Why the Number of Maltesers Varies
Maltesers are sold by weight, not by piece count, meaning there is no guaranteed, exact number in any given bag. The weight of an individual Malteser can fluctuate slightly due to manufacturing variations, which is why a 37g treat bag may have anywhere from 15 to 18 pieces. The best way to estimate is to know the bag size and the average weight of a single Malteser, which is approximately 2.1g.
Standard Bag Size Counts
For the average consumer, the most common Maltesers bags are the treat bag and the share bag. Here's a breakdown based on market data from locations like the UK and Australia:
- 37g Treat Bag (UK): A popular single-serve option, this bag typically holds around 15 to 18 Maltesers.
- 68g Treat Bag (UK/UAE): A larger individual serving or small share bag, you can expect roughly 32 Maltesers inside (68g / 2.1g per piece).
- 93g Share Bag (UK): Historically, this bag size contained approximately 44 to 47 pieces, according to anecdotal reports and calculations (93g / 2.1g).
- 132g Fun Size Share Bag (AU): A multipack containing 11 individually wrapped 12g bags, each containing about 5 to 6 Maltesers.
- 140g Snack & Share Bag (AU): A larger single bag with approximately 66 Maltesers inside (140g / 2.1g).
- 185g Box (UK): When sold in a box, a 185g quantity will contain approximately 88 pieces (185g / 2.1g).
List of Malteser bag and box sizes
Beyond the most common bags, Maltesers are sold in a range of sizes to suit different needs. Here is a more comprehensive list of common bag and box sizes found in various markets:
- 37g Treat Bag
- 68g Treat Bag
- 93g Share Bag
- 110g Box
- 132g Fun Size Share Bag Multipack
- 140g Snack & Share Bag
- 185g Box
- 280g Snack Party Bag
- 310g Box
- 400g Party Gift Box
Comparison Table: Maltesers vs. Competitor Share Bag Quantities
| Snack (Share Bag) | Approx. Weight | Approx. Number of Pieces | Average Weight Per Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maltesers | 140g | ~66 | ~2.1g |
| M&M's Milk Chocolate | 148g | ~155 | ~0.95g |
| Skittles Fruits | 180g | ~180 | ~1.0g |
| Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons | 100g | ~40-50 | ~2.0-2.5g |
| Twix Bites | 159g | ~11 | ~14.5g |
Note: Piece counts are approximations based on average weights and may vary.
As the table shows, a Maltesers share bag contains a different count compared to other popular snacks, a fact driven largely by the lighter, malted honeycomb center, which means fewer individual pieces are needed to reach the desired package weight.
The Science Behind Malteser Bag Counts
The variation in Malteser count can be explained by manufacturing and quality control processes. Food items sold by weight are required to meet minimum weight standards, but manufacturers have a tolerance for minor deviations. As long as the total weight of the bag meets or exceeds the stated amount, the number of individual pieces is not a factor. This also means that on occasion, you might get a slightly heavier or lighter individual Malteser, further contributing to the count variability. The delicate malty honeycomb center can also be more prone to slight size differences than solid chocolate or chewy sweets.
Conclusion
While there is no definitive answer to how many Maltesers are in one bag, you can make a very close estimate by knowing the bag's weight and the average weight of a single Malteser (around 2.1g). Whether you're purchasing a small 37g treat bag with 15-18 pieces or a larger share bag with over 60, the joy of a Malteser lies in its light, crispy texture and milk chocolate coating, not the exact number. So next time you open a bag, consider doing your own unofficial piece count to see how accurate the general estimates are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the approximate weight of one single Malteser?
Answer: A single Malteser weighs approximately 2.1 grams, but this can vary slightly due to minor manufacturing inconsistencies.
How many Maltesers are in a 37g treat bag?
Answer: A standard 37g Maltesers treat bag typically contains between 15 and 18 pieces.
Is the number of Maltesers guaranteed to be the same in every bag of the same size?
Answer: No, the number of Maltesers is not guaranteed to be the same because the products are sold by weight, not by individual piece count. There can be slight variations in the size and weight of each piece.
How can I calculate the number of Maltesers in a larger bag?
Answer: To estimate the number of Maltesers in a larger bag, divide the total bag weight in grams by the average weight of a single Malteser (approx. 2.1g). For example, a 93g bag would have around 44 Maltesers (93 / 2.1 = 44.2).
What factors affect the number of Maltesers in a bag?
Answer: The main factors are the total weight of the bag, the weight variation of individual pieces, and manufacturing tolerances. Bags are filled by weight, not counted individually.
Do different sized bags offer better value in terms of Malteser count?
Answer: It is possible, but not guaranteed. Generally, larger share bags tend to have a slightly lower price per gram, but this can vary based on retailer, promotions, and location.
Are Malteser boxes and bags filled the same way?
Answer: Yes, both Malteser boxes and bags are filled to meet a specific weight requirement, so the number of individual pieces will be an approximation rather than an exact, guaranteed count.
