Which has more sugar, Cadbury or Galaxy?: A Nutritional Breakdown

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

With many popular milk chocolate bars exceeding the daily recommended sugar intake in a single serving, knowing the nutritional details matters. When weighing up which has more sugar, Cadbury or Galaxy, the difference is small, but a closer look at the nutritional breakdown is revealing for anyone mindful of their diet.

Quick Summary

A comparison of standard milk chocolate reveals Cadbury Dairy Milk typically contains slightly more sugar per 100g than Galaxy Smooth Milk, though both are high in sugar and calories.

Key Points

Slight Sugar Difference: Cadbury Dairy Milk typically contains slightly more sugar per 100g (approx. 56g) than Galaxy Smooth Milk (approx. 54g) in standard UK bars.
Minimal Nutritional Gap: The small difference in sugar content is not nutritionally significant for most people, and other factors like fat and calories are very similar.
High in Sugar and Calories: Both Cadbury and Galaxy are high in sugar and calories, and a standard bar significantly exceeds recommended daily sugar limits.
Moderation is Key: Focusing on moderate, infrequent consumption is a more effective dietary strategy than scrutinizing the minor sugar differences between these two chocolates.
Dark Chocolate Alternative: For those looking to reduce sugar, high-cocoa dark chocolate is a healthier option, containing less sugar overall.
Varying Nutrients: The nutritional values can vary slightly depending on the specific product variant, size, and region, so checking individual labels is always recommended.

Cadbury vs Galaxy: Sugar and Calories Compared

For many, the choice between a Cadbury Dairy Milk and a Galaxy Smooth Milk is purely a matter of taste preference. However, from a nutritional perspective, there are minor differences worth noting, particularly regarding sugar content. Based on nutritional information for standard UK milk chocolate bars, Cadbury Dairy Milk has a slightly higher sugar count per 100 grams than Galaxy Smooth Milk.

Specifically, Cadbury Dairy Milk often lists around 56g of sugar per 100g, while Galaxy Smooth Milk reports approximately 54g per 100g. This difference is minimal in the grand scheme of overall daily intake, and it's important to remember that these figures can vary slightly depending on the specific product, size, and country of origin. For instance, limited edition or different flavoured variants may have distinct nutritional profiles.

A Deeper Look at the Nutritional Profiles

While sugar is a key component, it's not the only nutritional factor at play. The fat and calorie content also contribute significantly to the overall health impact of these chocolate bars. Both Cadbury and Galaxy are calorie-dense and high in fat due to the cocoa butter and added vegetable fats they contain.

Nutritional Comparison: Cadbury vs Galaxy (Per 100g)


Nutrient	Cadbury Dairy Milk (UK)	Galaxy Smooth Milk (UK)
Energy	approx. 534 kcal / 2230 kJ	approx. 544 kcal / 2273 kJ
Fat	approx. 30g	approx. 32g
of which saturates	approx. 18g	approx. 20g
Carbohydrates	approx. 57g	approx. 55g
of which sugars	approx. 56g	approx. 54g
Protein	approx. 7.4g	approx. 7.3g

From this table, it is clear that although Cadbury has a touch more sugar, Galaxy has slightly more fat and, as a result, slightly more total calories per 100g. The differences are minimal and likely not significant enough to sway a choice based on nutrition alone for most people. What truly matters is the bigger picture of your overall diet and sugar intake.

Beyond the Bar: Whole Diet Considerations

For a healthy diet, health organizations like the NHS recommend that free sugars should not exceed 5% of your total energy intake, which is about 30g per day for an adult. A single 100g milk chocolate bar of either Cadbury or Galaxy would put a person well over this limit. Excessive intake of free sugars is associated with several health issues, including weight gain and tooth decay.

Therefore, a healthy approach isn't about choosing the 'lesser of two evils' between Cadbury and Galaxy, but rather focusing on moderation. Treats like these are best enjoyed infrequently and in small, controlled portions. The occasional indulgence is fine, but it shouldn't form a regular part of your daily diet.

Exploring Healthier Alternatives

If you have a sweet tooth but want to reduce your sugar intake, there are alternatives to consider. Dark chocolate, especially varieties with a higher cocoa percentage (70% or more), typically contains significantly less sugar than milk chocolate. Additionally, the richness of dark chocolate means you're often satisfied with a smaller piece. For those seeking to cut sugar entirely, options like fresh fruit can provide natural sweetness along with vitamins and fibre.

Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, understanding the nutritional information on food labels is crucial for making informed choices. The figures for 'sugar' on a label include both naturally occurring sugars (like those in milk) and 'free sugars' (those added during processing). By checking the ingredients list, you can get a better sense of how much added sugar is in a product. Remember, for both Cadbury and Galaxy, sugar is the first and most prominent ingredient, indicating that it is the most abundant component.

Conclusion While Cadbury Dairy Milk has slightly more sugar per 100g compared to Galaxy Smooth Milk, both are high-sugar, high-calorie treats. For effective nutrition and diet management, the focus should not be on which one has marginally less sugar, but rather on managing the overall consumption of such treats. Enjoying them in moderation and exploring healthier alternatives like high-cocoa dark chocolate are far more impactful strategies for a balanced diet.

Learn more about managing your sugar intake by reading the NHS's guide on "Sugar: the facts".

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither Cadbury nor Galaxy is a significantly 'healthier' option than the other, as both are high-sugar, high-fat treats. The minor nutritional differences are negligible in the context of a balanced diet; moderation is the most important factor for health.

Dark chocolate, particularly varieties with a higher cocoa percentage (70%+), generally contains significantly less sugar than milk chocolate like Cadbury and Galaxy. The intense flavour also makes it easier to be satisfied with a smaller portion.

Free sugars include all sugars added by manufacturers, cooks, or consumers, plus sugars in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. Total sugars on a food label also include naturally occurring sugars, such as lactose in milk, which are not considered free sugars.

The NHS recommends adults consume no more than 30g of free sugars a day. A 100g Cadbury or Galaxy bar contains far more than this in free sugar alone, demonstrating why such treats should be consumed sparingly.

Not necessarily. Taste tests have shown a preference for Galaxy's smoother texture, which is due to factors like its specific recipe and manufacturing process, including finer milling, rather than just the slight sugar difference.

Yes, different flavours and sizes can have varying sugar levels. For example, a Galaxy Caramel bar would have different nutritional information than a standard Smooth Milk bar. Always check the specific product label.

High consumption of chocolate and other sugary treats can contribute to unhealthy weight gain, increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and promote tooth decay.