A Closer Look at the Sugar in Pez Candy
While the iconic dispensers are the most recognizable feature of the Pez brand, the candy inside is what drives the business. Each rectangular, compressed tablet is made from a simple list of ingredients, with sugar being the primary component. The candy's recipe primarily consists of sugar and corn syrup, which are both sources of added sugar.
Breaking Down the Nutritional Label
A typical 9-gram roll of Pez candy is a very straightforward treat from a nutritional standpoint. It contains 35 calories, and all of its carbohydrate content—which is 9 grams—comes directly from sugar. The candy contains no fat, protein, or dietary fiber. This means it provides quick energy in the form of simple carbohydrates without any additional nutritional benefit.
- Total Carbohydrates: 9 grams
- Total Sugars: 9 grams
- Added Sugars: The entire 9 grams of sugar are added sugars.
- Calories: 35
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
This simple composition explains why the taste is so singular and directly sweet. Unlike other complex candies that mix sugar with fats or other ingredients, Pez offers a pure, unadulterated sugar hit.
The Difference Between Regular and Fizzy Pez
The nutritional information can vary slightly between different types of Pez candy. For instance, the fizzy variety has a slightly different makeup. According to the PEZ candy website, the fizzy tablets contain sugar and glucose syrup, similar to the standard versions, but also include additional ingredients like sodium carbonates and malic acid. The sugar content per serving is very similar, though minor variations in total weight and formulation can occur depending on the specific product.
Pez vs. Other Popular Candies: A Sugar Showdown
Comparing Pez to other candies can provide perspective on its sugar content. While a single roll of Pez seems low in sugar because of its small size, comparing it gram for gram with other sweets can be illuminating. Many people underestimate the density of sugar in these small, compressed discs.
| Candy Type | Serving Size (approx.) | Sugar Content (approx.) | Comparison to Pez (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pez Candy | 1 roll (9g) | 9g | Baseline |
| Skittles | 1 small pack (61g) | 47g | Over 5 times more sugar |
| Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar | 1 standard bar (43g) | 24g | Almost 3 times more sugar |
| M&M's Plain | 1 small pack (48g) | 30g | Over 3 times more sugar |
| Smarties (American) | 1 roll (7g) | 6g | Slightly less sugar per roll |
Note: Nutritional information for other candies varies by product and serving size. The values are approximate for a typical small or single-serve package.
As the table shows, a single roll of Pez has less total sugar than a standard serving of many other candies simply because the serving size is much smaller. However, on a gram-for-gram basis, Pez is intensely sugary. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) noted that some Pez products they analyzed were essentially 100% sugar by weight.
The Health Context of Pez Candy Consumption
Considering that Pez candy is almost entirely sugar, it's essential to consume it in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to reduce the risk of heart disease and other health issues. Excessive consumption of sugar can lead to:
- Dental Issues: Sugar is a primary contributor to tooth decay, as oral bacteria feed on it and produce acids that erode tooth enamel. The fact that Pez is consumed slowly and its remnants can stick to teeth increases this risk.
- Blood Sugar Spikes: For individuals managing diabetes or blood sugar levels, the rapid absorption of pure sugar from Pez can cause significant spikes.
- Link to Hyperactivity: The use of artificial colors in Pez, a component unrelated to the sugar content, has been linked to hyperactivity in some children, a concern for parents and caregivers.
A Collector's Sweet Treat
Despite the sugar content, the appeal of Pez lies as much in its collectible dispensers as in the candy itself. The small portion size of each roll is often considered a benefit, as it naturally limits intake compared to a large bag of sweets. The nostalgia associated with the iconic dispensers also plays a huge role in its enduring popularity.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "How much sugar is in per Pez?", a standard 9-gram roll contains a surprisingly high 9 grams of sugar, making it an incredibly concentrated source of sweet carbohydrates. While the small serving size keeps the total sugar intake low per roll, it's a reminder that Pez is a pure indulgence with no added nutritional value. Enjoying Pez is a fun, nostalgic experience, but like any sugary treat, it's best done in moderation.
For more detailed nutritional information and ingredients, you can always check reliable nutritional databases like those from Eat This Much.
