Deciphering the Calorie Count of a Small Reese's Blast
When a craving for a sweet, decadent dessert strikes, the Sonic Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blast is a popular choice. However, many people are unaware of the significant calorie load packed into even the smallest size. The high-fat, high-sugar ingredients in this frozen treat quickly accumulate, making it a surprisingly dense source of calories. A typical small Reese's Blast from Sonic contains somewhere in the range of 820 to 870 calories, with variations depending on the specific recipe and portion size used by different nutritional databases. This article breaks down the nutritional content to explain why the calorie count is so high and how it compares to other desserts.
The Macronutrient Profile
The calorie composition of a Reese's Blast is dominated by carbohydrates and fats. Examining the breakdown reveals where the energy comes from:
- Carbohydrates: The sugar from the ice cream base and the added candy is the primary contributor to the carbohydrate count. Sources indicate a range from 89g to over 100g of total carbohydrates, with a significant portion being pure sugar.
- Fats: The creamy ice cream and the peanut butter cups contribute a high amount of fat. A small blast can contain upwards of 40g of total fat, with a substantial portion consisting of saturated fat. Some estimates place the saturated fat content well over 100% of the daily recommended value.
- Protein: While the blast does contain some protein from the dairy and peanuts, it is not a significant source relative to its fat and carb content. A small size typically offers between 14 and 16 grams of protein.
This macronutrient ratio highlights that the treat is energy-dense but offers minimal nutritional value beyond the sheer caloric intake. For example, a single small Reese's Blast can represent a large fraction of an adult's recommended daily calorie allowance, particularly for those on weight management plans.
Comparison to Other Popular Desserts
To put the small Reese's Blast into perspective, it's helpful to compare its calorie count to other popular fast-food desserts. This table provides a side-by-side view of calorie counts for similarly sized treats.
| Dessert Item (Small/Regular Size) | Estimated Calories | Primary High-Calorie Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Sonic Reese's Blast (Small) | ~820-870 calories | Ice cream, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups |
| McDonald's McFlurry with Oreo (Regular) | ~510 calories | Vanilla soft-serve, Oreo cookie pieces |
| Dairy Queen Blizzard with Oreo (Small) | ~660 calories | Vanilla soft-serve, Oreo cookie pieces |
| Wendy's Chocolate Frosty (Small) | ~350 calories | Chocolate milk, sugar |
As the table shows, the small Reese's Blast is substantially more calorific than comparable-sized frozen dessert options at other fast-food restaurants. This is mainly due to its generous combination of multiple high-calorie ingredients like premium ice cream and peanut butter cup chunks.
What Exactly Is in a Reese's Blast?
The indulgent nature of the Reese's Blast comes from its ingredient list, which combines several components into a blended confection. The main components are:
- Vanilla Soft Serve: The creamy, sweet base of the blast is a soft-serve ice cream. Soft-serve is high in sugar and fat, laying the caloric foundation.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Crumbled Reese's cups are blended throughout the ice cream, adding a concentrated dose of chocolate, peanut butter, and sugar.
- Additional Toppings: Some versions may include extra peanut butter sauce, syrup, or additional candy pieces mixed in, further increasing the calorie content.
Nutritional Information Summary
For those tracking nutritional intake, a summary of the typical macronutrient values is useful. The exact figures can vary based on serving size, preparation, and data source, but they generally fall within these ranges:
- Calories: 820-870
- Total Fat: 41-47g
- Saturated Fat: 27-29g
- Carbohydrates: 89-111g
- Sugar: 67-94g
- Protein: 14-16g
These numbers highlight the high concentration of fats, particularly saturated fats, and sugars. The sugar content alone is often far more than the daily recommended limit for added sugars.
Conclusion
For those wondering how many calories are in a small Reese's Blast, the answer is a surprisingly high number, typically exceeding 800 calories. This figure is attributed to its rich combination of ice cream, peanut butter cups, and sugar. While a delicious treat, it's best viewed as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular dessert choice for those monitoring their health. Being aware of the nutritional density can help you make more mindful decisions about your dietary habits. The sheer density of this sweet treat solidifies its position as a substantial caloric experience, and not a light option. For comprehensive nutrition information, it is always best to consult the official website or a trusted nutrition database.
Note: Nutrient values can vary slightly based on food preparation and ingredient sourcing.
