A Look at the Current Butterfinger Ingredients
Following its acquisition of Butterfinger from Nestlé in 2018, the Ferrero Candy Company introduced an “Improved Recipe” in 2019. The new recipe focused on higher-quality, US-grown peanuts, removed several additives, and enhanced the chocolatey coating. The current ingredient list is designed to deliver a richer, fresher, and more natural flavor profile.
The primary ingredients now used in a standard Butterfinger bar are:
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Peanuts
- Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel and Palm Oil)
- Peanut Flour
- Nonfat Milk
- Less than 2% of: Cocoa, Milk, Salt, Yellow Corn Flour, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Annatto Color
The Function of Key Components
These ingredients are crucial to creating the distinctive texture and taste that define a Butterfinger.
Building the Crunchy Core
- Peanuts and Peanut Flour: US-grown peanuts, roasted in-house, are used for a stronger, fresher peanut taste. Peanut flour helps replicate the bar’s iconic flaky, crunchy texture.
- Corn Syrup and Sugar: These sweeteners form the sugary, brittle base that gives the core its hard, yet crispety texture.
- Yellow Corn Flour: This ingredient contributes to the familiar crumbliness of the center.
Crafting the Chocolatey Coating
- Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel and Palm Oil): The coating uses these oils and cocoa, rather than cocoa butter, which means it is legally termed “chocolatey”. The reformulation increased cocoa and milk for a richer flavor.
- Cocoa and Milk: These provide the bar's cocoa flavor and color.
- Annatto Color: This natural coloring gives the core its reddish-orange hue.
Enhancing the Flavor and Texture
- Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier that prevents fat and water separation.
- Natural Flavor: Flavorings derived from natural sources, replacing artificial ones.
The Evolution of the Butterfinger Recipe: Old vs. New
After Ferrero acquired Butterfinger from Nestlé in 2018, they aimed to create a "Better Butterfinger".
Here is a comparison of key ingredients:
| Ingredient Category | Old Recipe (Nestlé-era) | New Recipe (Ferrero-era) |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Source | Generic ground roasted peanuts | Carefully selected, US-grown roasted peanuts |
| Oil Content | Contained hydrogenated palm kernel oil | Replaced hydrogenated oils with palm kernel and palm oil |
| Preservatives | Included TBHQ and citric acid | TBHQ eliminated; uses natural flavors and wrapper for freshness |
| Additives | Used artificial flavors and colors (Yellow 5, Red 40) | Switched to natural flavor and annatto color |
| Crisp-Factor | Used "confectioner's corn flakes" | Uses peanut flour and yellow corn flour |
The removal of TBHQ and hydrogenated oils was a significant change, aligning with trends for cleaner ingredient lists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfinger's Ingredients
Is Butterfinger gluten-free?
Most standard Butterfinger products are gluten-free, though it's always best to check packaging.
Does the Butterfinger coating contain real chocolate?
The coating is "chocolatey," made with vegetable oils and cocoa, not legally real chocolate.
What are the main allergens in a Butterfinger?
The key allergens are peanuts, milk, and soy. Check labels for cross-contamination risks.
Why was the Butterfinger recipe changed?
The recipe was changed after Ferrero acquired the brand in 2018 to improve ingredient quality and remove artificial additives.
What gives Butterfinger its signature crunch?
The crunch comes from ground peanuts, peanut flour, and yellow corn flour mixed with cooked sugar and corn syrup.
Are there any artificial ingredients left in the new recipe?
No, artificial flavors and colors were replaced with natural flavorings and annatto in the 2019 reformulation.
Can I still find the old Butterfinger recipe anywhere?
No, the Nestlé-era recipe was replaced in 2019. Current bars use the new formula.
Conclusion
The Butterfinger candy bar's 2019 reformulation by Ferrero brought a cleaner ingredient list, removing additives like hydrogenated oils and TBHQ. The new recipe uses higher-quality peanuts and a richer chocolatey coating. While the taste has evolved, the combination of corn syrup, sugar, and peanuts still provides its iconic crunch. Understanding what are the ingredients in Butterfinger candy today highlights its adaptation to modern consumer preferences.
To learn more about the candy brands under its umbrella, visit the official Ferrara Candy Company website: Ferrara
