains only about 34-38 calories per piece.
Key Calorie Factors: The overall calorie count is influenced by the size of the product, the flavor (vanilla, chocolate), and the presence of toppings like fudge and nuts.
Moderation is Key: Due to their high sugar and fat content, Drumstick products should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Understanding the 'Drumstick Bar'

When people ask "how many calories are in a drumstick bar?", they might be referring to one of two very different products: the iconic Nestlé Drumstick ice cream cone or the Swizzels Drumstick chew bar candy. The calorie content for each is dramatically different due to their size, ingredients, and nutritional makeup. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the calories and nutritional information for the most popular varieties of both products.

Nestlé Drumstick Ice Cream Cone Calories by Flavor

The calorie count for the ice cream cone versions of the Drumstick varies depending on the flavor and size. The primary ingredients that contribute to the calories are the creamy dairy base, the chocolate coating, the added toppings like peanuts or fudge, and the waffle cone itself.

Original Vanilla Drumstick

Original Vanilla: A standard Original Vanilla Drumstick cone is typically around 290 calories. Some regional versions or older data may list it as 280 calories. These variations can depend on minor recipe changes or serving sizes.

Chocolate and Other Flavors

Chocolate: A chocolate-flavored Nestle Drumstick contains around 360 calories, a higher count due to the additional chocolate ingredients.
Cookies & Cream: This flavor is reported to have approximately 350 calories per bar.
Vanilla Fudge: Standard vanilla fudge cones can range from 290 to 310 calories, depending on the specific product and size. Nestle Canada lists a version with 330 calories.
Triple Chocolate: A standard triple chocolate drumstick has about 280 calories.

King Size Drumsticks

Larger, or "King Size," versions of the Drumstick cones will naturally have a higher calorie count.

King Size Vanilla Chocolate: This variety has been listed at 350-360 calories.
King Size Vanilla with Chocolatey Swirls: One source reports this as 390 calories.
King Size Triple Chocolate: Listed at 350 calories per cone.

Swizzels Drumstick Chew Bar Calories

For those referring to the UK candy, the calorie content is significantly lower per bar, but higher per 100g due to its concentrated sugar and fat.

Original and Bubblegum Chew Bars

Original Chew Bar: A single, small chew bar weighs about 9g and contains around 34-38 calories. Per 100g, the calorie count is much higher, around 412 calories, reflecting its high sugar and carbohydrate content.
Bubblegum Bar: A small bubblegum chew bar contains approximately 38 calories.

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

When looking at the nutrition of a Drumstick, several factors come into play:

Ingredients: The type of ice cream (dairy vs. non-dairy), the amount of chocolate coating, and the inclusion of extras like fudge or peanuts all alter the caloric and macronutrient profile.
Size: As seen with the King Size versions, a larger cone means more calories. A standard-sized cone will always be less caloric than a larger, jumbo, or king-sized variant.
Coating and Toppings: The nuts, chocolatey shell, and fudge ripple found in many varieties are major contributors to the overall calorie and fat count.

Drumstick Calorie Comparison Table


Product (Nestlé unless specified)	Estimated Calories (per bar/cone)	Key Contributing Factors
Original Vanilla Ice Cream Cone	280-290	Vanilla ice cream, chocolate coating, waffle cone, peanuts
Chocolate Ice Cream Cone	360	Chocolate ice cream, thicker chocolate coating, cone
Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cone	350	Cookies, creamy base, chocolate coating
Vanilla Fudge Ice Cream Cone	300-330	Vanilla ice cream, fudge swirl, chocolatey coating
King Size Vanilla Chocolate	350-360	Larger cone, more ice cream and toppings
Swizzels Original Chew Bar	~34-38	Small candy size, concentrated sugars
Swizzels Bubblegum Chew Bar	~38	Small candy size, concentrated sugars

Making a Healthier Choice

For those monitoring their calorie intake, enjoying a Drumstick can still fit into a balanced diet. Here are some tips:

Choose the smaller, original-sized cones over the King Size versions to save on calories.
Pay attention to toppings; flavors with extra fudge or cookie pieces often have higher calorie and sugar counts. The vanilla or simple flavors tend to be the lowest.
Pair your treat with a healthy meal or as an occasional indulgence. A standard 290-calorie dessert can be part of a balanced diet when planned for.

Conclusion

While the exact calorie count for a "drumstick bar" depends heavily on whether it's a Nestlé ice cream cone or a Swizzels chew bar, it is clear that they are high-calorie snacks. Nestlé Drumstick cones range from about 280 to 390 calories depending on the flavor and size, with the Original Vanilla typically falling around 290 calories. In contrast, the smaller Swizzels chew bars are only around 35-40 calories each. Regardless of the type, these treats should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. It's always best to check the nutritional information on the packaging for the most accurate details for the specific product you're consuming. To explore the calorie content of other foods, consider checking a reliable resource like Eat This Much.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Nestle Original Vanilla Drumstick ice cream cone contains approximately 290 calories. Some nutritional databases or regional variations may list it slightly lower at 280 calories.

There is a massive calorie difference. A Nestlé Drumstick ice cream cone has hundreds of calories (e.g., ~290 for vanilla), while a single small Swizzels Drumstick chew bar candy has only around 34-38 calories.

The calorie count for a King Size Drumstick varies by flavor, but it is higher than the standard size. For example, a King Size Vanilla Chocolate Drumstick contains about 350-360 calories, while a King Size Vanilla with Chocolatey Swirls can be up to 390 calories.

A Drumstick ice cream bar is not considered a healthy snack and should be enjoyed in moderation. It is high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar. For a healthier option, consider a smaller portion size or a less indulgent dessert.

Yes, the type of ice cream and the flavor significantly affect the calorie count. Flavors with chocolate, fudge, or cookies tend to have higher calorie content than a plain vanilla version due to added sugar and fat.

When checking the label, look for the serving size and the total calories per serving. Also, pay attention to the amounts of total fat, saturated fat, and sugar, as these are the main contributors to the calorie content.

Yes, for those seeking lower-calorie alternatives, smaller-sized candy bars (like the Swizzels chew bar) or other frozen treats like popsicles or fruit-based sorbets are much lower in calories. Some brands also offer light ice cream options.