How Many M&M's Are in a Fun Size Package? The Nutrition Diet Explained

October 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research conducted by students, a 'fun size' package of M&M's typically contains an average of 17-18 pieces. However, the exact count can vary, with reported findings ranging from 15 to 22 pieces per package. Knowing precisely how many M&M's are in a fun size package is a key step towards understanding how to manage small indulgences within a balanced nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an average count and nutritional breakdown for a fun size M&M's package. It also offers expert advice on portion control and mindful eating, explaining how to strategically incorporate small candies into a healthy lifestyle without compromising your nutrition goals.

Key Points

Variable Candy Count: A fun size M&M's package contains an average of 17-18 pieces, but the number can range from 15 to 22 due to manufacturing variations.
Low Calorie, High Sugar: A single fun size milk chocolate pack contains around 65-70 calories, with a high proportion coming from sugar and saturated fat.
Portion Control is Key: Buying single-serving fun size packages is an effective strategy to manage portion sizes and prevent overeating.
Mindful Indulgence: Experts recommend savoring treats mindfully, focusing on the experience to enhance satisfaction with smaller quantities.
Avoid Total Deprivation: Eliminating all treats can lead to binging. Instead, plan for occasional, controlled indulgences within a balanced diet.
Pair with Nutrients: To mitigate the sugar impact, pair your treat with nutrient-dense foods like fruit, nuts, or yogurt.
Balance is Sustainable: A successful nutrition diet is one that is balanced, sustainable, and does not require total sacrifice, allowing for occasional treats without guilt.

Unpacking the Fun Size M&M's: The Numbers Behind the Treat

While the name suggests a standardized quantity, the number of M&M's in a 'fun size' package is not fixed. Small variations in manufacturing can lead to different numbers of candies in each bag. A study by a group of students found an average of 17 M&M's per bag, but noted a range of 15 to 19. This variability is a good lesson in understanding that packaged portion sizes can be an estimate, not an exact science.

Milk Chocolate Fun Size M&M's Nutrition Facts

Once you know the approximate candy count, the next step is to examine the nutritional impact. For a standard Milk Chocolate fun size pack weighing about 0.47 ounces (13.5 grams), here's a look at the approximate nutritional information, based on various nutrition databases:

Calories: 64-70 kcal
Total Fat: 2.3-2.8 g
Saturated Fat: 1.6-2 g
Total Carbohydrates: 9.3-12 g
Sugars: 8.3-10 g
Protein: 0.6-1 g

This breakdown reveals that a single fun size pack is relatively low in protein and high in sugar and saturated fat. This reinforces the idea that candy should be a controlled indulgence, not a staple of your diet.

Comparison Table: Fun Size M&M's vs. Common Alternatives


Item	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Sugars (approx.)	Portion Control Strategy
Fun Size Milk Chocolate M&M's	1 package (13.5g)	65 kcal	9g	One single-serving package as a pre-planned treat.
Fun Size Peanut M&M's	1 package (approx. 18g)	90 kcal	9g	The added protein and fat from peanuts offer slightly more satiety for a similar sugar content.
Dark Chocolate Almonds	10-12 pieces (approx. 20g)	100-110 kcal	8-10g	Combine healthy fats and fiber with a touch of sweetness. Pre-portion a small handful.
Mixed Nuts and Dried Fruit	1/4 cup (approx. 30g)	160-180 kcal	10-15g	Offers fiber, protein, and minerals. Make your own mix to control the sugar from dried fruit.

Fitting Treats into a Healthy Nutrition Diet

Incorporating sweets into a healthy eating plan is not only possible but can also be a key factor in long-term success. Experts agree that total deprivation can often lead to overeating and binging. The key is mindful indulgence and portion control.

Strategies for Mindful Indulgence

Allocate Your Treats: Instead of banning all sweets, consciously set aside a small portion of your daily or weekly calorie budget for treats. For example, a fun size M&M's pack can be your pre-planned dessert on a particular day.
Practice Mindful Eating: When you have your treat, sit down, put away distractions, and savor every bite. Notice the texture, taste, and how it makes you feel. This can enhance satisfaction and prevent you from mindlessly reaching for another.
Combine with Nutrients: A good strategy is to pair a small treat with something nutritious. Having a handful of M&M's alongside a piece of fruit or some Greek yogurt can help curb the sugar rush and provide more balanced nutrients.
Buy Single Servings: As shown with the fun size M&M's, buying treats in single-serving packages is an excellent way to pre-portion and avoid overeating. Avoid large 'sharing' bags that encourage mindless grazing.
Keep Temptations Out of Sight: If you have trouble with self-control, keep treats stored away in a cupboard or a place that requires effort to access. The old adage 'out of sight, out of mind' is often very effective.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

While a fun size M&M's package is not nutritionally dense, understanding its contents and calorie count is the first step toward making informed dietary choices. Rather than viewing candy as 'good' or 'bad,' consider how it fits into your overall nutrition diet. By focusing on moderation, mindful eating, and strategic planning, you can enjoy small treats like fun size M&M's without derailing your health goals. A balanced approach to nutrition, which includes controlled indulgences, is often the most sustainable path to a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard milk chocolate fun size M&M's package contains approximately 64-70 calories.

Yes, due to manufacturing differences, the exact number of M&M's in a fun size package can vary. Studies have reported counts ranging from 15 to 22 pieces.

You can fit candy into a healthy diet through portion control, mindful eating, and pre-planning your indulgences. Buy single-serving packs and enjoy them alongside more nutritious foods to balance your intake.

While fun size Peanut M&M's offer a little more protein and fat from the peanuts, all are considered treats. Healthier sweet snack alternatives include dark chocolate-covered almonds or homemade trail mix.

Yes, it is perfectly fine to have occasional sweets while trying to lose weight. The key is moderation and calorie control. Total deprivation can lead to intense cravings and potential overeating.

Mindful eating is the practice of paying full attention to your food—noticing its colors, smells, textures, and tastes. This approach helps increase satisfaction and can prevent overconsumption.

Fun size packages are pre-portioned for controlled snacking, making it easier to stick to a modest serving. Regular size packages contain multiple servings and require more self-discipline to avoid overeating.