The number of calories in a lollipop can vary greatly depending on the size and ingredients. On average, a standard lollipop contains about 25-60 calories. Smaller lollipops tend to be on the lower end while larger ones or ones with multiple layers or fillings will be higher in calories. The main factors that affect the calorie content are portion size, sugar content, and whether it contains fat and/or dairy.
Quick Answer
The average lollipop contains 25-60 calories.
- Small lollipops: 25-40 calories
- Average size lollipops: 40-50 calories
- Large lollipops: 50-60+ calories
Lollipops that are made with sugar and flavorings tend to be lowest in calories. Ones with fillings, creams, chocolate, or other ingredients will be higher in calories.
Calories per Serving
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the approximate calories for different sizes and types of lollipops:
By Size
- Small lollipop (1-1.5 oz): 25-40 calories
- Average lollipop (1.5-3 oz): 40-50 calories
- Large lollipop (3-5 oz): 50-75 calories
- Jumbo lollipop (5+ oz): 75-100+ calories
As you can see, portion size has a direct impact on calories. Larger lollipops require more licking time and contain more sugar, resulting in extra calories.
By Main Ingredients
- Basic hard candy lollipop: 25-50 calories
- Filled lollipop (caramel, jelly, etc.): 50-100 calories
- Cream-filled lollipop: 60-120 calories
- Chocolate or yogurt covered: 60-150 calories
- Cake pop: 150-300 calories
The more elaborate types of lollipops with fillings, coatings, cake, and chocolate contain more fat and calories than basic versions made of flavored hardened sugar.
Factors Affecting Calorie Content
There are a several key factors that determine how many calories are in different lollipop varieties:
Portion Size
The overall size of the lollipop matters. A larger confection has more space to pack in sugar or other calorie-containing ingredients.
Main Ingredients
Basic lollipops are made of sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavors, and coloring. These have fewer calories than lollipops filled with caramel, cream, nuts, or chocolate.
Coatings & Layers
Added ingredients like yogurt, chocolate, or candy coatings add extra fat and calories compared to a plain lollipop.
Density
How tightly packed a lollipop is affects its calorie content. A dense, heavy lollipop likely has more sugar crammed into it than an airy one.
No. of Servings
Nutrition info is usually listed per lollipop. Consuming multiple lollipops in one sitting multiplies the calories.
Calories in Different Lollipop Brands
Here is the nutrition breakdown for some popular mass-produced lollipop brands:
Dum Dums
- Serving size: 1 pop (0.7 oz)
- Calories per pop: 38
Dum Dums are on the smaller side and made with flavored hardened sugar. Their minimal ingredients and modest size give them lower calorie counts.
Charms Blow Pops
- Serving size: 1 pop (1.3 oz)
- Calories per pop: 60
Blow Pops have a hard candy exterior and soft, liquid-filled center. The additional caramel and larger size result in more calories than a basic lollipop.
Tootsie Pops
- Serving size: 1 pop (0.7 oz)
- Calories per pop: 60
Tootsie Pops are known for their chewy chocolate center inside a hard candy shell. The chocolate adds extra fat and calories compared to lollipops without fillings.
Charms Mini Pops
- Serving size: 1 pop (0.32 oz)
- Calories per pop: 22
These mini lollipops are about half the size of a standardCharms Blow Pop. Their small portion size leads to fewer total calories.
| Brand | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Dum Dums | 1 pop (0.7 oz) | 38 |
| Blow Pops | 1 pop (1.3 oz) | 60 |
| Tootsie Pops | 1 pop (0.7 oz) | 60 |
| Charms Mini Pops | 1 pop (0.32 oz) | 22 |
Homemade vs Store-Bought Lollipops
Homemade lollipops tend to have fewer calories and less sugar than mass-produced versions you find in stores. This is because homemade lollipops are typically made with simple whole food ingredients like fruit, honey, and natural sugars.
On the other hand, store-bought lollipops are manufactured in factories on a large scale. They are made to have a long shelf life using refined sugars and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. This processing adds extra unwanted calories and detracts from any natural nutrition found in the original ingredients.
If you make lollipops at home, you can control what goes in them and tailor them to your taste and dietary needs. You can create fruit-based popsicles sweetened lightly with honey or maple syrup for a healthier lower calorie treat.
