Strawberry jelly is a popular condiment that can be used to add flavor and sweetness to foods like peanut butter sandwiches, toast, bagels, and more. Many people enjoy strawberry jelly due to its sweet strawberry flavor and smooth, spreadable texture. However, some people may wonder about the calorie content of strawberry jelly, especially if they are monitoring their calorie or sugar intake. In this article, we will explore how many calories are in strawberry jelly based on common serving sizes and brands.
Calories in a Typical Serving of Strawberry Jelly
The most common serving size for strawberry jelly is 1 tablespoon (15 grams). In a 1 tablespoon serving of strawberry jelly, there are typically around 50 calories. However, the exact number of calories can vary depending on the brand and ingredients used. Some strawberry jellies may be higher or lower in calories.
For example, Smucker’s strawberry jelly contains 50 calories per 1 tablespoon serving. Welch’s also contains 50 calories per tablespoon. Bonne Maman strawberry preserve contains 60 calories in a 1 tablespoon serving. Polaner All Fruit strawberry spread has 70 calories per tablespoon. As you can see, calories can range from 50-70 for a typical 1 tablespoon jelly serving, but 50 calories is about average.
Calories in Different Serving Sizes of Strawberry Jelly
While a 1 tablespoon (15 gram) serving is standard for jelly, you may eat more or less than that amount depending on your preferences and how you use the jelly. Here are the calories for different serving sizes of strawberry jelly:
– 1 teaspoon (5 grams): Around 15-20 calories
– 2 tablespoons (30 grams): Around 100-140 calories
– 1/4 cup (60 grams): Around 200-280 calories
– 1/2 cup (120 grams): Around 400-560 calories
As the serving size increases, so do the calories. Again, the range accounts for differences between brands. Always check the Nutrition Facts label for exact calorie counts based on serving size.
Factors Affecting Calories in Strawberry Jelly
There are a few main factors that determine the calorie content in different strawberry jelly products:
– Ingredients: Jellies made with all or mostly fruit ingredients tend to be lower in calories than jellies with added sugars. Look for jellies with higher fruit content.
– Sugar content: Jellies with more added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, glucose-fructose syrup, or cane sugar tend to be higher in calories. Low-sugar or “light” jellies will be lower.
– Serving size: Pay attention to the listed serving size and number of servings per container. Larger serving sizes mean more calories even in the same product.
– Brand: As seen earlier, calories can vary between brands depending on ingredients and recipe. Comparison shop for your preferred calorie level.
Highest and Lowest Calorie Strawberry Jellies
To give you an idea of the range, here are some examples of higher and lower calorie strawberry jellies:
Higher Calorie Products
– Smucker’s Strawberry Preserves: 70 calories per tablespoon
– Welch’s Strawberry Spread: 60 calories per tablespoon
– Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserve: 60 calories per tablespoon
Lower Calorie Products
– Smucker’s Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves: 10 calories per tablespoon
– Polaner All Fruit Spread, Strawberry: 50 calories per tablespoon
– Welch’s Light Spread, Strawberry: 35 calories per tablespoon
As you can see, some products are naturally higher or lower in calories based on their ingredients and sugar content. Reading labels helps find the best option for your needs.
Daily Calorie Recommendations
To put the calories from strawberry jelly into context, here are some general daily calorie intake recommendations based on age, gender, and activity level according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
| Gender | Age | Sedentary | Moderately Active | Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 19-25 years | 1,800-2,400 calories | 2,000-2,600 calories | 2,400 calories |
| Female | 26-50 years | 1,800-2,400 calories | 2,000-2,200 calories | 2,000-2,400 calories |
| Male | 19-25 years | 2,400-3,000 calories | 2,600-3,000 calories | 3,000 calories |
| Male | 26-50 years | 2,200-3,000 calories | 2,400-3,000 calories | 2,800-3,200 calories |
As you can see based on these recommendations, a 1-2 tablespoon serving of strawberry jelly can provide around 3-10% of someone’s total daily calorie needs depending on age, gender, and activity level. The calories from a small serving of jelly fit into a balanced, healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Those limiting calories may want to stick closer to 1 tablespoon or less per serving.
Health Benefits of Strawberries
When choosing a jelly, going for options made with real fruit can provide benefits from compounds like antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins:
– Strawberries contain vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium.
– They provide antioxidant compounds called polyphenols that can help reduce inflammation.
– The red color comes from the antioxidant anthocyanin, which may help lower blood pressure.
– Strawberries have fiber, which helps feed good gut bacteria and promotes digestive health.
Enjoying strawberries and strawberry jelly in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle can provide nutritional perks on top of their delicious taste.
Tips for Enjoying Strawberry Jelly
Here are some tips for enjoying strawberry jelly as part of a balanced diet:
– Stick to a 1-2 tablespoon serving size to control calories and sugar intake.
– Read labels and compare products to find a jelly with the calories, sugar content, and ingredients you prefer.
– Use jelly to top foods like whole grain toast, oatmeal, yogurt, or peanut butter sandwiches for balanced snacks or meals.
– Pair jelly with protein like nuts or lean meats to help control hunger and blood sugar.
– Try low-sugar or light jellies if you want to cut back on added sugars. Or enjoy regular jelly less often.
– For a lower calorie option, spread jelly thinly or mix with a little fruit to make it spread further.
– If diabetes is a concern, focus on jellies with no added sugars and monitor portion sizes.
Conclusion
Strawberry jelly can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderation. Typical 1 tablespoon servings provide around 50 calories, but amounts can range from 15-70+ calories depending on the product. Calorie needs vary based on age, gender, and activity level. Look for jellies with fruit, fiber, and nutrients. And control portions to keep calories in check. Smart enjoyment of strawberry jelly allows you to satisfy your cravings and get benefits from strawberries as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
