How many calories are in a serving of Starburst jelly beans?

Starburst jelly beans are a popular candy treat made by Mars Wrigley Confectionery. They come in a variety of fruity flavors like cherry, lemon, orange, and strawberry. Like many candies, Starburst jelly beans are high in sugar and calories. But exactly how many calories are in a serving? And what does a serving size look like? This article will explore the calorie and nutrition facts for Starburst jelly beans.

What is Considered a Serving Size of Starburst Jelly Beans?

According to the nutrition facts label, one serving size of Starburst jelly beans is considered 4 pieces or 44g. This is about 1.6 ounces of candy. A small 2.07 ounce bag of Starburst jelly beans contains approximately 5 servings.

The nutrition information is based on the Original flavor jelly beans. However, all the Starburst jelly bean flavors including Tropical, Sours, FaveREDs, etc. have the same nutrition facts. The only difference is the flavors and colors.

So when calculating calories for Starburst jelly beans, it’s important to pay attention to the serving size of 4 beans or 44g. Consuming multiple servings in one sitting will increase the calories and sugar intake significantly.

How Many Calories in 1 Serving of Starburst Jelly Beans?

Each serving size of 4 Starburst jelly beans contains:

  • 140 calories
  • 0g fat
  • 0g protein
  • 33g carbohydrates
  • 30g sugar

The majority of calories in Starburst jelly beans comes from carbohydrates and sugar. There are 33g total carbs and 30g of sugar in one 44g serving.

Since there are 4 calories per 1 gram of carbohydrate, the calorie breakdown is:

  • Carbohydrates: 33g x 4cal/g = 132 calories
  • Protein: 0g x 4cal/g = 0 calories
  • Fat: 0g x 9cal/g = 0 calories
  • Total Calories per Serving: 132 calories from carbs + 0 from protein + 0 from fat = 132 calories

The remaining 8 calories come from various other trace nutrients.

So in summary, each serving of 4 Starburst jelly beans contains 140 calories. This calorie count remains the same for all Starburst jelly bean flavors.

Calories in Different Serving Sizes

Now that we know there are 140 calories per serving, here is a breakdown of how many calories are in different serving sizes:

  • 1 jelly bean = 35 calories
  • 2 jelly beans = 70 calories
  • 6 jelly beans = 210 calories
  • 10 jelly beans = 350 calories
  • 15 jelly beans = 525 calories
  • 20 jelly beans = 700 calories

As you can see, the calories add up quickly if you eat beyond the single serving size. Consuming a whole 2.07 ounce bag containing ~20 beans would provide nearly 700 calories just from the jelly beans alone.

It’s very easy to overeat small treats like Starburst. Paying attention to the serving sizes and counting out portions can help keep calories in check.

Calories in Starburst Jelly Beans Versus Other Popular Candies

How does the 140 calories in 4 Starburst jelly beans compare to other popular candy treats? Here is a comparison of calories per serving for some top-selling candies:

Candy Serving Size Calories
Starburst Jelly Beans 4 beans (44g) 140 calories
Skittles 1 package (45g) 160 calories
M&M’s 1 pouch (45g) 240 calories
Reese’s Pieces 34 pieces (45g) 200 calories
Sour Patch Kids 11 pieces (45g) 160 calories

As you can see, most popular candy options range from 140-240 calories per serving. So Starburst is on the lower end for calories when comparing similar size portions.

However, all these candies provide mostly empty calories from sugar with minimal nutritional value. They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.

Nutrition Facts for Starburst Jelly Beans

Now let’s take a more in-depth look at the nutrition facts label and ingredients in Starburst jelly beans:

Starburst Jelly Beans Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 140
Total Fat 0g
Sodium 0mg
Total Carbohydrate 33g
– Dietary Fiber 0g
– Total Sugars 30g
Includes 0g Added Sugars
Protein 0g

The most notable nutrients in Starburst jelly beans are:

  • Total Carbohydrates: There are 33g carbs per serving, making up about 97% of calories
  • Sugars: A whopping 30g are from sugar, about 88% of carb content
  • Calories: Majority of 140 calories come from carbohydrates and sugar
  • Fat and Protein: Starburst jelly beans contain no fat or protein
  • Sodium: Also no sodium
  • Fiber: No fiber

Clearly, Starburst jelly beans are almost entirely composed of low-nutrient carbohydrates and sugar. This is why they are considered an unhealthy food that provides empty calories.

Starburst Jelly Bean Ingredients

Here is the list of ingredients in Starburst Original Flavor jelly beans:

  • Corn syrup
  • Sugar
  • Modified corn starch
  • Fruit juice from concentrate (cherry, lemon, orange, strawberry)
  • Gelatin
  • Citric acid
  • Lactic acid
  • Natural and artificial flavors
  • Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1)
  • Carnauba wax

The main ingredients are corn syrup, sugar, and modified food starch. This explains the high carbohydrate and sugar content.

The jelly bean flavors and colors come from minimal fruit juice concentrates, natural and artificial flavors, and synthetic food dyes.

Overall, Starburst jelly beans have a long list of processed ingredients with minimal nutritional value. While they may be fun occasional treats, they do not provide much in the way of healthy nutrition.

