How many calories are in a Milky Way?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

The number of calories in a Milky Way bar varies significantly depending on the size and variety, with a standard US 1.84 oz bar containing approximately 240 calories. This creamy chocolate bar, known for its caramel and nougat core, offers a rich taste but also a dense nutritional profile, particularly in sugar and saturated fat.

Quick Summary

This article details the caloric content of various Milky Way bars, including fun size, king size, and Midnight versions, alongside a nutritional breakdown and comparisons with other popular candy.

Key Points

Standard US Bar: A standard 1.84 oz Milky Way bar contains approximately 240 calories, composed primarily of carbohydrates and fats.
Fun Size Option: A smaller fun-size Milky Way bar has around 75-80 calories, providing a portion-controlled alternative to the larger versions.
King Size Bar: The much larger king-size Milky Way bar has a higher caloric load of up to 470 calories, effectively doubling the intake of a standard bar.
Milky Way Midnight: The dark chocolate Milky Way Midnight bar contains slightly fewer calories than the original, with a 1.76 oz bar having about 220 calories.
Nutritional Profile: Beyond calories, Milky Way bars are high in sugar and saturated fat and offer minimal protein and fiber.
Moderation is Key: Due to the high sugar and fat content, consuming Milky Way bars in moderation is recommended as part of a balanced diet.

Calorie Breakdown by Milky Way Bar Size

Understanding the calories in a Milky Way requires looking beyond just the standard bar, as different sizes and variations have distinct nutritional information. Whether you're enjoying a small treat or indulging in a larger size, the calorie count shifts accordingly.

The Standard Size Milky Way

The classic American Milky Way bar, typically weighing around 1.84 oz (52.2g), contains approximately 240 calories. The primary contributors to this calorie count are its generous portions of carbohydrates and fats.

Fat: Around 9g of total fat, with about 6g being saturated fat.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 37g of carbohydrates, with a significant 32g from sugars.
Protein: A relatively low 2g of protein.

Fun Size and King Size Variations

Beyond the standard bar, Milky Way comes in both smaller and larger formats, each with its own calorie profile. The fun size is popular for portion control, while the king size offers a larger, more calorie-dense treat.

Fun Size: A single fun-size bar (around 17g) contains roughly 75-80 calories. This makes it a more manageable option for those watching their intake. However, it's easy to eat multiple fun-size bars, and the calories can add up quickly.
King Size: A king-size bar (approx. 103g) can contain up to 470 calories, effectively doubling the intake of a standard bar. This is a significant caloric commitment and represents a much higher percentage of an individual's daily recommended calorie intake.

The Milky Way Midnight Calorie Count

For those who prefer dark chocolate, the Milky Way Midnight offers a distinct flavor profile. This version swaps the milk chocolate for a darker variety, slightly altering the nutrition.

Standard Midnight: A 1.76 oz (50g) bar of Milky Way Midnight contains approximately 220 calories. This is slightly less than the milk chocolate version, primarily due to the different chocolate type.
Fun Size Midnight: A fun-size dark chocolate bar has around 84 calories.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are a key metric, the overall nutritional profile is also important. Milky Way bars, regardless of size, are primarily a source of sugar and saturated fat with minimal protein and fiber.

High Sugar Content: The majority of the carbohydrate content in a Milky Way is sugar. The standard bar contains 32g of sugar, which is over half of the recommended daily limit for many adults.
Saturated Fat: The high saturated fat content, particularly in the larger and king-size versions, contributes significantly to the total calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Comparing Milky Way to Other Candy Bars

Comparing the caloric content of a Milky Way to other popular candies can provide useful context for those managing their intake. Here's a comparison based on standard single-bar sizes.


Candy Bar	Approx. Weight (oz)	Approx. Calories	Key Differentiators
Milky Way	1.84 oz	240	Nougat and caramel filling, milk chocolate coating
Milky Way Midnight	1.76 oz	220	Dark chocolate coating, vanilla nougat
Snickers	1.86 oz	240-245	Peanuts, nougat, caramel, milk chocolate
Mars Bar (UK)	1.76 oz (50g)	228	Nougat and caramel filling, milk chocolate coating (similar to Milky Way)

Making a Mindful Choice

For those who enjoy a Milky Way but want to be mindful of their calorie intake, several strategies can help. Opting for a smaller fun-size bar is the most direct way to reduce caloric consumption. Additionally, considering the timing of your treat, such as having it after a balanced meal, can help manage blood sugar levels and cravings. For more tips on moderation, the Mars website offers some guidance on responsible treat consumption, like their portion-controlled options.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a Milky Way is not a single, fixed number but varies significantly by size. A standard bar contains about 240 calories, while fun-size bars are around 75-80 calories, and a king-size bar can contain up to 470 calories. The dark chocolate Milky Way Midnight has a slightly lower calorie count than its milk chocolate counterpart. While a Milky Way can be a delightful treat, it's high in sugar and saturated fat, making moderation key for a balanced diet. Understanding these caloric differences empowers you to make informed decisions about your snack choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single fun-size Milky Way bar contains approximately 75 to 80 calories.

A king-size Milky Way bar can contain up to 470 calories, which is nearly double the calories of a standard size bar.

Yes, a standard Milky Way Midnight dark chocolate bar has approximately 220 calories, which is slightly less than the 240 calories in a standard milk chocolate Milky Way.

A standard 1.84 oz Milky Way bar contains 32g of sugar, which contributes a significant portion of its 240 total calories and is over half the daily recommended limit for many adults.

No, the UK Milky Way is different from the US version and has a lighter nougat center without caramel. Its calorie count per serving differs from the US product.

A standard 1.84 oz Milky Way has about 240 calories, which is similar to a 1.86 oz Snickers bar that contains around 245 calories.

The main ingredients in a US Milky Way bar include milk chocolate, corn syrup, sugar, palm oil, skim milk, and malted barley extract, along with caramel and nougat.