How many calories are in a small chocolate bunny?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Small chocolate bunnies vary greatly in calorie count, with a typical 1.2-ounce (34g) hollow Hershey's milk chocolate bunny containing approximately 170 calories. However, the exact caloric total depends on factors like the bunny's weight, whether it's hollow or solid, and the type of chocolate used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a small chocolate bunny differs based on its weight, whether it's hollow or solid, and the type of chocolate. A small solid bunny has more calories than a hollow one of the same size. Milk chocolate bunnies often contain more sugar and calories than comparable dark chocolate varieties.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for a small chocolate bunny is not fixed and depends on its weight, whether it's hollow or solid, and the chocolate type.
Hollow vs. Solid: Hollow bunnies contain fewer calories than solid bunnies of the same size due to less chocolate content, making them a lighter choice.
Milk vs. Dark Chocolate: Milk chocolate bunnies are typically higher in sugar, while dark chocolate versions offer antioxidants and slightly different calorie profiles.
Label Reading is Key: Always check the specific product's nutrition label, as the serving size and total weight are the most accurate indicators of calorie content.
Moderation is Best: Regardless of the bunny's specific calories, enjoying it in moderation is the best approach for managing your holiday treat intake.

Deciphering the Chocolate Bunny's Calorie Count

When Easter arrives, the chocolate bunny is a beloved tradition, but its nutritional information is rarely straightforward. With variations in size, fill, and chocolate type, the calorie count can be surprisingly different from one bunny to the next. Understanding these distinctions is key to a more mindful indulgence.

The Impact of Hollow vs. Solid

The most significant factor determining a chocolate bunny's calorie count is whether it is hollow or solid. This simple structural difference accounts for major variations in weight and, consequently, calories. A hollow bunny of the same dimensions as a solid one will contain significantly fewer calories because there is less chocolate overall. For example, a small hollow Hershey's milk chocolate bunny (4 oz box) contains around 140 calories per 1/4 package serving (28g), while a solid milk chocolate bunny from Hershey's (4.25 oz) contains around 150 calories per 1/4 package serving (30g). A smaller, solid bunny is likely to pack a bigger caloric punch ounce for ounce due to its density.

Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate: A Calorie Comparison

The type of chocolate used also plays a role in the calorie count. While the difference per gram can be minimal, it adds up quickly with larger portions. Milk chocolate is typically made with added sugar and milk solids, resulting in a creamier texture and generally higher sugar content. Dark chocolate, with its higher cocoa percentage, tends to have a lower sugar content but may contain more cocoa fat, which is higher in calories. However, many studies highlight the antioxidant benefits of dark chocolate over milk chocolate. A comparison of mini Lindt bunnies shows the nuanced difference: a 10g mini gold milk chocolate bunny contains around 57 calories, while a similar 10g portion of dark chocolate might contain a few more or less depending on the specific cocoa percentage.

Comparing Popular Small Chocolate Bunnies

To make a truly informed choice, it's helpful to compare popular brands. The following table provides a snapshot of the caloric differences between various small chocolate bunnies. Keep in mind that 'small' can mean different things to different brands, so portion size and weight are crucial.


Brand	Chocolate Type	Weight (approx.)	Calories	Notes
Hershey's	Solid Milk	30g (1/4 of 4.25 oz box)	~150	Denser and higher in calories per serving.
Hershey's	Hollow Milk	28g (1/4 of 4 oz box)	~140	Lower calorie option for the same size.
Lindt	Mini Gold Milk	10g	~57	Very small, individual treats.
See's Candies	Mini Milk	1 oz (~28g)	~150	Solid and dense, with higher fat and carbs.
Bon Bon Bunny	Milk	21g	~120	A specific example showing variations.

This table illustrates that while a 30-gram solid bunny from Hershey's is only 10 calories more per serving than its hollow counterpart, the total difference for the entire bunny is significant. A consumer's perception of size might not align with the actual nutritional impact. For example, a single 10g Lindt mini bunny is a much smaller commitment than a portion of a larger Hershey's solid bunny.

Considerations for a Healthier Indulgence

If you are watching your calorie intake, there are a few things to consider when choosing your chocolate bunny. Smaller is not always lighter, especially when comparing solid vs. hollow. Furthermore, a dark chocolate option may provide more antioxidants, even if the calorie count is similar, potentially making it a 'better' choice for some. The most important thing is to read the label and be aware of the specific portion size. Many nutrition labels are based on a fraction of the bunny, not the whole thing. If the label says 150 calories per 30g, and your 'small' bunny is 100g, you're actually consuming 500 calories, which is a considerable amount.

Another approach is to seek out specialty bunnies made with higher quality ingredients. Some artisans focus on using less sugar and higher quality cocoa, which can sometimes lead to a slightly different nutritional profile. However, this is not a guarantee for fewer calories, as fat from cocoa butter is still a major contributor. Ultimately, moderation is key. A chocolate bunny is a holiday treat, and enjoying it mindfully is the best strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no single answer to the question, "how many calories are in a small chocolate bunny?" because it depends on several key variables: its weight, whether it's hollow or solid, and the type of chocolate. While a small milk chocolate bunny might be around 120 to 170 calories, a dense, solid one of the same outward appearance can be much more calorically dense. Reading the nutrition label for the specific product is the only way to be certain. Opting for a small, hollow bunny or a high-cocoa dark chocolate version can help reduce calories or increase nutritional benefits, but portion control remains the most effective strategy for managing intake. The best advice is to enjoy your treat and not to overthink it, as it is a seasonal delight meant for pleasure, not guilt.

Here is an example of an outbound link to an authoritative source on chocolate nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a hollow chocolate bunny has significantly fewer calories than a solid bunny of the same size because it contains less chocolate overall. For example, a Hershey's hollow milk chocolate bunny has 140 calories per 28g serving, while a similar solid one has 150 calories per 30g serving, but the weight difference of the full product makes the hollow bunny much less caloric overall.

According to CalorieKing, a single 10g Lindt Mini Gold Bunny contains approximately 57 calories. A 5-pack of 1.7 oz total (approx. 48g) mini bunnies from Lindt USA lists 260 calories per pack.

Dark chocolate often has slightly less sugar than milk chocolate but can have a similar or sometimes higher calorie count due to more cocoa fat. The health benefits of antioxidants in dark chocolate are often considered a more significant advantage than minor calorie differences.

No, calorie counts vary significantly by brand and specific product. The weight and fill (hollow vs. solid) are the most important factors. A small Lindt mini bunny (10g) has far fewer calories than a 'small' but denser solid bunny from a different brand.

The most accurate method is to check the nutrition label for the specific product. The serving size is key. Multiply the calories per serving by the number of servings in the entire bunny to get the total calorie count. For example, a 4 oz bunny divided into 4 servings means you need to multiply the calories per serving by four.

The calorie density varies, but a solid milk chocolate bunny is roughly 150-160 calories per ounce (about 28g), while hollow versions are less dense. A solid milk chocolate bunny from Sarris Candies, for example, is 150 calories per ounce.

Beyond calories, you should consider the fat content, particularly saturated fat, and the amount of added sugars. These are often high in milk chocolate bunnies. Dark chocolate versions may also contain some dietary fiber.