Calorie Breakdown for Noshu Chocolate Chips
The calorie count for Noshu's chocolate chips is significantly lower than their full-sugar counterparts, making them a popular choice for health-conscious bakers. The exact number of calories varies slightly depending on the flavor and product, with serving sizes typically ranging from 20g to 25g.
97% Sugar Free Dark Choc Baking Chips
As indicated by nutritional trackers like CalorieKing, a 25g serving of these dark chocolate chips contains approximately 120 calories. This is a great low-sugar option for those who prefer a rich cocoa flavor without the added guilt. The key nutritional information per 25g serving includes:
- Total Fat: 7.6g
- Carbohydrates: 1.7g
- Protein: 3.1g
- Sugars: 0.8g
95% Sugar Free White Choc Baking Chips
For fans of white chocolate, a 20g serving of Noshu's white chocolate chips has a lower calorie count of just 90 calories. This version is formulated to deliver a sweet, creamy flavor while keeping the sugar content minimal. A 20g serving contains:
- Total Fat: 5.6g
- Carbohydrates: 2.2g
- Protein: 1.6g
- Sugars: 1.0g
95% Sugar Free Choc Baking Chips
A generic or earlier version of Noshu's choc baking chips shows a calorie count of 100 per 20g serving. It is always best to check the packaging of the specific product you have, as formulations can be updated over time.
Sweeteners and Dietary Considerations
Noshu uses a variety of natural sweeteners in its products, and it is crucial to know which ones are in your chips, especially if you are following a specific diet like keto.
The Role of Maltitol
Most of Noshu's baking chips contain Maltitol. This sugar alcohol is used because of its excellent bake stability, ensuring the chips hold their shape in the oven. However, Maltitol can cause digestive discomfort or have a laxative effect if consumed in excess, as warned on the product packaging. For strict keto dieters, it is also important to note that Maltitol can have a greater impact on blood sugar levels compared to other sugar alcohols like erythritol.
Other Sweeteners
In contrast, some of Noshu's other products, such as their melts and nougat bars, use erythritol and stevia and are explicitly marketed as Maltitol-free. This distinction is vital for consumers with specific dietary needs or sensitivities to Maltitol. The low or zero glycemic index of these alternative sweeteners is why many Noshu products are considered diabetic-friendly.
Comparison Table: Noshu vs. Regular Chocolate Chips
To put the nutritional benefits of Noshu into perspective, let’s compare a typical serving of their dark chocolate chips to a conventional alternative. The difference in sugar and carbohydrates is particularly striking, which is where Noshu's advantage lies.
| Nutrient (per 25g) | Noshu 97% Sugar Free Dark Choc Chips | Regular Semisweet Chocolate Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal | ~100-110 kcal |
| Sugars | 0.8g | ~25g (based on 1 cup/170g) |
| Carbohydrates | 1.7g | ~31g (based on 1 cup/170g) |
| Total Fat | 7.6g | ~16g (based on 1 cup/170g) |
*Note: Regular chocolate chip data per 25g is estimated based on the 1 cup (170g) data.
Tips for Baking with Noshu Chips
- Adjust for Sweetness: Because Noshu chips use alternative sweeteners, the sweetness profile can differ from regular chocolate. Taste your batter or dough and adjust other sweeteners accordingly.
- Monitor Baking Time: The chips may have a different melting point due to their unique composition. Keep an eye on your baked goods to prevent scorching.
- Consider Maltitol Sensitivity: If you are sensitive to sugar alcohols, start with a small amount and see how your body reacts. The laxative effect is a potential side effect.
- Look for Specific Types: If you are strictly avoiding Maltitol, seek out the Maltitol-free Noshu products like certain melts, rather than the baking chips.
The Low-Sugar Choice
Ultimately, Noshu chocolate chips offer a compelling solution for reducing sugar and carbohydrate intake in baking. The main consideration is the presence of Maltitol in the baking chip varieties, which can affect those on strict keto diets or with digestive sensitivities. By being mindful of the specific type of Noshu chip used and its ingredients, you can enjoy a lower-calorie, lower-sugar treat without compromising your dietary goals.
Conclusion
While Noshu chocolate chips do contain calories—typically 90 to 120 per single serving, depending on the flavor and size—their significant reduction in sugar and carbs makes them an appealing alternative to traditional chocolate chips. The key takeaway for consumers is to identify the specific type of Noshu chip, check the ingredients for sweeteners like Maltitol, and understand how they fit into their personal dietary plan. For controlled calorie and sugar intake, these chips offer a worthwhile option for decadent, guilt-free baking.
