A detailed look at Rainbow Drops' calorie count
Rainbow Drops, the iconic British sweet from Swizzels, are small, sugar-coated puffs of maize and rice. Their light and airy texture has made them a nostalgic favourite for decades. While they are a sweet treat, understanding their calorie and nutritional makeup is key for those monitoring their intake.
Calories per serving
The calorie content of Rainbow Drops varies depending on the bag size. A standard, small 10g bag is a very low-calorie option, containing just 37 kcal. This is one reason they have been a popular snack for generations. Other pack sizes will naturally have different calorie counts.
- 10g bag: Approximately 37 kcal
- 12g bag: Approximately 37 kcal
- 20g bag (serving size): Approximately 70 kcal
- 25g bag: Approximately 123 kcal
- 32g bag: Varies slightly based on batch, but around 120-125 kcal (370-390 kcal/100g equivalent)
Nutritional values per 100g
For a more consistent comparison, nutrition facts are often presented per 100 grams. According to various sources, the typical nutritional information for Rainbow Drops per 100g is as follows:
- Energy: ~1503 kJ / 354 kcal
- Fat: ~0.4g
- Of which Saturates: <0.1g
- Carbohydrates: ~84g
- Of which Sugars: ~64g
- Protein: ~2.1g
- Salt: ~0.02g
This data shows that while the fat content is very low, the sugar content is extremely high. Most of the calories come directly from sugar and carbohydrates.
The ingredients behind the colourful puffs
The ingredient list for Rainbow Drops is relatively simple, which reflects their retro, no-frills appeal. The core ingredients are:
- Sugar
- Maize
- Rice
- Glucose Syrup
- Flavourings
- Colours (including Beetroot Red, Copper Chlorophyllin, Lutein, Paprika Extract)
Note on allergens: Swizzels state the product may contain GLUTEN due to processing in a facility that also handles gluten-containing products. Despite this, they are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Comparison with other popular sweets
To put the calorie count of Rainbow Drops into perspective, it's helpful to compare them to other popular confectioneries. The table below shows a comparison of calories per 100g and typical serving size.
| Sweet Type | Calories per 100g | Typical Serving Size (kcal) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Drops (Swizzels) | ~354 kcal | ~37 kcal (10g bag) | Puffed maize and rice, low fat |
| Love Hearts (Swizzels) | ~397 kcal | ~100 kcal (25g roll) | Hard candy, high sugar |
| Jelly Beans (Generic) | ~360 kcal | ~140 kcal (40g serving) | Varies by brand, typically chewy |
| Milk Chocolate (Generic) | ~530 kcal | ~265 kcal (50g bar) | High fat and sugar |
| Fizzers (Swizzels) | ~387 kcal | ~12 kcal (3g packet) | Powdered candy, high sugar |
This comparison demonstrates that while Rainbow Drops are not the lowest calorie option overall, their typical small bag size does provide a low-calorie portion, especially when compared to high-fat options like chocolate.
Are Rainbow Drops a 'healthy' low-calorie snack?
It is important to manage expectations when discussing the healthiness of any candy. Rainbow Drops are not a 'healthy' snack in the nutritional sense, as they are high in sugar and offer no significant nutritional benefits like fibre, vitamins, or minerals. However, they can be considered a 'low-calorie' treat due to the small, controlled portion sizes they are often sold in.
For those watching their weight, enjoying a 10g bag of 37 kcal Rainbow Drops is a much more diet-friendly option than a large bar of chocolate. Moderation is key. Treating them as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular snack is the best approach for a balanced diet.
The fascinating history and production
Rainbow Drops have a rich history, having been a popular confectionary in the UK since before World War II. They were originally sold loose and dispensed in a rather theatrical manner: fired out of a cannon. This unusual production method contributed to their unique shape and early appeal. Today, they are made by heating a fine powder of maize and rice, which causes them to puff up before being coated in their vibrant, sugary shell.
Conclusion
In summary, how many calories do Rainbow Drops have depends on the serving size, but a typical small 10g bag contains a modest 37 kcal, while the overall energy density is around 354 kcal per 100g. They are a low-fat, high-sugar confection made from puffed maize and rice. Despite not being a 'healthy' snack, their small portion sizes can make them a guilt-free occasional treat. As with any sweet, enjoying Rainbow Drops in moderation is crucial for a balanced lifestyle. Their status as a nostalgic, low-calorie option (per small bag) continues to cement their popularity among all generations.
For more detailed nutritional information, visit the official Swizzels website.
