Pez candies are a nostalgic treat, instantly recognizable by their iconic rectangular brick shape and character-headed dispensers. While a standard roll of assorted fruit Pez contains 9 grams of sugar, many people are curious about the sugar content of a single, tiny piece. Breaking down the math reveals a surprisingly low amount, but it's important to consider the full context of a typical serving.
The Math Behind a Single Pez Candy
To find out how much sugar is in one Pez, you need to look at the serving size and the total sugar for that serving. A standard package of Pez candy refills typically lists a serving size as one roll, which contains approximately 12 individual candy bricks and weighs about 9 grams. The nutritional information for this 9-gram roll clearly states it contains 9 grams of sugar. Therefore, the calculation is straightforward:
- Total sugar per roll: 9 grams
- Number of pieces per roll: ~12 pieces
- 9 grams of sugar / 12 pieces = 0.75 grams of sugar per piece
This means that a single Pez candy contains just three-quarters of a gram of sugar. This is a very small amount, which is why Pez is often seen as a lighter candy option. However, few people stop at just one piece, making the total sugar from a full roll a more relevant figure for most consumers.
Inside a Pez Candy: Ingredient Breakdown
Pez candies are primarily composed of sugar and corn syrup, which contribute to their sweetness and structure. Other ingredients include adipic acid for tartness, hydrogenated palm kernel and palm oils and mono and diglycerides as binders and emulsifiers, natural and artificial flavors for taste, and artificial colors for appearance.
Pez vs. Other Popular Candies: A Sugar Comparison
To put the sugar content of Pez into perspective, here's a comparison with other candies:
| Candy (Serving Size) | Total Sugar | Equivalent Sugar per Piece | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pez (1 roll / 12 pcs) | 9 grams | 0.75 grams | |
| American Smarties (1 roll / 15 pcs) | 6.9 grams | 0.46 grams | |
| Jolly Rancher (1 hard candy) | 7 grams | 7 grams | |
| Skittles (1 fun-size bag) | ~11 grams | ~0.6 grams (est. 18 pcs) | - |
A single Pez piece has a similar sugar content to an individual Skittle, but a full roll of Pez has more sugar than a roll of American Smarties. A single Jolly Rancher hard candy contains significantly more sugar than an entire roll of Pez.
Health Considerations and Sugar Intake
Experts recommend limiting added sugar intake. A single roll of Pez contains a notable portion of a child's daily recommended limit. The Environmental Working Group has identified Pez as an ultra-processed food with potentially concerning artificial colors.
The Importance of Moderation
Enjoying Pez in moderation is key. The dispenser design may help with portion control, but it's easy to consume multiple rolls. It's best to consider Pez an occasional treat.
The History Behind the Dispenser
Pez originated in Austria in 1927 as a peppermint breath mint for adults. The name comes from the German word for peppermint, 'PfeffErminZ'. In the 1950s, Pez introduced character-headed dispensers and fruit flavors for the American children's market. These dispensers are now highly collectible, featuring numerous pop culture characters and remaining a significant part of the Pez brand.
Conclusion: The Final Count
One Pez candy contains 0.75 grams of sugar. A standard roll has 9 grams, composed primarily of sugar and corn syrup. Health recommendations suggest mindful consumption, especially for children. Moderation is advised when enjoying this iconic candy.
