Quick Answer
One peppermint candy contains around 8 calories. The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the brand and size of the candy. A typical peppermint candy that is around 0.8 grams will contain approximately 8 calories.
Calories In Peppermint Candy
Most peppermint candies are quite small in size, usually around 0.8-1 gram per piece. Despite their tiny size, these festive candies do contain a few calories. Here is the calorie breakdown for one standard peppermint candy:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 8 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
As you can see, a single peppermint candy is very low in calories, fat, sodium and other nutrients. The calories come almost entirely from carbohydrates in the form of sugar.
The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the specific brand and size of the candy. Here is the calorie range for common peppermint candy sizes:
– Regular size (0.8 grams): Around 8 calories
– Junior size (0.5 grams): Around 5 calories
– Mini size (0.3 grams): Around 3 calories
So if you are watching your calorie intake, you don’t need to feel too guilty enjoying a peppermint candy occasionally. Just be mindful of portion sizes if eating multiple pieces in one sitting.
Peppermint Candy Ingredients
In order to understand where the calories in peppermint candies come from, let’s look at the typical ingredients:
– Sugar: Peppermint candies get their sweetness from sugar, which provides carbohydrate calories. Often they are made with granulated white sugar or corn syrup.
– Cornstarch: This starchy thickening agent also contributes some calories, but not as significantly as sugar.
– Peppermint oil or peppermint extract: This provides the signature minty flavor but does not contain calories.
– Colorings: Small amounts of colors like Red #40 are used to give peppermint candies their red and white stripes. These do not add any calories.
So in summary, the calories in peppermint candies come predominantly from the sugar and small amount of starch used to create the hard candy texture. There is no fat, protein or other macronutrients. It is the sugar that supplies the 8 calories found in one candy.
Calories In Homemade vs Storebought
You can also make peppermint candies at home, which allows you to control the ingredients. Homemade candies will have a similar calorie profile to storebought, but there are a few differences:
– Storebought: Precise factory recipes are engineered to produce uniform candies on a large scale. They use just enough sugar and starch to achieve the right taste, texture and appearance. A storebought peppermint is likely to contain around 8 calories for a regular size piece.
– Homemade: Recipes can vary significantly based on the ingredients and methods used. Some homemade candies may use additional sugar for stability and thickness. For example, a homemade candy may have closer to 10 calories. But other recipes use less. So the calorie count could range from 5-15 calories each depending on variables.
The takeaway is that homemade peppermint candies will also be low in calories, but may vary more compared to uniform mass produced storebought candies. Pay attention to portion sizes of homemade candy as well.
Peppermint Candy Versus Other Candies
Peppermint candy is one of the lowest calorie candy options you can choose. Here is how it compares to other popular candies:
| Candy Type | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Peppermint candy | 1 piece (0.8g) | 8 |
| Candy cane | 1 cane (5g) | 25 |
| Jelly beans | 20 beans (30g) | 110 |
| M&Ms | 1 Fun Size pouch (18g) | 88 |
| Skittles | 15 pieces (40g) | 170 |
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup | 1 cup (21g) | 100 |
| Snickers Bar | 1 bar (58g) | 250 |
As you can see, a single peppermint candy contains far fewer calories than other popular candy options. Even small handfuls of jelly beans, chocolate candies, or mini candy bars can add up quickly. So if watching your sugar and calorie intake, enjoy peppermint candies as a smart alternative. Just practice portion control.
Health Benefits of Peppermint
In addition to being low in calories, peppermint may also offer some health benefits:
– Freshens breath – The minty flavor helps freshen breath after eating foods like garlic and onion
– Aids digestion – Peppermint has been shown to help relax intestinal muscles and improve flow of bile, easing digestive issues
– Relieves headache – Applying peppermint essential oil to the temples has been found to relieve tension headaches
– Boosts energy – Some compounds in peppermint may help increase alertness and energy levels
– Anti-inflammatory – Peppermint has some anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit conditions like IBS
– Stress relief – The invigorating scent of peppermint can provide a mood boost and relief from stress or anxiety
So while peppermint candy is still candy, peppermint itself offers advantages over other flavor options. Enjoying the occasional peppermint candy can provide a little energizing pick-me-up!
Tips for Enjoying Peppermint Candy
Here are some tips for enjoying peppermint candy in moderation as part of a balanced diet:
– Watch portions – Stick to 1-2 candies at a time and be mindful of extra servings
– Choose quality – Look for candies made with natural flavorings and colors
– Savor slowly – Allow the minty candy to dissolve in your mouth to enjoy the flavor
– Balance with meals – Pair your candy with a nutritious meal or snack
– Make it festive – Use peppermint candies to decorate holiday treats
– Use for fresh breath – Keep a small tin of mints in your bag for quick breath freshening
– Try new recipes – Add crushed candy canes or mint to cookies, cakes, cocoa and other treats
– Substitute ingredients – Use peppermint extract instead of higher calorie options like cream or oil in recipes
– Mix with popcorn or nuts – Combine a few mints with a fiber-rich snack to balance sweetness
With a little mindfulness, peppermint candy can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet without excess calories or sugar. The small serving size makes it easy to indulge in moderation.
Conclusion
A single peppermint candy contains around 8 calories, which comes predominantly from sugar. It is much lower in calories than many other popular candies. While peppermint candy is still considered a sweet treat, the small serving size means it can be enjoyed even by those watching their calorie intake. In moderation and as part of a balanced diet, a peppermint candy can provide a refreshing minty pick-me-up without too much of a calorie impact. So don’t feel guilty about enjoying the occasional candy cane or two – just be sure to watch your portions.
