A Closer Look at Gin Gins' Calorie Counts
The Ginger People, the makers of Gin Gins, offer several varieties of ginger candy, and their calorie content varies slightly depending on the type. While the original chewy candy is a popular choice, it is important to check the nutritional information for each specific product, as ingredients and serving sizes can differ.
Original Chewy Gin Gins
For the standard Original Chewy Gin Gins, the calorie count is relatively consistent across various nutritional databases. According to some sources, a single piece contains about 20 calories. However, the serving size on packaging is often listed as two pieces, which typically amounts to 40 to 45 calories per serving. Since these chews are dense with cane sugar and glucose syrup, nearly all the calories come from carbohydrates, specifically sugars. The calorie breakdown for a single 12g serving (2 pieces) shows approximately 10-11 grams of total carbohydrates, with 7-10 grams coming from sugar. The candy is fat-free and contains no protein, making it a source of empty calories with the added benefit of ginger.
Double Strength and Hard Ginger Candies
For those who prefer a more intense ginger flavour and a different texture, Gin Gins also come in hard candy and double strength versions. These have slightly different calorie profiles due to their formulation.
- Hard Ginger Candy: A serving of three hard ginger candies contains approximately 30 calories. This works out to about 10 calories per piece, making it a lower-calorie option if consumed one at a time. The ingredients are similar, but the lower total mass per piece results in fewer calories than the chewy version.
- Double Strength Gin Gins: While sources list different calorie counts, the key difference is the increased ginger content. Some hard candy versions contain 16% fresh ginger compared to the original's 10%. A serving of three pieces of the Super Strength candy has 35 calories, indicating a slight caloric increase over the regular hard candy due to its composition.
What's Inside Your Gin Gin? A Look at Ingredients
The appeal of Gin Gins lies in their simple, natural ingredient list, centered around fresh ginger. The core ingredients typically include:
- Cane Sugar: The primary sweetening agent and a major source of calories.
- Glucose Syrup: Adds to the sweetness and provides the chewy texture in the original variety.
- Ginger: The star ingredient, known for its powerful flavour and soothing properties. Percentages can vary significantly, from 10% in the original chews to 16% or more in stronger variants.
- Tapioca Starch: Used as a thickener and texturizer, especially in the chewy candies.
- Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier that helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Other Ingredients: Some varieties may include salt or citric acid to balance the flavour.
Comparison of Popular Gin Gins Varieties
Here is a simple comparison table outlining the nutritional differences between the most common Gin Gins types based on available data. Note that serving sizes differ, so the 'Per Piece' calorie count is estimated.
| Feature | Original Chewy Gin Gins | Hard Ginger Candy | Double Strength Hard Candy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 2 pieces (12 g) | 3 pieces | 3 pieces |
| Calories Per Serving | 40-45 | 30 | 35 |
| Calories Per Piece | ~20-22 | ~10 | ~12 |
| Sugars Per Serving | 7-10 g | 6 g | 8 g |
| Fat Per Serving | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Ginger Content | 10% | Not specified | 16% |
| Texture | Chewy | Hard | Hard |
The Health Benefits of Ginger Beyond Calories
While Gin Gins are a sugary confection, the inclusion of real ginger provides some notable health benefits that set them apart from regular candy. The root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is widely recognized for its medicinal properties.
- Nausea Relief: Ginger is famously effective at easing nausea caused by motion sickness, morning sickness, or chemotherapy. Its active compounds, like gingerol, are thought to soothe the stomach and help with digestive issues.
- Digestive Aid: Chewing on ginger candy can stimulate digestion, which may help with bloating, indigestion, and other stomach discomforts after a meal.
- Anti-inflammatory: Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Immunity Boost: The antimicrobial properties of ginger can help boost the immune system and fight off infections, particularly during cold and flu season.
Health-Conscious Alternatives for Ginger Lovers
For those looking for the benefits of ginger with fewer calories and less sugar, several alternatives are available.
- Ginger Tea: Brewed ginger tea offers all the benefits of the root with zero calories, provided you don't add sweeteners. This is an excellent way to soothe an upset stomach or warm up on a cold day.
- Fresh Ginger Root: Chewing on a small slice of fresh ginger provides a powerful, spicy kick and maximum therapeutic benefit with no added sugar.
- Homemade Ginger Candies: Creating your own ginger candy allows for complete control over the amount of sugar. Recipes can be adapted to use less sugar or alternative sweeteners to reduce the caloric load.
- Ginseng: For those with an upset stomach or needing an energy boost, ginseng is a popular herbal alternative, though it has different active compounds.
Conclusion: Balancing Sweet Treat and Wellness Benefit
In summary, the number of calories in Gin Gins depends on the variety and serving size. An Original Chewy Gin Gin contains approximately 20-22 calories per piece, with a standard two-piece serving delivering around 40-45 calories. While these candies are primarily a source of sugar and should be consumed in moderation, their key ingredient—real ginger—offers proven benefits for digestive health and nausea relief. For those seeking the wellness aspects of ginger without the added sugars, options like ginger tea or homemade alternatives provide excellent substitutes. Ultimately, Gin Gins can be a flavorful and soothing indulgence when enjoyed as an occasional treat.
For more detailed information on ginger's health properties, you can explore the extensive research compiled by the National Institutes of Health.
