How many calories are in Buc-Ee's candied almonds?

According to nutritional data, a 3-tablespoon serving of Buc-ee's Kettle Sweet Almonds contains 140 calories. This delicious road trip treat, like many candied nuts, is calorie-dense, making portion size an important factor for those monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

This guide details the calorie count and nutritional facts for Buc-ee's Kettle Sweet Almonds, offering insights into macronutrient distribution and snack comparisons.

Key Points

• Calorie Count: A 3-tablespoon serving of Buc-ee's Kettle Sweet Almonds contains 140 calories.

• Macronutrient Profile: The snack is primarily composed of fats (9g) and carbohydrates (13g), with 10g of sugar.

• Portion Control is Key: Due to their high calorie density, mindful portioning is crucial when enjoying this treat to manage overall calorie intake.

• Comparison to Other Snacks: Candied almonds have a similar calorie count per serving to Beaver Nuggets, but differ significantly in their fat, carb, and sugar percentages.

• Alternatives Available: Health-conscious consumers can opt for other Buc-ee's snacks like beef jerky or fresh fruit, which typically contain fewer calories per serving.

• Moderation is Recommended: Enjoying this snack in moderation, alongside a balanced diet, is a sustainable approach for managing calorie goals.

Buc-ee's Candied Almonds: A Nutritional Breakdown

Buc-ee's, the beloved roadside travel center, is famous for its vast array of snacks, with the fresh, crunchy candied nuts being a particular favorite. For those curious about the nutritional impact of their on-the-go indulgence, understanding the specifics is key. Buc-ee's candied almonds are specifically known as 'Kettle Sweet Almonds,' and their nutritional profile is available through online databases.

The Calorie and Macro Count

A standard 3-tablespoon serving of Buc-ee's Kettle Sweet Almonds contains 140 calories. This calorie content comes from a blend of macronutrients, with a heavier weight on fats and carbohydrates due to the added sugar and the natural oils in the almonds. Here is a more detailed look at the breakdown:

• Total Fat: 9 grams (56% of calories)
• Carbohydrates: 13 grams (36% of calories)
• Protein: 3 grams (8% of calories)
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram
• Sugar: 10 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2 grams

It's important to remember that these are for a small, 3-tablespoon portion. As many Buc-ee's enthusiasts know, it's easy to lose track while snacking from a larger bag. The combination of sugar and healthy fats makes this a high-energy snack, which is great for a long drive but requires awareness of serving size.

Comparing Buc-ee's Candied Nuts

To put the Kettle Sweet Almonds into perspective, it's helpful to compare their nutrition to other candied nut varieties also sold at Buc-ee's. Different coatings and preparation methods can significantly alter the calorie and sugar content. Here's a brief look at how they stack up:

• Buc-ee's Praline Pecans: A 1/4 cup (30g) serving contains 180 calories. While a slightly different nut, the rich, sweet praline coating adds a comparable calorie density.
• Buc-ee's Butter Toffee Almond Crunch: A 1/3 cup serving has 120 calories. The preparation as a "crunch" likely means a smaller overall volume of nuts per serving size, resulting in a slightly lower calorie count per measurement unit than the Kettle Sweet Almonds.
• Buc-ee's Milk Chocolate Almonds: An 8-piece serving (30g) contains 150 calories. The chocolate coating naturally adds more sugar and fat, increasing the calorie count per piece compared to the simple kettle-candied variety.

Comparison Table: Buc-ee's Snacks

To further understand where Buc-ee's candied almonds stand in the snack aisle, here is a comparison table with other popular items based on available nutritional information. Please note that serving sizes differ, so the following is a representation per the listed serving size from nutritional databases.

Buc-ee's Snack	Serving Size	Calories	Total Fat	Total Carbs	Sugar	Protein
Kettle Sweet Almonds	3 tbsp	140	9g	13g	10g	3g
Beaver Nuggets	1 oz (30g)	140	5g	24g	15g	0g
Bohemian Garlic Beef Jerky	1 oz	60	1.5g	3g	Not specified	10g
Cinnamon Pecans	1/4 cup (30g)	180	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Salted Peanuts	45 pieces (28g)	130	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Pecan Brittle	1 oz	170	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified

This table highlights the differences in nutritional value. The candied almonds and Beaver Nuggets share a similar calorie count per serving, but the macros are distinct—almonds are higher in fat and lower in carbs, while the corn-based nuggets have a higher carb and sugar load. Jerky stands out as a much higher protein, lower-calorie option.

Mindful Snacking at Buc-ee's

While the calorie count of Buc-ee's candied almonds is good to know, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy them. Here are some tips for enjoying your favorite snack mindfully:

• Stick to the Serving Size: Pre-portioning your almonds into a smaller bag or container is an effective way to control your intake and prevent over-snacking.
• Balance Your Day: Account for your snack in your daily calorie budget. If you know you'll be having a heavier treat, you can adjust other meals accordingly.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help with feelings of fullness and prevent confusing thirst for hunger.
• Look for Alternatives: If you are seeking a lower-calorie option, Buc-ee's also offers fresh fruit cups or jerky, which have lower calorie densities.
• Consider the Source: Remember that while a handful of candied nuts provides energy, it's not a complete nutritional meal. The primary source of calories is from fat and sugar, not just the healthy fats found in raw almonds.

Conclusion

Buc-ee's candied almonds, known as Kettle Sweet Almonds, contain 140 calories per 3-tablespoon serving, with a macro breakdown heavily favoring fat and carbohydrates. This tasty treat fits into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. By being aware of the nutritional details, comparing it to other available snacks, and practicing mindful portion control, you can enjoy your Buc-ee's stop without derailing your health goals. For those seeking lower-calorie or higher-protein options, Buc-ee's offers a wide range of alternatives to suit various dietary preferences.

Source for Buc-ee's nutritional data: Nutritionix

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the serving size for Buc-ee's candied almonds?

The standard serving size for Buc-ee's Kettle Sweet Almonds is 3 tablespoons.

How many calories are in a 3-tablespoon serving of Buc-ee's candied almonds?

There are 140 calories in a 3-tablespoon serving of Buc-ee's candied almonds, according to nutritional databases.

What are the main ingredients contributing to the calories?

The calories mainly come from the almonds themselves, which are naturally rich in fat, and the added sugar used to create the candied coating.

How do the calories compare to other nuts?

Candied nuts are generally more calorie-dense than their plain, unsalted counterparts due to the addition of sugar and fats. A 1 oz serving of plain almonds is about 164 calories, while the candied version is 140 calories for a slightly smaller 3 tbsp portion.

Are Buc-ee's candied almonds a good source of protein?

While almonds do contain protein, the candied version is not a significant source. A 3 tbsp serving has only 3 grams of protein.

Can I find nutritional information on Buc-ee's website?

Buc-ee's often relies on third-party nutritional databases like Nutritionix and Eat This Much for product information, as noted in the search results. The best source is often checking these databases or a food tracking app.

What is the sugar content of Buc-ee's candied almonds?

A single 3-tablespoon serving of Buc-ee's Kettle Sweet Almonds contains 10 grams of sugar.