How Many Calories Are In a Sour Ball? Your Nutritional Guide

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

One piece of Charms Candy Sour Balls contains approximately 20 calories, providing a clear example of the concentrated sugar content in these hard candies. The exact count for how many calories are in a sour ball varies by brand, but they are consistently high in sugar and carbohydrates.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single sour ball is typically between 12 and 25, though this depends entirely on the specific brand and size. Calories come almost exclusively from sugar and corn syrup, as they contain no fat or protein.

Key Points

Variable Calories: Sour ball calories vary by brand and size, with many falling between 12 and 25 calories per piece.
Empty Calories: The calories are primarily from simple sugars and offer no significant nutritional value like fiber, vitamins, or protein.
High Sugar Content: Sour balls are a concentrated source of sugar and corn syrup, which contributes to their high-calorie density.
Zero Fat and Protein: Most sour ball varieties contain zero fat or protein, deriving all their energy from carbohydrates.
Dental Health Risk: The acidic and sugary nature of sour candy can be detrimental to tooth enamel over time.
Moderation is Key: Because they are high in sugar and calories, consuming sour balls in moderation is essential for a balanced diet.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Sour Balls

For many, a sour ball is a fleeting moment of intensely tangy and sweet pleasure. However, for those monitoring their caloric intake, understanding the numbers is crucial. Unlike whole foods, sour balls offer very little nutritional value beyond a quick burst of energy from simple sugars. The calorie content is not standardized and fluctuates significantly based on the manufacturer, size, and formulation of the candy.

Calorie Breakdown by Specific Brand

Because there is no one-size-fits-all answer, looking at popular examples provides the best guidance. Here are a few examples of specific products:

Charms Sour Balls: Based on the nutrition facts, one small candy ball contains about 20 calories.
Big Win Sour Cherry Balls: This brand offers a lower-calorie option, with one piece containing approximately 12 calories.
Judson-Atkinson Candies Sour Balls: For this brand, a serving size of four pieces totals 50 calories, making each individual ball roughly 12.5 calories.
First Street Sour Fruit Balls: These are larger, and three pieces contain about 60 calories, averaging 20 calories per piece.
Nifty Nut House Orange Sour Balls: A serving of ten of these candies packs 150 calories, for 15 calories per candy.

The Sugar Connection: The Primary Calorie Source

The calories in a sour ball come almost entirely from its simple carbohydrate content, which is overwhelmingly sugar and corn syrup. Each gram of sugar provides approximately 4 calories of energy. As these candies are essentially hardened sugar, their calorie density is very high. They contain virtually no fat, protein, or fiber, meaning the calories they provide are often referred to as "empty calories" because they offer no other nutritional benefits. The sour flavor comes from an acidic coating, such as citric or malic acid, which adds negligible calories.

Lists and Considerations for Sour Candy Consumption

When enjoying sour balls, keep a few key points in mind for health and wellness.

Key considerations:

Moderation is critical: A single candy might not seem like much, but the calories and sugar can quickly accumulate if you consume multiple pieces. This is especially true for larger portion sizes.
Dental health risks: The combination of sugar and acid in sour balls can be particularly damaging to tooth enamel. The prolonged sucking on hard candy increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to these harmful ingredients.
Blood sugar spikes: As a source of simple sugar, sour balls can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, which is a concern for individuals with diabetes or those managing blood sugar.
Checking labels: The most reliable method for an accurate calorie count is always to check the nutritional information on the specific package you are buying.

Healthier alternatives for a sweet and sour craving:

Fruit: Natural fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruit can offer a tart flavor with added fiber and vitamins.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a high-protein, lower-sugar option.
Sugar-free candy: Some brands offer sugar-free hard candies, though it is important to be aware of potential side effects from sugar alcohols.

Comparing Sour Balls to Other Popular Candies

This table provides context by comparing the calorie content of a sour ball to other popular confectionary items. Note that serving sizes and nutritional information can vary.


Candy Type	Approximate Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Primary Calorie Source	Notes
Sour Ball (Charms)	1 piece	20	Sugar	Varies greatly by brand
Hershey's Kisses	1 piece	22	Sugar, Fat	Milk chocolate, includes cocoa butter
Caramel (Kraft)	1 piece	30	Sugar, Corn Syrup, Milk	Contains fat and sugar
Gummy Bear	1 piece	8	Sugar, Corn Syrup	Lower per-piece but often eaten in higher quantities
Lifesavers (Hard)	1 piece	15	Sugar	Similar hard candy, less sour flavor

Conclusion: The Final Tally

In summary, the calorie content of a single sour ball is not a fixed number but generally falls in the range of 12 to 25 calories, with brands like Charms sitting at around 20 calories per piece. The calories are derived from concentrated sugar and provide no other significant nutritional benefits. While enjoying these treats occasionally is perfectly fine, the key to responsible consumption is understanding their high sugar content and empty calorie nature. For precise nutritional information, always consult the product's packaging.

External Resource: For more detailed calorie information on a wide range of foods, including many different types of candy, you can explore reputable nutrition databases like CalorieKing.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the calorie content of sour balls varies depending on the brand and size. For example, a Charms sour ball contains about 20 calories, while a Big Win sour ball contains around 12 calories.

The calories in a sour ball come almost entirely from sugar and corn syrup. These are simple carbohydrates that provide energy but offer no other nutritional benefits.

Most sour balls are fat-free. The nutrition facts for many brands, like Charms and Judson-Atkinson, confirm a total fat content of 0g.

Yes, calorie counts can differ significantly between hard and chewy sour candy due to differences in ingredients, size, and density. Chewy versions may have additional ingredients that alter their caloric makeup compared to the simple sugar and syrup in hard varieties.

Yes, healthier alternatives to satisfy a sour craving include natural fruits like oranges or grapefruits, which offer vitamins and fiber. You can also try sugar-free candies or plain yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice.

While it's possible to include sour balls in a diet, they should be consumed in moderation. Their high sugar and calorie density means they provide a lot of energy with no nutritional value, so it's important to track your intake carefully.

The sugar content varies by brand. For example, a Charms sour ball contains 3 grams of sugar per piece, while a larger First Street sour ball has about 3.7 grams of sugar per piece. Always check the nutrition label for the specific product.