Health Impact of Starburst Jelly Bean Ingredients

Some of the ingredients in Starburst jelly beans like sugar, artificial colors, and preservatives have been controversial and linked to health concerns:

Sugar

Each serving of Starburst provides 30g of sugar, which is a significant amount from a small portion of candy.

Eating too much added sugar from processed foods and drinks is linked to increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other chronic health problems (1, 2).

The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 25g per day for women and 36g for men (3). Just one serving of Starburst jelly beans provides more than this daily amount.

Artificial Food Dyes

Starburst jelly beans contain artificial food colorings like Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.

Studies show artificial dyes may contribute to hyperactivity in children and lead to behavioral issues (4).

There are also concerns that food dyes may cause allergic reactions and cancer risk, however more research is needed (5).

Preservatives

Preservatives like lactic acid and carnauba wax help extend the shelf life of Starburst jelly beans.

While small amounts of preservatives are likely safe, some people may experience allergic reactions or intolerances, especially with overconsumption.

Blood Sugar Impact

The high carb and sugar content means Starburst jelly beans can spike blood sugar levels rapidly after eating them.

This can be concerning for people with diabetes or prediabetes who need to carefully manage their blood sugar. High blood sugar spikes can worsen insulin resistance over time.

Tips for Enjoying Starburst Jelly Beans in Moderation

Here are some tips for enjoying Starburst jelly beans as an occasional treat while limiting health impacts:

  • Stick to small portion sizes around 4-6 beans
  • Savor them slowly instead of eating mindlessly from a whole bag
  • Avoid giving to young children who are sensitive to dyes/sugar
  • Drink plenty of water to help offset the sugar content
  • Consume with a source of protein or fiber to help control blood sugar
  • Brush teeth after eating to minimize cavity risk
  • Balance out with whole foods like fruits, veggies, proteins
  • Don’t eat right before bed to avoid energy crashes or sugar spikes as you sleep

While Starburst jelly beans shouldn’t be a daily indulgence, they can be enjoyed occasionally without guilt when eaten in moderation and balanced with an overall healthy lifestyle.

Cooking and Baking with Starburst Jelly Beans

In addition to eating Starburst jelly beans straight from the bag, you can also use them in recipes for a fun candy addition! Here are some recipe ideas:

No-Bake Starburst Cookies

These no-bake cookies are made by mixing crushed Starburst jelly beans into a creamy cookie base:

  • 1 1⁄2 cups crushed Starburst jelly beans
  • 1⁄4 cup butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1⁄4 cup milk
  • 1 1⁄2 cups quick oats

Mix the butter and powdered sugar together, then stir in milk, oats, and crushed Starburst. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and refrigerate 1 hour until set.

Starburst Jelly Bean Bark

For this festive candy bark, Starburst jelly beans are mixed into melted chocolate:

  • 12 ounces chocolate chips
  • 1 1⁄2 cups Starburst jelly beans
  • 1⁄4 cup crushed Starburst for topping

Melt chocolate chips, then stir in 1 1⁄2 cups whole Starburst jelly beans. Spread onto a parchment lined baking sheet, top with crushed Starburst, and refrigerate until set. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Starburst Jelly Bean Cupcakes

Bake a batch of Starburst-inspired cupcakes with jelly beans mixed into the batter:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 1 cup Starburst jelly beans
  • Eggs, oil, water per cake mix instructions
  • Starburst jelly bean frosting

Make white cake according to package directions, folding 1 cup Starburst jelly beans into batter. Bake cupcakes as directed. Top with a creamy frosting flavored with chopped Starburst jelly beans.

The possibilities are endless when baking with Starburst! Let your creativity run wild.

Where to Buy Starburst Jelly Beans

Starburst jelly beans can be found at most major grocery stores, candy shops, convenience stores, and mass retailers.

Here are some specific places you can buy Starburst jelly beans:

  • Grocery stores – Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, etc.
  • Gas stations – 7-Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz, etc.
  • Discount retailers – Dollar General, Five Below, Dollar Tree
  • Drug stores – CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid
  • Candy stores – IT’SUGAR, Rocket Fizz, Sweet!
  • Online – Amazon, Candy Club, Candy Warehouse

Starburst jelly beans are sold in single small 2.07 ounce bags, larger 11-12 ounce bags, and theater boxes. You can also find them in bulk candy bins.

The classic Original flavor is most common, but Tropical, Sour, FaveReds, and other varieties are also available. Prices range from $1-$5 depending on size.

Look for Starburst jelly beans in the candy aisle or checkout lanes for a sweet candy treat. Just watch portions since they are easy to overeat!

Conclusion

Starburst jelly beans are a fun fruity candy, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and calorie content. Each serving of 4 beans contains 140 calories, almost entirely from carbohydrates and sugar.

Consuming too many Starburst jelly beans can lead to sugar spikes and crashes, weight gain, and other adverse health effects. But when portioned appropriately, they can be a tasty candy indulgence.

To keep your treat healthy, stick to the recommended 1 serving size, savor them slowly, and balance with nutritious whole foods. Feel free to get creative baking Starburst jelly beans into fun treats too!

Just remember – a little Starburst goes a long way. Enjoy these colorful candies as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

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