Fireball candies are a popular cinnamon flavored hard candy produced by the Ferrara Candy Company. With their intense cinnamon flavor, they have become a favorite treat for many candy lovers. But like any other candy, Fireballs also contain calories that should be accounted for in your daily diet. So just how many calories are in one of these treats? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Calories in a Single Fireball Candy
According to the nutrition facts label provided by Ferrara Candy Company, a single Fireball candy contains approximately 21 calories. This is based on the standard small size Fireball candy that weighs about 9 grams.
Specifically, one Fireball candy contains:
- 21 calories
- 5 grams of carbohydrates
- 5 grams of sugar
So every time you enjoy one Fireball candy, you are consuming 21 calories. While a single Fireball is low in calories, keeping portion sizes in check is still important if you regularly eat these candies as too many can add up quickly.
Calorie Breakdown
Now let’s take a closer look at where those 21 calories come from in a Fireball candy.
Carbohydrates
The calories in a Fireball candy come entirely from carbohydrates. Each small Fireball contains 5 grams of total carbohydrates, all of which comes from sugar.
Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram. So the 5 grams of carbs in a Fireball equates to 20 calories (5 grams * 4 calories/gram = 20 calories).
Sugar
More specifically, a Fireball candy contains 5 grams of sugar. Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that also provides 4 calories per gram.
So the 5 grams of sugar accounts for 20 of the 21 calories (5 grams * 4 calories/gram = 20 calories). Almost the entire calorie content comes from the sugar.
Protein and Fat
A Fireball candy contains no protein or fat. So there are no calories from either of these macronutrients. The minimal calories come from the carbohydrates and sugar only.
Calorie Comparison to Other Candies
Now let’s see how the 21 calories in a Fireball candy compares to some other popular candies.
| Candy | Calories (single piece) |
|---|---|
| Fireball | 21 calories |
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup | 110 calories |
| M&M’s | 47 calories |
| Skittles | 20 calories |
| Starburst | 25 calories |
As you can see, a Fireball is lower in calories than a chocolate candy like a Reese’s Peanut Butter cup. It’s also lower than more calorie-dense candies like M&M’s.
However, it is slightly higher in calories than some other fruity candies like Skittles or Starburst. So while it is not the absolute lowest calorie candy choice, a Fireball is still reasonably low for an occasional treat.
Daily Calorie Recommendations
While an individual Fireball candy is low in calories, you do need to be mindful of portion sizes and frequency. The calories can add up quickly if you eat multiple pieces in one sitting.
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended daily calorie intake is:
- 1,600–2,400 calories per day for adult women
- 2,000–3,000 calories per day for adult men
However, individual needs vary depending on age, size, activity level and other factors. Consulting with a doctor or nutritionist can help determine your personalized calorie needs.
Keeping the calories from Fireball candies and other treats in moderation is important for maintaining a balanced diet and healthy weight. Having an occasional Fireball to satisfy a sweet craving can be workable for most people. But going overboard too frequently can hinder your dietary goals.
Tips for Keeping Fireball Calories in Check
Here are some tips to enjoy Fireballs in moderation as part of a healthy diet:
- Practice portion control – Only have 1-2 Fireball candies at a time.
- Avoid mindless eating – Be conscious when consuming instead of absentminded snacking.
- Wait between helpings – Have some water and wait 10-15 minutes before considering a second serving.
- Choose tiny treats – Opt for mini or fun size Fireballs which are smaller in calories.
- Watch the frequency – Enjoy Fireballs as an occasional treat a few times per week at most.
- Account for the calories – Be sure to factor the candy calories into your daily calorie intake.
- Offer healthy swaps – If craving something sweet, choose fruit or other better-for-you options.
Using some of these tips can help satisfy an occasional sweet tooth while still keeping Fireball candy calories in check.
Nutritional Benefits
Since Fireballs are essentially straight sugar, they do not provide much in the way of nutritional benefits. They are considered an empty calorie treat.
However, here are a few aspects to note:
- Simple carbs – Fireballs do provide a quick source of energy from the sugar.
- Small source of calories – One Fireball can give you a little energy boost between meals.
- Sweet treat – They satisfy a dessert craving or sweet tooth in a small portion.
So while not the most nutritious choice, a Fireball or two can be incorporated into an overall healthy diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. They provide a sweet indulgence in moderation.
Fireball Ingredients
Now let’s take a look at the ingredients in a Fireball candy. This can help us understand where the calories come from.
According to the manufacturer, the ingredients in Fireballs are:
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper extract
- Salt
- Gum acacia
The main source of calories comes from the corn syrup and sugar. Both of these are forms of carbohydrates that provide 4 calories per gram.
The remaining ingredients including cinnamon, cayenne extract and flavors are minimal in calories by comparison.
Are Fireballs Healthy?
Fireball candies are often considered an unhealthy treat due to their high sugar content. However, they can potentially have a place in a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Here is an overview of some pros and cons:
Pros
- Low in calories for one piece
- Small portion can help control serving size
- Provides a quick energy boost
- Allows an occasional sweet treat
Cons
- High in added sugar – 5 grams per piece
- Largely empty calories and carbs
- Eating too many can lead to weight gain
- Frequent consumption harms dental health
Overall, an occasional Fireball in a day can be incorporated into a healthy diet for most people. But overdoing sugar and empty calorie treats too often is best avoided for good nutrition. Moderation and portion control is key.
Should Diabetics Eat Fireballs?
For those with diabetes or who are at risk for it, extra caution should be taken with consuming sugary treats like Fireballs.
Here are some factors for diabetics to consider:
- High sugar content – 5 grams per Fireball could spike blood sugar
- Lack of nutrients – Doesn’t provide much nutritional value
- Empty carbohydrates – All carbs are from sugar instead of healthier sources
- Portion size matters – Could be an option in very small amounts as an occasional treat
It’s best for diabetics to minimize consumption of all high sugar candies, including Fireballs. Checking with a doctor is advised before incorporating any sugary treats into the diet. Careful tracking of carbohydrates and blood sugar levels around consumption is also crucial.
Fireball Candy and Weight Loss
What about enjoying Fireballs as part of a weight loss diet? Here are some key points to consider:
- Can fit into calorie limits – One Fireball only contains 21 calories
- BUT too many add up fast – It’s easy to overdo portions
- Lacks nutritional value – Doesn’t provide satiety like proteins, fats, fiber
- Spikes blood sugar – Can increase hunger and cravings
- Exercise caution – Best avoided or only in very small amounts on a diet
While an occasional Fireball won’t sabotage a diet, keeping consumption minimal is advised. Relying on low nutrient, sugar-filled candies too often can work against weight loss efforts. Overall it’s best to focus on nutritious whole foods that provide lasting fullness.
Conclusion
Fireball candies provide an intense cinnamon flavor that many people crave in a small, portable candy. But with 21 calories and 5 grams of sugar in each piece, nutrition should be considered. Keeping portion sizes in check and limiting frequency is important, especially for diabetics or anyone watching their sugar and calorie intake. Within the context of an otherwise balanced diet, enjoying a Fireball here and there can provide a sweet treat without going overboard. Moderation and mindfulness are key when snacking on these popular candies.
