How Many Calories Are in Sugar Free Mazapan? A Detailed Nutritional Guide

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

While many assume 'sugar free' means calorie free, a single piece of sugar free mazapan typically contains between 80 and 100 calories, depending on the brand and size. This makes it a lower-calorie alternative to the traditional treat, but not a no-calorie snack.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for sugar free mazapan ranges from 80 to 100 per piece, varying by brand and size. It’s significantly lower in sugar but remains calorie-dense due to its primary ingredient: peanuts.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A single piece of sugar free mazapan generally contains between 80 and 100 calories, varying by brand and size.
Primary Calorie Source: The calories mainly come from the peanuts, which are high in healthy fats, not from sugar.
Lower Than Regular: Sugar-free mazapan is a significantly lower-calorie choice compared to the traditional version, which can have over 130 calories per piece.
Sugar Substitutes: Common sweeteners used include Maltitol and Sucralose (Splenda), which contribute fewer or different calories than refined sugar.
Mindful Consumption: Due to its peanut base, the treat is still calorie-dense, and portion control is key for managing overall intake.
Check Labels: To get the most accurate calorie information, always consult the nutritional label of the specific brand you are purchasing.

Understanding the Calories in Sugar Free Mazapan

Even in its sugar-free form, the beloved Mexican peanut candy, mazapan, contains calories. The reason for this lies primarily in its main ingredient: peanuts. While the absence of added sugar reduces the overall carbohydrate load and calorie count, the fat content of peanuts keeps the total energy count at a moderate level. For those on a diet or managing their blood sugar, understanding the source of these calories and how they compare to the traditional version is crucial.

The Calorie Breakdown by Brand

For the most accurate information on how many calories are in sugar free mazapan, it's best to check the specific product's nutritional label. Brands may use different sweeteners and slightly different ratios of peanuts, which can cause the calorie count to fluctuate. For instance, the popular De La Rosa brand, known for both its regular and sugar-free options, offers a clear comparison.

Common Calorie Estimates:

A piece of De La Rosa Sugar-Free Mazapan (approx. 26-28g) often contains around 80 to 85 calories.
Other generic or home-made recipes might vary slightly. A Foodaciously recipe for a slightly larger piece estimates around 96 calories.
When examining calories per 100g, a metric sometimes used on international packaging, you can see a broader picture. For example, one listing showed 384 kcal per 100g.

The Ingredients Behind the Count

Instead of refined sugar, manufacturers use sugar substitutes to achieve the desired sweetness. De La Rosa, for example, uses maltitol and sucralose (Splenda). Other recipes might use sweeteners like erythritol. These sugar alcohols and high-intensity sweeteners are either not fully absorbed by the body or contribute fewer calories than traditional sugar, but they do not magically erase the energy from the peanuts. Peanuts are naturally calorie-dense, providing healthy fats and protein, which are the main sources of calories in the sugar-free candy.

Comparison: Regular vs. Sugar-Free Mazapan

To illustrate the calorie difference, here is a comparison table using data primarily from the De La Rosa brand, a standard in the industry.


Nutritional Aspect	Regular Mazapan (approx. 28g piece)	Sugar-Free Mazapan (approx. 26g piece)
Calories	~131-140 kcal	~80-85 kcal
Total Fat	Varies, high due to peanuts	High due to peanuts
Total Sugars	Significant added sugar (~16g)	Very low or zero added sugars
Sweetener Type	Refined white sugar	Sugar substitutes like Maltitol and Sucralose
Primary Calorie Source	Peanuts and refined sugar	Peanuts

As the table shows, the sugar-free version offers a substantial reduction in calories, making it a better option for controlled diets. The savings primarily come from the lack of added sugars.

Mindful Consumption of Sugar Free Mazapan

Even as a healthier alternative, consuming sugar-free mazapan in moderation is important. The calorie content, while lower, is not negligible, and overindulgence can still impact daily calorie goals. Additionally, some sugar alcohols, like maltitol, can cause digestive upset in large quantities for some individuals.

Factors Affecting Sugar Free Mazapan Calories:

Piece Size: The portion size is the most significant factor. Larger pieces will naturally have more calories.
Peanut-to-Sweetener Ratio: Brands with a higher peanut content will be more calorie-dense, as peanuts are the primary source of fat and protein calories.
Sweetener Choice: While many modern sweeteners contribute very few or no calories, some sugar alcohols like maltitol do have a small caloric value.

Tips for Enjoying Mazapan Mindfully:

Stick to Single Servings: The individually wrapped pieces make it easy to control portions.
Pair with Protein and Fiber: Enjoying it as a small treat after a meal or alongside a source of fiber can help manage blood sugar response.
Consider Homemade: For those who want maximum control over ingredients, making a sugar-free version at home allows you to choose your sweetener and adjust the portion size.

Conclusion

In summary, sugar free mazapan is not calorie-free but does offer a lower-calorie alternative to the traditional version by eliminating added sugars. A standard piece typically contains 80 to 100 calories, with the primary caloric contribution coming from the peanuts. By paying attention to the brand, portion size, and specific ingredients, it's possible to enjoy this classic treat while maintaining a mindful and balanced diet. Always checking the nutritional label for the most accurate information is the best practice.

For more detailed nutritional data and recipes, a site like Foodaciously offers comprehensive information on homemade sugar-free mazapan, including calorie estimates and ingredient lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard piece of De La Rosa sugar free mazapan typically contains around 80 to 85 calories, significantly less than the 140 calories found in the original version.

While lower in calories than the regular version, sugar-free mazapan is not a low-calorie food due to its peanut base. It can be included in a weight loss plan in moderation as a treat, but portion control is essential.

Most commercial sugar-free mazapan, like the De La Rosa brand, is sweetened with sugar substitutes such as maltitol and sucralose (Splenda). Homemade recipes often use erythritol.

No, 'sugar-free' does not mean calorie-free. Sugar-free candies still contain calories from other ingredients, such as fats and proteins. Mazapan, for example, gets most of its calories from peanuts.

The calorie count can differ based on the piece size and the ratio of peanuts to sweeteners. A brand using a higher peanut content, for instance, will have a higher overall calorie count.

Some sugar substitutes, particularly sugar alcohols like maltitol used in sugar-free products, can have a laxative effect or cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Yes, sugar-free mazapan does contain carbohydrates, although the number is typically lower than the regular version due to the use of alternative sweeteners. Some of the carbs may come from the peanuts and sugar alcohols.