The question of how many calories are in knick knacks is complex because the term does not refer to a single, universal product. Instead, "knick knacks" is used for several different branded snacks around the world. In some places, it refers to savory, extruded corn snacks, while in others, it describes sweet, coated biscuits. The caloric value and nutritional profile are entirely dependent on which specific product is being referenced. This article clarifies the calorie count and nutritional breakdown for the most common snacks known by this name.
UK Nik Naks: KP Snacks' Crispy Corn Snacks
In the United Kingdom, the term refers to Nik Naks, a brand of extruded corn snack manufactured by KP Snacks. These snacks are known for their distinctively twisted shape and bold flavors. The calories here are representative of a standard bag size.
Calorie and Nutritional Information for UK Nik Naks (Nice 'n' Spicy)
A standard 20g packet of UK Nice 'n' Spicy Nik Naks contains 113 calories. To understand the macronutrient breakdown, consider the per 100g values:
- Energy: 566 kcal per 100g (113 kcal per 20g pack)
- Fat: 36g per 100g (7.2g per 20g pack)
- Carbohydrates: 53g per 100g (11g per 20g pack)
- Protein: 6.1g per 100g (1.2g per 20g pack)
South African NikNaks: Simba's Cheese Puffs
South Africa's beloved "amaNikNaks" are cheesy, puffed corn snacks produced by Simba Chips. Unlike the twisted corn snacks in the UK, these are more akin to cheese puffs. They are a popular snack throughout Southern Africa and have a different nutritional makeup.
Calorie and Nutritional Information for South African NikNaks (Cheese Flavor)
A 20g packet of Simba NikNaks contains 112 calories, putting it very close in caloric content per serving to the UK version, despite being a different product. Per 100g, the breakdown shows how similar, yet distinct, these two snacks are:
- Energy: 560 kcal per 100g (112 kcal per 20g packet)
- Fat: 36g per 100g (7.2g per 20g packet)
- Carbohydrates: 55g per 100g (11g per 20g packet)
- Protein: 4g per 100g (0.8g per 20g packet)
Delfi Knick Knacks: Chocolate Coated Biscuits
In other regions, particularly where snacks are imported, the name Knick Knacks might refer to chocolate-coated biscuits, such as those made by the brand Delfi. This is an entirely different category of snack, with a much sweeter flavor profile and a different macronutrient composition.
Calorie Information for Delfi Knick Knacks (Chocolate Coated Biscuits)
A 21g packet of Delfi Knick Knacks chocolate-coated biscuits contains approximately 97 calories. While lower in total calories per serving than the savory corn snacks, it's important to remember this is a smaller packet size. The higher sugar content is a defining nutritional difference.
The Calorie Comparison: A Knick Knack Breakdown
To better understand the variations, here is a direct comparison of the different types of knick knacks mentioned above, based on their individual serving sizes.
| Snack Type | Country | Serving Size | Calories (approx.) | Primary Macronutrient | Flavors (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nik Naks (Corn Snack) | UK | 20g bag | 113 kcal | Fat & Carbs | Nice 'n' Spicy, Rib 'n' Saucy |
| NikNaks (Cheese Puffs) | South Africa | 20g bag | 112 kcal | Fat & Carbs | Original Cheese, BBQ |
| Knick Knacks (Biscuits) | Ethiopia/Various | 21g bag | 97 kcal | Carbs & Sugar | Chocolate, Orange, Fruit Cocktail |
Nutritional Differences and Ingredients
The source of calories in each type of knick knack varies significantly based on its base ingredients. The UK and South African versions are maize-based snacks that are fried, contributing to their high fat content. The Delfi biscuits, on the other hand, are made from fortified wheat flour and vegetable shortening, and their sugar content is high due to the chocolate coating.
The flavors also have different compositions. The savory Nik Naks rely on seasonings for their taste, while the Delfi biscuits' sweetness comes from sugar and flavoring. This distinction is crucial for those monitoring sugar intake or specific dietary needs.
How "Knick Knack" Varies by Region
The use of the term "knick knack" for different snack foods is a great example of how language and brand names can be localized. Without understanding the geographical context, a simple search for "knick knacks calories" could yield a wildly inaccurate result for a person looking for information on their specific snack. The British Nik Naks and South African NikNaks, despite having a similar name and base, are separate products with different manufacturers and regional histories. This is why identifying the specific product and manufacturer is essential for finding accurate nutritional information.
A Quick Reference Guide to Common Knick Knack Calories
- UK Nik Naks (Nice 'n' Spicy, 20g bag): 113 calories
- South African NikNaks (Cheese, 20g packet): 112 calories
- Delfi Knick Knacks (Chocolate Biscuits, 21g pack): ~97 calories
- Delfi Knick Knacks (Milk Biscuits, 21g pack): ~98 calories
Snacking can be a healthy part of a balanced diet when done in moderation and with awareness of portion sizes. For more information on smart snacking, you can visit resources like The Harvard Nutrition Source.
Conclusion: Know Your Snack
Ultimately, there is no single answer to how many calories are in knick knacks. The key takeaway is to identify the specific brand and type of snack you are consuming. Whether it's a cheesy corn puff, a spicy extruded crisp, or a chocolate-covered biscuit, consulting the nutritional information on the packaging is the only way to get a precise calorie count. The term is a general descriptor for small snack items, not a uniform food product, and the calorie information will vary accordingly.
