Junior Mints are a popular chocolate candy coated in a thin candy shell. The calorie count for Junior Mints depends on the specific size of the box. In this article, we will look at the calorie count for a standard small box of Junior Mints.
Quick Answer
A small, 1.7 ounce box of Junior Mints contains approximately 220 calories.
Calorie Count Breakdown
To determine the calorie count for a small box of Junior Mints, we need to look at the nutrition facts label and serving size information.
The standard small retail box of Junior Mints contains 1.7 ounces or 48 grams of candy. Here is the typical nutrition information for a 1.7 ounce box of Junior Mints:
| Serving Size | 1.7 oz (48g) |
|---|---|
| Amount Per Serving | |
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat 12g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 35mg | 1% |
| Total Carbohydrate 27g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
| Sugars 21g | |
| Protein 2g |
As you can see from the nutrition label, a single 1.7 ounce small box of Junior Mints contains 220 calories. So if you eat an entire small box, you are consuming 220 calories.
Breaking Down the Calories
Where do the calories in Junior Mints come from? Let’s take a closer look at the calorie sources:
- Fat: There are 12g total fat in a small box. Fat provides 9 calories per gram, so the fat content contributes 108 calories (12g x 9cal/g = 108 calories).
- Carbohydrates: There are 27g total carbohydrates. Carbs provide 4 calories per gram, so the carbs contribute 108 calories (27g x 4cal/g = 108 calories).
- Protein: There are 2g protein. Protein also has 4 calories per gram, so the protein content contributes 8 calories (2g x 4cal/g = 8 calories).
Adding up the calories from fat (108), carbs (108), and protein (8), we get the total of 220 calories in a small 1.7 ounce box of Junior Mints.
Daily Calorie Needs
To put the 220 calories in a small Junior Mints box into context, we need to look at daily calorie needs. The number of calories a person needs per day varies based on factors like age, gender, height, weight, and activity level. Here are some examples of estimated daily calorie needs for different individuals:
| Person | Daily Calorie Needs* |
|---|---|
| Sedentary adult woman | 1,600-2,000 calories |
| Moderately active adult woman | 2,000-2,400 calories |
| Active adult woman | 2,400-2,800 calories |
| Sedentary adult man | 2,000-2,600 calories |
| Moderately active adult man | 2,400-3,000 calories |
| Active adult man | 3,000-4,000 calories |
*Estimates only. Individual calorie needs may vary.
As you can see from the table, daily calorie needs for adults range from around 1,600-4,000 calories depending on the factors listed above. Eating a small 220 calorie box of Junior Mints represents around 11-14% of daily intake for an average sedentary woman, or only 5-7% for an active man.
Junior Mints as Part of a Balanced Diet
While Junior Mints can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, they are considered a discretionary “sometimes” food rather than a daily staple. The American Heart Association recommends getting no more than 5-10% of total daily calories from added sugars. For a 2,000 calorie diet, this would equal no more than 100-200 calories from added sugars.
Junior Mints contain 21g of sugar per small box, which is a significant amount at 16% of daily value. Most of the sugar in Junior Mints comes from added sugar rather than natural sources.
Here are some tips for enjoying Junior Mints as an occasional treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet:
- Practice portion control – stick to the standard 1.7oz small box
- Share one box with a friend or family member
- Limit yourself to one small box 2-3 times per week
- Avoid mindless overeating directly from a candy bowl
- Pair your mints with a serving of fresh fruit or veggies
- Drink water and avoid sugary sodas/juices
- Keep your overall diet rich in whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, nuts and healthy fats
As with any food, Junior Mints can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced and portion-controlled diet, combined with regular exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits.
Nutrition Compared to Other Popular Candies
How does the nutrition information for a small box of Junior Mints compare to other popular candy options? Here is a nutritional comparison of Junior Mints versus similar sized servings of other leading candy brands:
| Candy | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Mints | 1.7oz (48g) | 220 | 12 | 27 | 21 | 2 |
| M&Ms | 1.69oz (48g) | 240 | 8 | 38 | 37 | 2 |
| Skittles | 1.8oz (51g) | 250 | 0 | 60 | 54 | 0 |
| Reese’s Pieces | 1.74oz (49g) | 230 | 12 | 28 | 24 | 3 |
| Snickers Bar | 1.86oz (52g) | 280 | 14 | 30 | 27 | 4 |
As you can see, the calorie and nutrition content is fairly comparable across popular candy options in similar smaller serving sizes. Most provide between 220-280 calories per ~1.7-1.9oz serving.
Junior Mints have slightly lower calories than M&Ms or Snickers, with moderate amounts of fat and carbs/sugar. Skittles is lowest in fat but highest in sugar due to its fruity flavoring.
Overall, no candy is particularly healthy given the high sugar and lack of nutrients. But enjoyed occasionally in moderation, Junior Mints provide a sweet treat option comparable to other leading brands.
Conclusion
So in summary, a small 1.7 ounce box of Junior Mints contains about 220 calories. This represents around 11-14% of the average daily calorie needs for an inactive woman, or only 5-7% for an active man. While not a health food, Junior Mints can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet, when practiced in moderation. Stick to smaller serving sizes, limit yourself to 1-2 boxes 2-3 times per week maximum, and pair with healthy whole foods and exercise. Compare nutrition labels and focus on controlling portions to choose the candy treats that best suit your preferences and diet.