Homemade Fruit Lollipops
Fruit lollipops are easy to make at home by pureeing fresh or frozen fruit and mixing in a small amount of sweetener if needed. For example:
- 1 strawberry lollipop made with 3 medium strawberries and 1 tsp honey: 45 calories
- 1 banana lollipop made with 1 small banana and 1 tsp maple syrup: 50 calories
- 1 peach lollipop made with 1 peach half and 2 tsp agave: 60 calories
Store-Bought Sugar Lollipops
Store-bought lollipops tend to be higher in refined sugar, artificial colors and flavors, and calories. For example:
- 1 basic mass-produced lollipop (38 grams): 50 calories
- 1 filled caramel lollipop (55 grams): 110 calories
- 1 chocolate covered lollipop (42 grams): 90 calories
Tips for Choosing Low Calorie Lollipops
If you want to enjoy lollipops as a snack but limit the calories, here are some tips:
- Go for small or mini sizes which range 25-40 calories per piece.
- Choose basic hard candy pops without fillings or coatings.
- Look for lollipops made with natural sweeteners like honey, fruit juice, or stevia.
- Buy assorted flavors so you can eat just one or two pops per sitting.
- Make your own fruit and veggie lollipops at home.
- Savor your lollipop slowly instead of biting or chewing it.
Pay attention to serving sizes and be aware that larger lollipops, elaborate fillings, and multiple pieces can add excess calories. Limit yourself to a serving of 1-2 small lollipops to keep calories in a healthy range.
High Calorie Lollipop Options To Avoid
Some oversized and specialty lollipops can pack in 300 calories or more per piece. Here are some high calorie lollipop options to be mindful of:
- Cake pops: 150-350 calories each
- Caramel apple pops: 150-300 calories each
- Jumbo rainbow lollipops: 200-600 calories each
- Filled chocolate lollipops: 150-250 calories each
- Lollipops covered in yogurt or caramel: 100-180 calories each
- Candy-stuffed megabombs: 250+ calories each
While these super-sized and specialty lollipops may taste great, moderation is key. Stick to mini sizes or share one jumbo pop between friends to cut down on excess calorie consumption.
Healthiest Lollipop Options
If you are looking for the most nutritious lollipop alternatives, here are some healthy swaps to try:
Fruit pops
For a vitamin-packed pick, choose lollipops made with real blended fruit like mangos, berries, or cherries. The fruit provides fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.
Yogurt pops
Look for Greek yogurt-coated lollipops without added sugars. The yogurt adds protein and probiotics.
100% Juice pops
Lollipops made purely from fruit or vegetable juices offer more nutrients than artificial flavors.
Honey pops
Honey lollipops made with raw, unprocessed honey supply antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Maple syrup pops
Pops made with pure maple syrup provide vitamins and minerals not found in regular white sugar.
Dark chocolate pops
The cacao in dark chocolate has antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate.
Can Lollipops Fit Into a Healthy Diet?
While lollipops are considered a candy and not the most nutritious choice, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet for most people.
The key is portion control. While an occasional small lollipop is unlikely to undermine your diet, eating multiple large sugary pops each day can promote weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and tooth decay.
Here are some tips for enjoying lollipops healthfully:
- Treat lollipops as an occasional snack, not an everyday food
- Pay attention to serving sizes and stick to mini or fun size pops
- Eat with an otherwise balanced diet rich in whole foods
- Choose lollipops made with fruit, honey, or dark chocolate when possible
- Savor slowly and limit yourself to 1-2 pops at a time
- Drink water and brush teeth after eating to prevent sugar residue
As with any food, lollipops can be part of a well-rounded way of eating when consumed in moderation alongside nutritious whole foods. Just be mindful of portion sizes as overindulging can counteract any health benefits.
Conclusion
Lollipops can vary significantly in their calorie content based on size and ingredients. On average, a small basic lollipop contains 25-40 calories while larger and more elaborate pops can range 50-300+ calories.
To keep calories reasonable, stick to mini sizes, watch your portions, choose simple hard candies over indulgent filled pops, and enjoy lollipops sparingly as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Making fruit or honey-sweetened lollipops at home can provide a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. But even mass-produced lollipops can be part of a balanced diet when consumed carefully in moderation. Just be mindful of excess calories from oversized options or eating too many pieces in one sitting.
