A Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Halloween Pumpkin contains approximately 850 calories. The calorie count can vary slightly depending on the exact size of the pumpkin, but on average, one Reese’s pumpkin contains around 850 calories.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a popular Halloween candy produced by The Hershey Company. They consist of a peanut butter filling enveloped in a milk chocolate coating. The traditional Reese’s peanut butter cup contains approximately 210 calories for a standard 1.5 ounce cup.
However, for Halloween, Reese’s produces special edition king-size cups in festive shapes like pumpkins, ghosts, and bats. These holiday editions contain significantly more calories than the standard size cups.
So how many calories are actually in one of those giant Reese’s Halloween pumpkin peanut butter cups? Read on to find out the calorie count and nutrition information on this popular trick-or-treat candy.
Calorie Count
Most sources estimate the calorie count of a Reese’s Halloween pumpkin peanut butter cup to be around 850 calories. However, the exact number of calories can vary somewhat depending on the precise weight and dimensions of each pumpkin.
Here is the approximate calorie count for different Reese’s Halloween pumpkin sizes:
- Small/mini pumpkin: Around 380 calories
- Average/medium pumpkin: Around 850 calories
- Large/king-size pumpkin: Around 910 calories
As you can see, the calorie content ranges from 380 calories for the smallest pumpkins to about 910 calories for the very largest king-size editions. The standard medium-sized pumpkins that you are likely to get while trick-or-treating contain approximately 850 calories.
Nutrition Facts
So what accounts for all those calories? Let’s take a look at the nutrition facts and ingredients in a Reese’s peanut butter cup pumpkin:
Serving size
The standard nutrition facts label is based on a serving size of one Reese’s Halloween pumpkin cup (55g).
Calories
Each 55g pumpkin cup contains approximately 850 calories, as mentioned previously.
Fat
A Reese’s pumpkin contains a whopping 43g of fat, which accounts for most of its high calorie content. This includes:
- 19g saturated fat
- 0.5g trans fat
Carbohydrates
There are 91g carbohydrates in a Reese’s pumpkin, including:
- 75g sugar
- 2g fiber
Protein
Each pumpkin cup contains 9g of protein.
Sodium
Reese’s pumpkins contain 140mg of sodium.
Ingredients
A Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Halloween pumpkin contains the following ingredients:
- Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, nonfat milk, milk fat, lactose, soy lecithin, PGPR)
- Peanuts
- Sugar
- Dextrose
- Salt
- TBHQ (preservative)
Daily Calorie Recommendations
To put the calorie count of a Reese’s Halloween pumpkin in perspective, here is how it compares to the recommended daily calorie intake for different groups of people:
| Group | Recommended Calories/Day |
|---|---|
| Sedentary women | 1,600-2,000 |
| Moderately active women | 2,000-2,200 |
| Active women | 2,400 |
| Sedentary men | 2,000-2,600 |
| Moderately active men | 2,600-2,800 |
| Active men | 3,000 |
As you can see, a single Reese’s pumpkin contains nearly half the recommended daily calories for sedentary women. It also contains around one third of the daily calories for moderately active women. Even for active men, a Reese’s pumpkin makes up over a quarter of the daily recommended calorie intake.
Clearly, these giant peanut butter cups pack a huge caloric punch in a small package. Even someone with a higher calorie requirement should be mindful of portion sizes when indulging in these rich, high-calorie treats.
Health Impact
While an occasional Halloween-sized Reese’s peanut butter cup can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, regularly consuming entire pumpkins in one sitting can negatively impact your health and waistline.
Here are some health consequences to watch out for if overindulging in these high-calorie candies:
- Weight gain – With 850 calories accounting for nearly half the recommended daily intake for many people, excess calorie consumption from Reese’s pumpkins can easily lead to weight gain over time.
- Blood sugar spikes – With 75g of sugar per pumpkin, your blood glucose levels may spike to unhealthy levels.
- Nutrient imbalance – The high amounts of saturated fat and sugar crowd out room for more nutrient-dense foods.
- Gastrointestinal upset – The fat and sugar alcohols may cause indigestion, gas, or diarrhea when consumed in large amounts.
- Acne – Spiking blood sugar from high glycemic foods like Reese’s can worsen breakouts.
Moderation and portion control are key if you want to enjoy these Halloween treats without adverse health effects. Consider sharing one pumpkin between friends or saving part of it for later.
Tips for Healthier Enjoyment
Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can still enjoy the amazing taste of Reese’s Halloween pumpkin peanut butter cups while minimizing the impact on your health:
- Share one pumpkin between friends or family so you don’t eat the entire thing yourself.
- Consider cutting the pumpkin in half and saving one half for another day.
- Savor each bite so you eat it slower and feel more satisfied.
- Drink water while eating to help fill up.
- Practice portion control by limiting yourself to one pumpkin.
- Balance out the treat with more nutritious foods during the rest of your day.
- Watch your total calorie intake if trying to lose weight.
Being mindful of why and how much Halloween candy you eat will let you enjoy the festive treats without going overboard. A Reese’s pumpkin can be part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation.
The Bottom Line
A Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Halloween pumpkin contains around 850 calories on average. However, the exact calorie count can range from 380 calories for a mini pumpkin up to 910 calories for an extra large edition.
These festive peanut butter cups pack up to 43g of fat and 75g of sugar into a deliciously sweet Halloween treat. But at nearly half the recommended daily calories for many people, they should be consumed in moderation.
By practicing portion control, balancing with healthier foods, and being mindful of your calorie needs, you can enjoy the time-honored tradition of Reese’s Halloween pumpkin peanut butter cups without adverse effects on your health and waistline.
