How Many Calories Are in a Snack Size Payday Bar?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

A single, 0.7-ounce snack size Payday bar contains 90 calories, according to nutritional data. This smaller portion provides a controlled indulgence, but understanding the complete nutritional profile is key for informed snacking.

Quick Summary

A standard single snack size Payday bar has 90 calories, while a common two-piece snack pack contains 180 calories. Its nutritional value is derived from peanuts, caramel, and sugar, which contribute to its calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content.

Key Points

Single Bar Calories: One 0.7 oz snack size Payday bar contains 90 calories, 5g of fat, and 10g of carbohydrates.
Two-Piece Serving: A common two-piece snack pack serving contains 180 calories, with 10g of fat and 22g of carbohydrates.
Salty-Sweet Ingredients: The primary components are peanuts and a caramel center, which drive the bar's calorie and sugar content.
Compared to Regular: The snack size provides a smaller portion and fewer calories than a standard 1.85 oz Payday bar, which can have over 240 calories.
Considered a Treat: While the peanuts offer some protein, the high sugar and fat content mean it should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
Check Packaging: Always verify the serving size on the packaging, as it can be listed as one bar or two bars depending on how it's sold.

Payday Bar Calorie Breakdown: Single vs. Two-Piece Serving

While a snack size might imply a single, consistent portion, Payday bars are often sold in bags with varying serving sizes. This can be a point of confusion for consumers trying to track their intake accurately. The key is to check the packaging, as the calorie count can differ significantly.

The Single Snack Size Bar (0.7 oz)

A single, individually wrapped snack size Payday bar is the smallest unit. Here is the nutritional breakdown for one piece:

Calories: 90
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugars: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 45mg

The Two-Piece Snack Size Serving

It is also very common to find snack size Payday bars packaged in a bag where the serving size is listed as two pieces. The nutritional information for this two-bar serving is approximately double that of the single bar. Based on Hersheyland's data for a two-piece serving:

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 90mg

The Ingredients Behind the Calories

The salty-sweet flavor and chewy texture of a Payday bar come from a simple list of ingredients, primarily peanuts and caramel. Peanuts are nutrient-dense, providing healthy fats and protein, but also contribute significantly to the total calorie count. The creamy, nougat-like caramel center is made from a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and skim milk, which primarily adds to the sugar and carbohydrate content. Understanding these ingredients helps explain why even a small bar is calorie-dense.

Snack Size Payday vs. Other Varieties

To put the snack size bar into perspective, it's helpful to compare its nutritional profile with other Payday varieties. This comparison highlights the impact of portion size on overall calorie consumption.


Payday Bar Size	Approximate Weight	Calories	Protein	Sugars
Snack Size (1 piece)	0.7 oz	90	3g	8g
Snack Size (2 pieces)	1.4 oz	180	5g	16g
Standard Bar	1.85 oz	240-250	6-7g	21-22g

What This Means for Your Diet

For many, a 90-calorie snack fits easily into a daily diet, especially when consumed in moderation. The protein from the peanuts offers some satiety, potentially making it a more satisfying treat than some other candy options. However, the high sugar content means it should not replace more nutrient-dense foods. If you are watching your sugar intake, even the small portion can add up quickly.

Healthier Snack Alternatives to Consider

If you're looking for a similar salty-and-sweet flavor profile but with different nutritional benefits, here is a list of alternatives:

A handful of mixed nuts: Provides healthy fats, fiber, and protein without the added sugar.
An apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter: Combines the natural sweetness of fruit with the protein and fat of peanut butter for a filling snack.
A small Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of peanuts: Offers probiotics and significantly more protein for long-lasting energy.
A whole-grain bar with nuts: Often lower in sugar than a candy bar but still satisfies a sweet craving.

Ultimately, whether a snack size Payday bar is an appropriate treat depends on your personal dietary goals and how you balance it with other foods. For more information on Hershey's products and nutritional facts, visit their website.

Conclusion

In summary, a single snack size Payday bar contains 90 calories, while a two-piece serving contains 180 calories. Its calories come from a combination of peanuts and caramel, resulting in a treat that offers some protein but is also high in sugar. While a reasonable indulgence in moderation, checking the specific serving size is crucial to manage calorie and sugar intake effectively. By being mindful of portion sizes and exploring healthier alternatives, you can better control your diet while still enjoying an occasional treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single, 0.7-ounce snack size Payday bar contains 90 calories.

The serving size can be either one bar (90 calories) or a two-piece serving (180 calories), depending on the packaging format.

A single 0.7 oz snack size bar contains 8 grams of sugar.

A regular 1.85 oz Payday bar contains 240-250 calories, while a single 0.7 oz snack size bar has 90 calories.

A single snack size bar has 45mg of sodium, which is a moderate amount for its size but a relatively small contribution to a daily intake.

A single snack size bar contains 3 grams of protein from the peanuts, which is a notable amount for a candy bar but not a primary source of daily protein.

Yes, according to information from the manufacturer, Payday bars are gluten-free.