What is a Tastykake Kandy Kake?
Before delving into the nutritional specifics, it's important to understand what a Tastykake Kandy Kake is. The Kandy Kake is a signature Tastykake product, renowned for its specific construction and flavor profile. It consists of a thin, fluffy angel-food-style cake layer, topped with a flavorful filling—often peanut butter or a cream filling—and then fully enrobed in a hard confectionery coating. This layered approach, with the dense coating and rich filling, is what primarily contributes to its calorie density.
Historically, the product was known as the 'Tandy Kake' and has been a staple snack for decades. While the foundational elements remain consistent, flavor variants, such as chocolate and peanut butter, introduce variations in the overall nutritional makeup. Understanding these differences is key to accurately assessing the caloric impact of your snack.
Calorie Breakdown by Kandy Kake Flavor
The calorie content of a Tastykake Kandy Kake is not a single number, as it changes with each flavor and serving size. The most common packaging is a two-cake serving, which is often how the nutritional information is listed. Here is a comparison of common flavors based on a 2-cake serving:
| Flavor | Calories per 2 cakes | Total Fat | Total Sugars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Kandy Kakes | 180 | 9g | 18g |
| Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes | 190 | 10g | 14g |
| Chocolate Family Pack | 180 | 10g | 17g |
| Peanut Butter Single Serve | 270 | 16g | 22g |
It is essential to note the distinction between the standard packaged Kandy Kakes and the 'Family Pack' or 'Single Serve' versions. The portion size and ingredients can differ, leading to a variance in the calorie count. For example, a single-serve Peanut Butter Kandy Kake package contains a larger portion size (2 oz) and, therefore, a higher total calorie count of 270.
Beyond the Calorie Count: Other Key Nutritional Factors
While calories provide a top-line number, the macronutrient composition gives a more complete picture of a snack's nutritional impact. When examining Tastykake Kandy Kakes, several other factors stand out:
High in Saturated Fat
Most Kandy Kake flavors are notable for their high saturated fat content, primarily from the confectionery coating and hydrogenated oils used in the filling. The Peanut Butter Kandy Kake, for instance, contains 5g of saturated fat per two-cake serving, which is 25% of the recommended daily value.
Substantial Sugar Content
As a sweet treat, it is no surprise that Kandy Kakes contain a significant amount of sugar. A two-pack of Chocolate Kandy Kakes contains 18g of sugar, while the Peanut Butter version has 14g. The ingredients list for Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes includes multiple forms of sugar, such as sugar and high fructose corn syrup, contributing to this high level. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has even flagged some versions as being up to 37% sugar by weight.
Minimal Protein and Fiber
Kandy Kakes offer very little protein or dietary fiber. For example, a two-pack of Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes offers just 3g of protein, while the Chocolate version has only 1g. Fiber content is also low, with some versions listing 0g and others only 1g. This profile means the snack is energy-dense but not particularly filling.
A Quick Look at Ingredients and Processing
The ingredient list for Tastykake Kandy Kakes reinforces their classification as a highly-processed food. Ingredients commonly found include:
- Confectionery Coating: Made with sugar and hydrogenated palm kernel oil.
- Sweeteners: Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are prominent.
- Flour: Enriched bleached flour forms the cake base.
- Emulsifiers and Additives: Soy lecithin, mono- and diglycerides, and artificial flavors are used to achieve the desired texture and taste.
- Preservatives: Potassium sorbate is included to extend shelf life.
The Environmental Working Group has expressed concern over the high level of processing, linking ultra-processed foods to potential health risks like obesity and heart disease. While this does not mean an occasional treat is harmful, it is a factor to consider for overall dietary habits.
Conclusion
Determining the calorie count for a Tastykake candy cake requires checking the specific flavor and portion size. A standard 2-pack serving ranges from 180 to 190 calories, but this can jump to 270 calories for single-serve packages. These snacks are energy-dense, primarily due to high levels of sugar and fat, and offer minimal protein or fiber. For those monitoring their intake, reviewing the nutritional label is the most accurate way to understand what's in your treat. For more general nutrition information and food data, a reliable source is CalorieKing.
