Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts: A Calorie and Nutritional Overview
Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts are a British classic, beloved for their colourful assortment of liquorice and sugar confectionery. While they are a tasty treat, like any sweet, it's important to understand their nutritional content, particularly if you are monitoring your caloric intake. The calorie count can vary slightly based on the manufacturer and recipe, but reliable data from several sources gives us a clear picture.
What are Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts made of?
To understand the calories, it helps to know the primary ingredients. The main components typically include sugar, glucose syrup, wheat flour, molasses, and desiccated coconut. The various colours and flavours are derived from both natural and artificial sources, along with liquorice extract. The combination of sugar and glucose syrup is what contributes most significantly to the total calorie count.
A deeper look at the nutritional profile
Beyond just calories, the nutritional profile of Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts is dominated by carbohydrates, particularly sugars. Fat content is relatively low, and there is a minimal amount of protein. They do not offer significant vitamins or minerals, making them a source of 'empty calories' from a nutritional perspective.
How to interpret the calorie data
When looking at nutritional information, it's crucial to pay attention to the serving size. Most nutritional labels provide information per 100g, but this is often more than a typical person would consume in one sitting. For example, a single serving might be defined as just a few pieces. This means that while a 100g serving has a certain number of calories, the amount you actually eat may be far less, making the impact on your daily intake less significant.
A comparison with other popular sweets
To put the calorie count of Liquorice Allsorts into perspective, it is useful to compare them with other common confectionery. Most hard and chewy candies tend to have a similar calorie density, primarily due to their high sugar content. Chocolate, particularly milk chocolate, typically has a higher fat and thus higher calorie content per 100g.
Nutritional Comparison Table
| Item | Calories per 100g (Approx.) | Sugars per 100g (Approx.) | Fat per 100g (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts | 360-383 kcal | 61-62g | 3.5-4.4g |
| Milk Chocolate Bar | 535 kcal | 50g | 30g |
| Hard Candies | 390-400 kcal | 90-95g | 0g |
| Jelly Beans | 370-380 kcal | 75-80g | 0g |
Are Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts unhealthy?
Whether a sweet is 'unhealthy' depends on the context of your overall diet. As a treat enjoyed in moderation, they are perfectly fine for most people. The concern arises with excessive consumption, as the high sugar content contributes to a significant portion of daily calorie intake without providing nutritional benefits. For individuals with specific health concerns, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, large amounts of liquorice, particularly that containing glycyrrhizin, can be problematic and should be consumed with caution. The average adult should consume added sugars sparingly.
Recommendations for mindful indulgence
If you enjoy Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts, there are ways to enjoy them mindfully without overindulging. This could include portioning out a small amount rather than eating directly from the bag or saving them for a special occasion. For those tracking calories, it is a simple matter of logging the number of pieces rather than a 100g serving.
Conclusion
In summary, Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts are a high-sugar, high-calorie sweet with approximately 360-383 calories per 100g. The calorie content, like most confectionery, is largely derived from carbohydrates and sugar. While not inherently harmful, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Understanding the nutritional facts empowers you to make informed choices about your treats. To see the full ingredient list and precise nutritional information, it is always best to check the product packaging or the official Maynards Bassetts website.
Outbound link: Understanding Food Labels
