Lindt Excellence Dark Caramel Sea Salt Bar Calories
For the Lindt Excellence Dark Caramel Sea Salt bar, the nutritional information is typically provided per 100g, or sometimes per a specific serving size, such as four squares. This dark chocolate option is known for its intense flavor combined with crunchy caramel pieces and a sprinkle of sea salt. The precise calorie content is a key piece of information for those tracking their intake.
Per 100g Breakdown
According to several nutritional databases and Lindt's own website information, a 100g bar of the Excellence Dark Caramel Sea Salt contains approximately 507 to 510 calories. This breaks down into the macronutrient content as follows:
- Fat: Around 28g, with 17g of that being saturated fat.
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 55g, of which 54g are sugars.
- Protein: Approximately 4.6g.
- Salt: About 0.37g.
Per Serving Breakdown
In the U.S., a common serving size for the Excellence bar is four squares (around 40g). Based on this, a serving contains roughly 200 to 204 calories. This provides a clearer picture for those consuming a smaller portion. The breakdown for a 40g serving is:
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Lindt Lindor Salted Caramel Truffles Calories
The Lindor Salted Caramel truffles, with their smooth melting center, have a very different nutritional profile due to their creamy filling. These truffles are designed to be a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience, and their calorie density reflects this.
Calorie Count Per Truffle
A typical serving of Lindor Salted Caramel truffles is often listed as two or three balls, as they are higher in calories and fat than the flat Excellence bar. A single Lindor Salted Caramel truffle (around 12g) contains approximately 75 to 80 calories. This means a three-ball serving would have around 220 to 240 calories, depending on the specific product formulation and region.
Nutritional Information Per 100g
For comparison, the calorie content per 100g for the Lindor Salted Caramel truffles is significantly higher than the Excellence bar, at about 600 to 623 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is also different due to the creamy filling:
- Fat: Around 47g, with 35g of that being saturated fat.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 43g.
- Protein: About 4.9g.
Factors Influencing Calorie Counts
Several factors can influence the calorie count of a specific Lindt Sea Salt Caramel product, making it crucial to check the packaging. These factors include:
- Product Type: As highlighted, truffles have a higher fat content from their creamy center compared to the leaner dark chocolate Excellence bar.
- Regional Variations: Lindt products are manufactured and sold globally, and slight variations in ingredients and recipes exist between countries. For example, a product sold in the USA might have a slightly different ingredient list than one sold in Europe.
- Specific Ingredients: The exact composition of the caramel pieces, the percentage of cocoa solids, and the type of fat used can all affect the final calorie count. Lindt uses pure cocoa butter in its solid chocolate, but fillings may contain other fats, which impacts the calorie count.
The Importance of Ingredients
Lindt prides itself on its 'bean to bar' process and using high-quality ingredients. The caramel pieces are often made with sugar, milk, and cream, contributing to the overall sugar and fat content. The cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and milk fat are also significant contributors. An emulsifier like soy lecithin is used to achieve the smooth texture. The addition of sea salt enhances the flavor but does not significantly impact the calorie count.
Comparison Table: Lindt Sea Salt Caramel Varieties
| Feature | Excellence Dark Caramel Sea Salt | Lindor Salted Caramel Truffles |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Type | Dark Chocolate | Milk Chocolate Truffle |
| Filling | Caramel pieces | Smooth, melting caramel filling |
| Calories per 100g | ~507-510 kcal | ~600-623 kcal |
| Calories per Serving | ~200 kcal (40g/4 squares) | ~75-80 kcal (12g/1 ball) |
| Fat per 100g | ~28g | ~47g |
| Saturated Fat per 100g | ~17g | ~35g |
| Sugar per 100g | ~54g | ~42g |
Conclusion
Understanding how many calories are in Lindt Sea Salt Caramel chocolate requires identifying the specific product being consumed. The Excellence dark chocolate bar offers a lower calorie count per 100g than the Lindor truffles, which contain a rich, creamy filling. While a single square or truffle may seem like a small number, the high calorie density means consumption can add up quickly. By paying attention to serving sizes and product variations, consumers can make informed choices to fit their dietary goals while still enjoying this delicious treat.
For additional nutritional information and to find the specific product you are interested in, you can consult the official Lindt USA nutrition page.