Sugar Content by Reese's Take 5 Bar Size
The amount of sugar in a Reese's Take 5 candy bar varies depending on the size of the product you are eating. The three most common sizes are the full-size bar, the snack-size piece, and the larger king-size bar. It is important to check the packaging, as nutritional information can change over time.
Full-Size Reese's Take 5
A standard full-size Reese's Take 5 bar, typically weighing around 1.5 ounces (42 grams), contains 18 grams of total sugar. This amount includes all forms of sugar found in the bar, from the chocolate coating to the caramel filling. This figure is consistent across multiple nutrition fact databases.
Snack-Size Reese's Take 5
For those who prefer a smaller portion, the snack-size Reese's Take 5 is a common option. These are often found in bags for sharing or Halloween treats. One individual snack-size piece, which is approximately 21 grams, contains 9 grams of total sugar. Of this, 8 grams are added sugar, as noted by Hershey's official nutritional information.
King-Size Reese's Take 5
The king-size version offers a larger, more indulgent portion. A single king-size Reese's Take 5 bar, which is essentially two full-size bars packaged together, contains 27 grams of total sugar. It is important to note the significant increase in sugar and calories when choosing this larger size.
Breaking Down the Sweetness: The Five Layers
The distinct taste of a Reese's Take 5 bar comes from its unique combination of five layers. These ingredients are what contribute to its total sugar content.
- Milk Chocolate Coating: The outer layer of sweet milk chocolate contains a significant amount of sugar.
- Caramel: The gooey, sweet caramel adds another layer of sugary flavor and texture.
- Peanut Butter: The inner layer of Reese's famous peanut butter is made with sweeteners like sugar and corn syrup solids.
- Peanuts: While peanuts themselves contain minimal sugar, the way they are prepared and combined with other ingredients adds to the overall sweetness.
- Pretzels: The salty pretzels offer a contrasting flavor and texture that balances the sweetness, but they are not a significant source of sugar themselves.
Looking at the ingredient list, sugar is the very first component, indicating it is the most prominent ingredient by weight. High fructose corn syrup is also listed, which is a key contributor to the sweet caramel.
How Reese's Take 5 Sugar Compares
To put the sugar content into perspective, here is a comparison table of Reese's Take 5 to a few other popular candy bars. Serving sizes and sugar content can vary by brand and product version, but this provides a general overview.
| Candy Bar | Serving Size (approx.) | Total Sugar (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Reese's Take 5 (Full-Size) | 1.5 oz (42g) | 18-19g |
| Snickers (Standard Size) | 1.86 oz (52.7g) | 27g (varies) |
| Kit Kat (4-finger bar) | 1.5 oz (42g) | 22g (varies) |
| Twix (2-bar pack) | 1.79 oz (50.7g) | 25g (varies) |
| Hershey's Milk Chocolate | 1.55 oz (44g) | 24g (varies) |
As you can see, the sugar content of a full-size Reese's Take 5 is on the lower side when compared to some other popular candy bars of similar weight. However, it is still a significant amount of sugar and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Understanding Added vs. Total Sugar
For snack-size Reese's Take 5 bars, the nutrition label often breaks down the total sugar (9g) into added sugar (8g). The difference is important for understanding dietary impact:
- Total Sugar: All sugar contained in the product, including natural sugars and added sugars.
- Added Sugar: Sugars and syrups added during processing. Nutrition labels for added sugar help consumers distinguish between naturally occurring sugars (like lactose) and those added for sweetness.
The high proportion of added sugar highlights that the sweetness is intentionally created during manufacturing rather than coming from naturally sweet ingredients. Health organizations, like the American Heart Association, recommend limiting added sugar intake to help reduce the risk of health issues.
Conclusion: The Sweet and Salty Facts
For a standard 1.5-ounce Reese's Take 5 bar, the sugar count is 18 grams. For those choosing the smaller snack-size version, a single piece contains 9 grams of sugar. However, indulging in a king-size bar will increase that intake to 27 grams. The delicious combination of chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, and pretzels is certainly a treat, but it comes with a significant amount of sugar. Understanding the specific portion size you're consuming is key to being mindful of your sugar intake. To view a complete nutritional breakdown, visit Hershey's official product page. Hershey's Take5 Snack Size Nutrition
