Tag: Holiday sweets

Over 68% of the world's population has some degree of lactose intolerance, so understanding a food's dairy content is critical. Traditional peppermint candy canes are typically free of dairy ingredients, yet risks of cross-contamination and specialty flavors necessitate careful label reading.

One study found that a typical candy cane contains over 90% of its calories from sugar. This statistic immediately casts doubt on the idea that a candy cane is a healthy food, as it is primarily composed of refined sugars and offers no nutritional value.

With an estimated 1.76 billion candy canes produced in the United States each year, it's a holiday tradition to enjoy these striped treats. But beyond the festive spirit, many question: are peppermint candy canes healthy? The reality is more complex than a simple yes or no, involving sugar, additives, and dental considerations.

Over 1.76 billion candy canes are produced annually, with the vast majority consumed during the Christmas season. Understanding what are the ingredients of a candy cane reveals a surprisingly simple core recipe centered on sugar, corn syrup, peppermint oil, and red food coloring.

While most traditional candy canes are made with sugar and corn syrup, the concern over xylitol is very real for pet owners. This is because sugar-free versions, which are increasingly common, may substitute xylitol for sugar, creating a toxic holiday hazard for dogs.

Made from a simple boiled sugar syrup, ribbon candy is primarily composed of sugar and corn syrup. A typical 1/3 ribbon serving (28g) can contain as much as 18 grams of total sugars, all of which are added sugars. The intricate, shimmering holiday treat is essentially a confection of concentrated sweeteners, with flavorings and colorings comprising only a tiny percentage of its total volume.

A standard 14-gram peppermint candy cane contains approximately 50 to 55 calories, depending on the brand. Despite being a holiday staple, this treat is made almost entirely of sugar and corn syrup, with virtually no fat or protein, making it important to understand its nutritional profile for mindful consumption.

According to nutritional data, a standard small Malteser Reindeer (29g) contains approximately 157 calories. This festive, malty treat is a popular seasonal favorite, but understanding its nutritional content can help in making mindful choices during the holidays.

According to studies, many people consume an extra 90 to 250 calories per day during the winter months, often in the form of sugary, carbohydrate-rich foods. This common phenomenon leads to a frequent question: do people eat more sugar in the winter? The answer, supported by a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, is a resounding yes.

Over 1.76 billion candy canes are sold in America between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but for those on a plant-based diet, a critical question looms: are candy canes vegan friendly? The answer isn't a simple 'yes,' as many traditional recipes and manufacturing processes include animal-derived ingredients you might not expect.