Sugar Content by Serving Size
The amount of sugar in Starburst can vary depending on the product, flavor, and serving size. A single, small, individually wrapped piece contains a relatively small amount, but the total quickly adds up when consuming multiple pieces or an entire package. The primary sources of sweetness are corn syrup and sugar, which are listed as the top ingredients.
Original Starburst Fruit Chews
The standard Original Fruit Chews feature strawberry, cherry, orange, and lemon flavors. The nutritional information for these is commonly cited in various sizes:
- Per 1.4 oz Fun Size Pack (approx. 8 pieces): Contains about 23-25 grams of sugar.
- Per 2.07 oz Single Pack (larger): Features around 33 grams of sugar.
- Per Single Piece: With a fun-size pack having 8 pieces and 23g of sugar, a single piece contains roughly 2.9 to 3.3 grams of sugar.
Other Starburst Products
Different product lines, such as the all-pink bags or tropical flavors, may have slightly different serving sizes and sugar counts:
- All Pink Share Size (6 pieces): Contains 16 grams of total sugar.
- Tropical Fruit Chews (1 piece): Has about 2.9 grams of sugar.
Comparison of Sugar in Candies
To put the sugar content of Starburst into perspective, comparing it to other popular candies can be helpful. This table uses standard serving sizes to illustrate the differences in sugar per serving.
| Candy Type | Serving Size | Sugar (grams) | Sugar Percentage by Weight | Health Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starburst Original | 8 pieces (1.4 oz) | ~23g | ~55% | High in added sugar, low nutritional value. |
| Starburst All Pink | 6 pieces (29g) | 16g | ~55% | All added sugars. |
| Skittles Original | 1.8 oz bag | 47g | ~73% | High in added sugar. |
The Health Implications of High Sugar Intake
Consuming too much added sugar has significant health drawbacks, and Starburst, like most candies, is considered an ultra-processed food with a high sugar content. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that some Starburst products are over 50% sugar by weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends limiting added sugar, and a single pack of Starburst can account for a significant portion of this daily limit.
Excessive sugar consumption is linked to various health concerns, including:
- Increased Risk of Weight Gain: Sugar provides empty calories without satiety.
- Dental Issues: High sugar intake is a primary cause of tooth decay.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Consistently high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of developing this condition.
- Heart Disease: Some studies link high sugar intake to increased risk factors for heart disease.
Ingredients Breakdown
An examination of the ingredients confirms that Starburst is primarily made of sugars and processed components. The typical ingredient list for Original Starburst Fruit Chews is as follows:
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
- Fruit Juice from Concentrate
- Less than 2% of: Citric Acid, Tapioca Dextrin, Gelatin, Modified Corn Starch, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), and Colorings (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1).
The first two ingredients, corn syrup and sugar, make up the bulk of the candy's content. This confirms its status as a sugary treat with minimal nutritional value, despite containing some fruit juice from concentrate.
Conclusion
In summary, how much sugar does a Starburst contain depends on the specific product and serving size, but it's universally high in added sugars. A fun-size pack contains about 23-25 grams of sugar, while an entire single pack has 33 grams. A single piece of original Starburst contains approximately 3 grams of sugar. Due to its high sugar and low nutritional content, it is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat within a balanced diet. For dietary guidelines on sugar, you can consult reputable sources such as the World Health Organization.
