A Safeway maple bar is a sweet pastry that is a popular breakfast and snack item. Maple bars are known for their light and fluffy dough that is fried and then coated in a sweet glaze or icing. But with their sweet flavor, many people wonder just how many calories are contained in one of these tasty treats. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the key factors that contribute to the calorie count of a Safeway maple bar, including the dough, frying method, glaze or icing, and size. We will also look at how Safeway maple bars compare to similar pastries from other major grocery store chains. With the insights provided here, you will have a clear understanding of the calorie content of Safeway’s maple bars so you can enjoy them occasionally while maintaining a balanced diet.
Calories in Dough
The main source of calories in a maple bar comes from the dough. Safeway maple bars are made with a dough that generally contains refined wheat flour, sugar, eggs, milk, yeast, shortening or oil, and salt. Refined wheat flour is mostly starch, which contains about 100 calories per 1⁄4 cup when raw. Eggs provide about 70 calories each. Milk has nearly 50 calories per 1⁄4 cup, while granulated white sugar contains 100 calories per 1⁄4 cup. Vegetable shortening contains about 120 calories per tablespoon.
When these ingredients are combined and then baked, the heat causes chemical changes that break down some of the starch and protein into simple sugars, increasing the calorie density slightly. Overall, a 2-ounce serving of the dough in a Safeway maple bar likely provides 150-200 calories just from the base ingredients before cooking. Frying the dough adds even more calories, which we will discuss next.
Calories from Frying
Safeway maple bars go through a frying process to cook and brown the dough before the glaze or icing is added. The frying method adds a significant amount of extra calories. When dough is deep fried in oil, the extremely high heat causes the starch and protein in the flour to break down further. Additionally, the porous dough absorbs some of the oil, increasing fat and calorie content.
According to USDA data, a 2-ounce doughnut provides approximately 230 calories. Since maple bars are similar in ingredients and preparation method, the calorie count of the fried Safeway maple bar dough likely falls between 200-250 calories for a 2-ounce serving. The exact amount can vary depending on factors like the type of frying oil, frying time and temperature, and moisture content of the dough. Nonetheless, frying adds a substantial number of extra calories on top of the base dough ingredients.
Calories in Glazes and Icings
Once fried, Safeway maple bars are finished off with a topping of either glaze or icing. These sweet toppings provide additional calories from sugar and fat. A common glaze is made from confectioners’ sugar blended with water and a small amount of fat such as butter or shortening. Confectioners’ sugar has about 115 calories per 1⁄4 cup, while butter provides 100 calories per tablespoon. Even a modest 1-2 tbsp of glaze likely adds 50-150 extra calories to the maple bar.
Alternatively, Safeway maple bars may be iced with a rich topping made with ingredients like powdered sugar, butter, and cream cheese. Powdered sugar has about 115 calories per 1⁄4 cup like regular confectioners’ sugar. Butter and cream cheese provide 100 and 50 calories per tablespoon, respectively. A heavier icing with more fat could have 200 calories or more per serving. So the type of topping contributes significant additional calories, though glazes are generally lower in calories than creamy icings.
Calories Based on Size
In addition to the ingredients and preparation method, the size and portion of a Safeway maple bar affects its calorie content. Maple bars likely range from around 1.5-2.5 ounces at Safeway locations. A smaller 1.5-ounce maple bar with a light glaze may contain about 200-250 calories total. A more typical 2-ounce maple bar with a moderate glaze probably provides between 250-400 calories. Larger gourmet maple bars with extra icing can approach 500 calories or more per pastry.
Some Safeway stores may also sell miniature maple bars that are around 1 ounce. These petite versions range between 150-200 calories each. So the exact calorie count can vary significantly based on the specific size and portion of the maple bar. But most standard-size maple bars sold at Safeway contain between 250-400 calories.
Comparison to Other Stores
Safeway’s maple bar calorie counts are generally on par with similar pastries from other major grocery store chains. For example, Target sells baked maple bars that contain 340 calories each for a 2.8-ounce serving. Their ingredients and preparation methods are comparable to Safeway’s version. Similarly, maple bars from Kroger, Food Lion, and other chains also typically provide between 300-400 calories for average-size pastries depending on the exact ingredients, cooking method, and size.
Some local bakeries or high-end doughnut shops may offer maple bars with premium ingredients and extensive toppings that add extra calories for a richer treat. But for a basic grocery store maple bar, Safeway’s calorie counts align with most major chains. The numbers can vary based on each specific bakery, but a 250-400 calorie range is standard across the category for a medium 2 ounce pastry.
Low-Calorie Options
For people looking to enjoy a maple bar while limiting calorie intake, Safeway does offer some lower-calorie options. One is to select a smaller mini maple bar, which can shave off around 100 calories compared to a regular-size version. Safeway bakeries may also be able to prepare a maple bar with a fruit-based glaze rather than a sugar-based icing, or potentially a lighter drizzle of glaze. This could result in a modest calorie savings over heavier icing.
There are also ways to split and portion a maple bar to reduce the calorie intake in one sitting. Cutting the pastry in half or thirds will limit your portion to 100-150 calories. While not as satisfying as eating a whole maple bar, this can allow you to enjoy the flavor while better controlling your calorie consumption if you want a lighter treat.
Calorie Breakdown
To summarize the typical calorie content of a Safeway maple bar:
- Dough ingredients: 150-200 calories
- Frying method: 50-100 additional calories
- Glaze or icing: 50-200 additional calories
- Total for a 2-ounce maple bar: Approximately 250-400 calories
The exact number of calories can range based on the specific size and recipe. But this covers the general calorie content to expect in a Safeway maple bar.
Conclusion
Maple bars are a delicious bakery treat, but the refined flour dough and frying method result in a pastry that is high in calories and low in nutrients. A typical 2-ounce Safeway maple bar provides between 250-400 calories. Smaller portions or low-sugar glaze options can lower the calorie count slightly. Overall, these pastries should be enjoyed occasionally as a special indulgence if you are mindful of your calorie intake. Safeway maple bars contain comparable calories to similar bakery items from other major grocery chains. Knowing the calorie information can help you make informed choices to work the occasional maple bar into your balanced diet.
