How Many Calories Are in One Cinnamon Candy?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for a single cinnamon candy can vary significantly, ranging from as low as 2 calories for a single Ferrara Red Hot to around 23 calories for a larger Brach's hard candy. This variation depends on the candy's size, ingredients, and whether it is sugar-free.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a cinnamon candy depends on the specific brand and type, such as hard discs or small bites. Sugar-free varieties typically contain fewer calories, and traditional candies derive most of their energy from sugar. Factors like size and ingredients directly impact the final nutritional information.

Key Points

Calorie variation is significant: A single cinnamon candy can contain anywhere from 2 to over 20 calories, depending on the type and size.
Sugar-free is lower in calories: Candies made with artificial sweeteners have fewer calories and are suitable for those managing sugar intake.
Candies are mostly sugar: Traditional cinnamon candies provide primarily carbohydrates from sugar and corn syrup, offering minimal nutritional value.
Natural cinnamon benefits are lost: The minimal amount of real cinnamon in candy means you don't receive the same health benefits as the spice itself.
Read nutritional labels: Checking the serving size and total calories is essential for managing your intake effectively.
Moderation is key: Regardless of the calorie count, all candy should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The Surprising Range of Cinnamon Candy Calories

While cinnamon candies are often enjoyed as a small, sweet indulgence, their calorie counts are not all the same. The range can be quite broad, depending on the manufacturer and the specific product. For example, a single, tiny Ferrara Candy Company Red Hot contains only about 2 calories, while a larger, hard-candy disc from Brach's can be around 23 calories. The discrepancy is primarily due to the vast differences in size and composition, with sugar being the main caloric component in traditional recipes.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several key factors determine the final calorie value of a cinnamon candy. Recognizing these differences is essential for anyone monitoring their sugar or calorie intake.

Candy Type and Size: Hard candies, like discs or drops, contain more mass and, therefore, more calories per piece than tiny, shell-coated bites like Red Hots. A single, larger hard candy can have ten times the calories of a miniature bite-sized one.
Sugar vs. Sugar-Free: Sugar-free varieties use artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, which dramatically reduce or eliminate the sugar content and, consequently, the calories. For instance, a sugar-free cinnamon disc might contain less than half the calories of its sugary counterpart.
Added Ingredients: Some specialty or gourmet cinnamon candies may contain other ingredients, like a confectioner's glaze, that slightly alter the nutritional profile.

Examples of Popular Cinnamon Candies

To illustrate the calorie variations, here is a comparison of some well-known cinnamon candies based on serving size information:


Product Name	Serving Size	Approximate Calories per Piece	Key Ingredients	Is it Sugar-Free?
Ferrara Red Hots	1 piece	2 calories	Sugar, Corn Syrup, Artificial Flavor	No
Brach's Cinnamon Hard Candy	1 piece	23 calories	Corn Syrup, Sugar, Flavors	No
Brookshire's Cinnamon Discs	3 pieces	20 calories (per piece)	Sugar, Corn Syrup, Artificial Flavor	No
Stop & Shop Sugar Free Cinnamon Discs	3 pieces	13.3 calories (per piece)	Sorbitol, Artificial Flavors, Sweeteners	Yes
Dr. John's Cinnamon Spice	1 piece	~10 calories	Erythritol, Xylitol, Natural Flavors	Yes

Understanding the Nutritional Breakdown

Traditional cinnamon candies are a source of carbohydrates, predominantly from sugar and corn syrup. They generally contain no fat, protein, or dietary fiber. For example, a single Brach's hard candy has about 6 grams of carbohydrates, with nearly 5 of those from sugar. Conversely, sugar-free versions replace these simple sugars with alternative sweeteners, making them a better choice for those with diabetes or those looking to reduce sugar consumption. These candies still provide carbohydrates, but often in the form of sugar alcohols, which can sometimes cause digestive upset in larger quantities.

Health Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are a primary concern for weight management, the overall health impact of cinnamon candy extends beyond this single metric. Traditional sugary candies can contribute to tooth decay and provide empty calories that do not contribute to feelings of fullness. The natural benefits of cinnamon, which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are often lost in candy due to the high sugar content and low amount of actual spice. Sugar-free options mitigate some of these risks, but it is important to remember that they are still a processed treat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How to Choose the Right Cinnamon Candy

When deciding which cinnamon candy to enjoy, consider your dietary goals and preferences. If you are diabetic or closely monitoring sugar intake, a sugar-free variety is the clear choice. Brands like Dr. John's or Stop & Shop offer options that deliver the desired flavor with a much lower impact on blood sugar. For those who prefer the taste of traditional sugar, portion control is key. A single Ferrara Red Hot offers a small, flavorful burst with minimal caloric impact, while a larger hard candy can satisfy a craving over a longer period. Being aware of the nutritional label is the most effective way to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single answer to the question, "How many calories are in one cinnamon candy?" The number varies based on the brand, size, and formulation. For a small, bite-sized piece like a Red Hot, the count is minimal, around 2 calories. For a larger, hard candy, it can be over 20 calories per piece. Both options are primarily sugar, with no significant nutritional value beyond the carbohydrates. Sugar-free candies offer a lower-calorie alternative for those who need it, but moderation is advisable for all types of candy. By understanding these differences, consumers can make more mindful choices about their sweet treats.

Optional Outbound Link

For more detailed nutritional information on various candy products, you can consult databases like CalorieKing. CalorieKing: Nutritional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

A single piece of Ferrara Candy Company Red Hots cinnamon candy contains approximately 2 calories, making it one of the lower-calorie options available.

According to nutrition data, a single piece of Brach's Cinnamon Hard Candy contains about 23 calories.

No, sugar-free cinnamon candies are not typically calorie-free. They simply contain fewer calories because they use sweeteners like sugar alcohols instead of traditional sugar, which provides less energy.

Traditional cinnamon candy is made mostly of sugar and corn syrup, with very little actual cinnamon. While pure cinnamon has health benefits, the negligible amount in candy provides virtually none.

The primary ingredients in most traditional cinnamon candies are sugar and corn syrup, which account for the majority of the calorie content.

No, cinnamon candy cannot help with weight loss. The high sugar content and empty calories in most traditional versions are counterproductive to weight management goals.

The better choice depends on your dietary needs. If you are monitoring sugar intake or have diabetes, sugar-free is the clear choice. For those without such concerns, regular candy is fine in moderation, with the benefit of avoiding potential digestive issues from sugar alcohols.