Smucker's Strawberry Jelly Nutrition: A Detailed Breakdown
Smucker's strawberry jelly is a nostalgic addition to sandwiches and toast. Understanding its nutritional components is important. This section provides an overview of the calories and nutritional information for this fruit spread, based on official nutrition facts.
The Calorie Count Per Serving
A standard 1-tablespoon serving (about 20 grams) of Smucker's strawberry jelly contains 50 calories. All calories come from carbohydrates, as the jelly is fat-free and contains no protein. It's easy to exceed the serving size, increasing the calorie count.
Carbohydrates and Sugar Content
The main source of calories is sugar. Per 1-tablespoon serving:
- Total Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Total Sugars: 12 grams
- Added Sugars: 9 to 10 grams
This high sugar content is important for those managing their intake. Ingredients include fruit juice, high-fructose corn syrup, and corn syrup, which contribute to the high sugar load.
Comparing Regular Jelly with Lower Calorie Alternatives
Smucker's offers alternatives to reduce calorie and sugar intake. Sugar-Free or Low-Sugar spreads provide a similar flavor. The following table highlights the differences between regular and low-sugar versions, using Smucker's Low Sugar Concord Grape Jelly as an example.
| Nutritional Aspect | Smucker's Regular Strawberry Jelly | Smucker's Low Sugar Concord Grape Jelly |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 1 tbsp) | 50 calories | 25 calories |
| Total Carbohydrates (per 1 tbsp) | 13g | ~6.5g (estimated based on reduction) |
| Total Sugars (per 1 tbsp) | 12g | 5g |
| Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
Jam vs. Jelly: Does the Type of Spread Matter?
Jelly and jam have similar nutritional values, but their composition differs.
- Jelly: Made from fruit juice, resulting in a clear, smooth spread. It provides a sweet taste but lacks fiber and many nutrients. The calories are mostly from sugar. Smucker's strawberry jelly is an example.
- Jam: Made from crushed or puréed whole fruit, giving it a thicker texture with fruit pieces. It often contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Although jam offers more nutritional benefits, both are high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation. For those counting calories, the difference between a tablespoon of strawberry jam (approx. 56 calories) and jelly is minimal.
The Health Implications of High Sugar Intake
Regular and heavy consumption can lead to health risks associated with high sugar intake. These include blood sugar spikes and potential weight gain. Moreover, the sugary nature can contribute to dental issues. Opting for low-sugar versions can help manage these risks.
Conclusion
One tablespoon of regular Smucker's strawberry jelly contains 50 calories, all from carbohydrates and sugar. It's fat-free and protein-free, and should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content. Healthier options, such as low-sugar versions, are available. Understanding these nutritional facts can help make informed choices about how this spread fits into your diet.
Visit the official Smucker's website for product information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smucker's strawberry jelly healthy?
Jelly is not a health food due to its high sugar content and low nutritional value. It should be enjoyed in moderation, with healthier alternatives available.
How much sugar is in one tablespoon of Smucker's strawberry jelly?
One tablespoon contains about 12 grams of sugar, mostly added sugar.
What are the main ingredients in Smucker's strawberry jelly?
The main ingredients are strawberry juice, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, fruit pectin, and citric acid.
Is Smucker's strawberry jelly vegan?
Yes, regular Smucker's strawberry jelly is vegan because it doesn't contain animal ingredients.
How do the calories in Smucker's jam compare to its jelly?
Jelly and jam from Smucker's have similar calorie counts, around 50 calories per tablespoon. Jam uses crushed fruit, offering more fiber than jelly.
Does Smucker's offer a lower calorie strawberry jelly?
Yes, Smucker's offers low-sugar options, which have half the calories of their regular jelly. For example, their Low Sugar Concord Grape Jelly has 25 calories per tablespoon.
Is high-fructose corn syrup in all Smucker's jellies?
No, not all contain high-fructose corn syrup. Many low-sugar options are made without it.
What are some healthier alternatives to regular jelly?
Healthier alternatives include low-sugar jellies, fruit spreads, or homemade fruit purees using natural thickeners like chia seeds.
Why does jelly have no fat or protein?
Jelly is made from fruit juice, sugar, and pectin. This composition contains no fat and almost no protein, making it primarily a source of carbohydrates.
Key Takeaways
- 50 Calories Per Tablespoon: Regular Smucker's strawberry jelly has 50 calories per 1-tablespoon serving.
- Mostly Sugar: Most calories come from 12 grams of sugar per serving, including added sugars.
- Fat and Protein-Free: The jelly has 0g of fat and virtually no protein, making it all carbohydrate.
- Lower-Calorie Options Available: Smucker's offers low-sugar versions with fewer calories.
- Jelly vs. Jam: Jam offers more fiber than jelly.
- Enjoy in Moderation: Strawberry jelly is best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
