How many calories do fruit barrels have? A guide to the drink versus the candy

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While the term 'fruit barrel' might conjure one image, it refers to two distinct products with very different calorie counts. A single serving of the popular fruit drink contains as few as 5 to 10 calories, whereas a single piece of the classic hard candy variety can contain around 14 calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie content for fruit barrels depends entirely on the product type, ranging from low-calorie sweetened drinks like Little Hugs to sugary hard candies. This article details the nutritional differences and key ingredients, highlighting what to look for when evaluating their place in your diet.

Key Points

Two Types of "Fruit Barrels": The term can refer to low-calorie, artificially sweetened drinks (Little Hugs) or sugary hard candies.
Low-Calorie Drink Barrels: Little Hugs contain 5-10 calories and minimal sugar, while Big Hugs have 10-15 calories per bottle.
High-Sugar Candy Barrels: Hard candy fruit barrels contain approximately 14 calories per piece, primarily from added sugars.
Highly Processed Drinks: The beverage version is highly processed and uses artificial sweeteners and colors, which may have long-term health implications.
Empty Calories in Candy: The hard candies are high in added sugar, offering very little nutritional benefit and should be consumed in moderation.
Check the Product Type: Always check the product label to confirm if it's a beverage or a hard candy, as their nutritional content is vastly different.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: Fresh fruit, fruit-infused water, and homemade flavored water are better options for those seeking natural sweetness and nutrients.

Understanding the Two Types of Fruit Barrels

When searching for the calorie content of "fruit barrels," it's essential to first distinguish between the two products that share this name. The first is a popular, low-calorie, artificially sweetened fruit-flavored beverage often found in lunchboxes. The second is a traditional, sugar-based hard candy, typically individually wrapped and shaped like a small barrel. Their nutritional profiles are dramatically different.

Low-Calorie Fruit Drink Barrels: Little Hug and Big Hug

These drinks are marketed as a low-sugar alternative to traditional fruit juices, making them a fixture in many households, especially for children. Harvest Hill Beverage Company produces both the smaller Little Hug and the larger Big Hug varieties.

Nutritional Breakdown for Little Hug Original (8 fl oz):

Calories: Just 5 to 10 calories per bottle.
Sugars: A very low 1 to 2 grams of sugar per bottle, achieved using a mix of high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners like Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose.
Vitamins: The drinks are fortified with a good source of B and E vitamins.
Ingredients: Contains highly processed ingredients, including natural and artificial flavors, artificial colors (like Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5), and preservatives.

Nutritional Breakdown for Big Hug (16 fl oz):

Calories: Approximately 10 to 15 calories per bottle.
Sugars: About 2 grams of sugar per bottle.
Ingredients: Similar to the Little Hug drinks, they contain a mix of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), due to the use of artificial sweeteners and colors, these products are considered highly processed and may pose certain health concerns, such as promoting a craving for sweet foods.

Classic Hard Candy Fruit Barrels

In contrast to the low-calorie beverage, the term "fruit barrel" can also refer to old-fashioned hard candies. These come in an assortment of fruity flavors like cherry, lemon, apple, and orange, and are sold individually wrapped.

Nutritional Breakdown for Hard Candy Fruit Barrels (per piece):

Calories: A single piece of fruit jelly candy is about 14 calories. Since hard candies are generally similar, this is a good approximation.
Sugar: These candies are primarily made of sugar and corn syrup. The calorie content is almost entirely from added sugars, providing very little nutritional value.
Ingredients: Include sugar, corn syrup, citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, and artificial colors.

Calorie and Nutrition Comparison: Drinks vs. Candy

To highlight the significant difference in nutritional profiles, here is a comparison of the two distinct products:


Characteristic	Fruit Drink Barrel (e.g., Little Hug)	Hard Candy Barrel (per piece)
Calories	5–10 kcal per 8 fl oz serving	~14 kcal per single piece
Sugar	1–2g per 8 fl oz serving	Primarily added sugars
Carbohydrates	~2g per 8 fl oz serving	~3.6g per single piece
Fat	0g	0g
Added Nutrients	Source of B and E vitamins	Minimal to no nutritional value
Key Ingredients	Water, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners	Sugar, corn syrup, flavorings
Processing	Highly processed	Processed

Decoding the Ingredients: Is it a Healthy Choice?

While both types of fruit barrels can serve as an occasional treat, neither offers significant health benefits. The low-calorie drinks achieve their profile through artificial ingredients and sweeteners. The use of low-calorie sweeteners has been linked to potential long-term undesirable effects and may condition people to crave more sweet foods. For this reason, many nutrition experts recommend limiting their consumption.

The hard candy version is a pure indulgence of added sugar. While a single piece is not high in calories, multiple pieces can quickly add up. High consumption of added sugars is a known contributor to health issues such as tooth decay and an increased risk of obesity and heart disease.

Healthier Alternatives to Fruit Barrels

For those seeking a healthier, more nutrient-rich option to satisfy a sweet craving, consider these alternatives:

Fresh Fruit: Nature's own fruit, like a handful of berries or a sliced apple, offers natural sweetness, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Fruit-Infused Water: Add sliced fruit such as lemons, strawberries, or cucumbers to water for a refreshing, flavorful, and calorie-free drink.
Low-Sugar Fruit Juice Blends: Some brands offer juices with less added sugar, or you can opt for 100% fruit juice in moderation, as recommended by organizations like the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Homemade Flavored Water: Create your own flavored drinks using fresh fruit and herbs, offering control over the ingredients and sugar content.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, the number of calories in fruit barrels depends on which product you're considering. The low-calorie drinks offer a sugar-conscious option, but are highly processed and contain artificial additives. The classic hard candies are high in simple sugars and offer little to no nutritional value. By understanding these key differences, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your dietary goals. For those aiming for whole foods and minimal processing, healthier alternatives are a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Hug fruit barrels are a low-calorie and low-sugar option, but they are not considered healthy. They contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors and are highly processed.

The main difference is size and calorie count. Little Hugs are smaller (8 fl oz) with fewer calories and sugar, while Big Hugs are larger (16 fl oz) with slightly more calories and sugar, though still very low-calorie beverages.

Yes, the ingredient lists for Little Hug and Big Hug fruit barrels confirm they contain high fructose corn syrup, along with artificial sweeteners.

Since hard candy fruit barrels are mostly sugar and offer no nutritional value, they should be consumed in strict moderation. The exact amount depends on your specific dietary goals and calorie allowance, but they are best kept as an occasional treat.

Yes, the manufacturer states that all Little Hug Fruit Barrels are gluten-free, and their production plant is also certified gluten-free.

While the product contains no obvious animal products, some ingredients like natural flavor or certain dyes could potentially have animal sources. Some sources indicate they are vegan, but for strict vegans, contacting the manufacturer is recommended to be certain.

The drinks use a combination of low-calorie artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which are significantly sweeter than sugar. This allows them to achieve a sweet flavor profile without a high sugar or calorie count.