A single, iconic Victory V lozenge contains around 10 to 11 calories, based on a 3-gram portion size. While this amount is quite small on its own, it is important for consumers to be aware of the full nutritional picture, especially for those monitoring their sugar intake. The calories in these traditional, aniseed-flavoured sweets come almost exclusively from carbohydrates, primarily sugar and glucose syrup.
Nutritional Breakdown of a Victory V
For a more comprehensive look at the nutritional content, it's useful to consider the values per 100 grams, which is a standard industry measure. Per 100g, Victory V lozenges contain approximately 381 calories (1596kJ).
This high concentration of energy per 100g comes primarily from a few key components:
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 90.7g per 100g.
- Sugars: A very high proportion of the carbohydrates, around 89.4g per 100g, is pure sugar.
- Fat: Extremely low, around 0.1g per 100g.
- Protein: Negligible, about 0.3g per 100g.
- Fibre: Approximately 5.5g per 100g.
A Look at the Ingredients
Victory V lozenges are made from a straightforward list of ingredients, a recipe that has evolved since its initial creation in the mid-1800s. The original lozenges famously contained chloroform and ether, but these were removed long ago. The modern recipe includes:
- Sugar
- Acacia Gum
- Glucose Syrup
- Flavourings (including liquorice extract and menthol)
- Linseed Oil
- Colour (Ammonia Caramel)
The combination of menthol and liquorice is what provides the unique flavour and warming sensation that many people associate with these sweets, particularly for soothing sore throats.
Comparing Victory V Calories to Other Lozenges
To put the calorie count of a Victory V into context, here is a comparison with other common lozenges available on the market. It's important to note that nutritional information can vary slightly between manufacturers and flavours.
| Lozenge Type | Approximate Calories per Sweet | Key Ingredients/Features |
|---|---|---|
| Victory V | ~10-11 kcal | Sugar, glucose, liquorice, menthol, aniseed. High sugar content. |
| Vicks Triple Action (Sugar-Free) | ~7-8 kcal (30 kcal per 12.8g) | Sugar-free formulation, flavourings, sweeteners. Lower calorie option. |
| Nicorette Lozenge | ~1-2 kcal | Nicotine replacement product. Not a confectionery. Very low calorie. |
| Halls Mentholyptus | ~10-12 kcal | Sugar, glucose, menthol, eucalyptus. Similar calorie count to Victory V. |
This comparison highlights that Victory V lozenges are quite standard in their calorie count for a sugar-based sweet, but sugar-free or medicinal alternatives offer a much lower caloric impact.
Potential Health Considerations and Moderation
While an occasional lozenge poses no health risk for most people, the high sugar content means excessive consumption should be avoided, especially for those with diabetes or other conditions requiring a controlled sugar intake. Furthermore, a point of caution relates to the liquorice extract, particularly in large quantities. Excessive intake of black liquorice can lead to health issues like increased blood pressure and low potassium levels in some individuals. It is always best to follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
How Victory V Lozenges are Made
Historically, the manufacturing process for Victory V lozenges was quite different. Today, they are produced in a process that involves dissolving and heating the main ingredients. The mixture is then poured into starch powder moulds to achieve the desired shape. Once dried, the sweets are polished with beeswax to give them their characteristic glossy finish.
Is a Victory V Right for Your Dietary Needs?
For those following specific dietary paths, Victory V lozenges offer some benefits. They are confirmed to be both vegetarian and vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, they are also gluten-free, making them suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to "how many calories are in a Victory V?" is approximately 10-11 kcal per individual lozenge. While this is not a significant amount, the high sugar content and liquorice extract necessitate moderation. For those simply seeking a nostalgic, warming treat for a sore throat, they are a suitable choice, but for those managing sugar intake, lower-calorie or sugar-free alternatives are readily available. Ultimately, it's about balancing the unique flavour and soothing qualities with mindful consumption. For more information on the ingredients and nutritional content, consult a retailer like A Quarter Of.
Is a Victory V Right for Your Dietary Needs?
For those following specific dietary paths, Victory V lozenges offer some benefits. They are confirmed to be both vegetarian and vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, they are also gluten-free, making them suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to "how many calories are in a Victory V?" is approximately 10-11 kcal per individual lozenge. While this is not a significant amount, the high sugar content and liquorice extract necessitate moderation. For those simply seeking a nostalgic, warming treat for a sore throat, they are a suitable choice, but for those managing sugar intake, lower-calorie or sugar-free alternatives are readily available. Ultimately, it's about balancing the unique flavour and soothing qualities with mindful consumption. For more information on the ingredients and nutritional content, consult a retailer like A Quarter Of.
