Quick Answer
A small SNICKERS Ice Cream Bar contains around 210 calories. The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the specific brand and size. A standard 2.5 ounce ice cream bar with a chocolate flavored coating will contain approximately 200-220 calories.
Calories in Popular Brands
Here is the calorie count for some popular brands of small SNICKERS ice cream bars:
| Brand | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Dreyer’s/Edy’s | 2.5 oz | 210 |
| Blue Bell | 2.5 oz | 220 |
| Turkey Hill | 2.5 oz | 200 |
| Wells | 2.5 oz | 210 |
As you can see, the calorie count ranges from 200-220 calories per small bar depending on the brand. Dreyer’s and Wells both have 210 calories per 2.5 ounce bar.
Calorie Breakdown
The calories in a SNICKERS ice cream bar come from the following sources:
- Ice cream – Ice cream is high in fat and contains sugar, which contributes a significant amount of calories. A 2.5 ounce serving of vanilla ice cream averages around 140 calories.
- Chocolate coating – The chocolate flavored coating adds additional fat and sugar calories. Around 2 tablespoons of chocolate coating can add 50+ calories.
- Peanuts – Peanuts provide protein and fat, adding to the total calorie count. Around 15-20 peanuts may add 30-50 calories.
- Caramel – The caramel swirl adds more sugar calories to the ice cream bar. Approximately 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce contributes about 110 calories.
When combined in a small 2.5 ounce ice cream bar, these ingredients total up to roughly 200-220 calories.
Calorie Comparison to Other Snack Options
How does the 210 calories in a small SNICKERS ice cream bar compare to other frozen desserts and snack options? Here is a calorie comparison:
| Snack | Calories |
|---|---|
| SNICKERS ice cream bar (2.5 oz) | 210 |
| Fudgsicle (1 bar) | 80 |
| Popsicle (1 twin pop) | 60 |
| Ice cream sandwich (1 cookie) | 140 |
| Snickers candy bar (1 bar) | 280 |
| Original SNICKERS ice cream bar | 260 |
As shown, the SNICKERS ice cream bar is lower in calories than a regular SNICKERS candy bar, but higher in calories than a plain ice cream sandwich, Fudgsicle, or Popsicle. So it falls somewhere in the middle of the calorie range for frozen treats. It’s a more indulgent option than a popsicle or fudgsicle, but a smaller portion size than many full fat candy bars.
Ways to Reduce the Calories
If you’re looking for ways to lighten up the calorie count in a SNICKERS ice cream bar, here are some tips:
- Choose a mini or fun size bar (around 1.5 ounces) for 130-150 calories
- Look for light or low-fat ice cream versions
- Get a bar with a sugar-free caramel swirl
- Opt for dark chocolate coating instead of milk chocolate
- Eat slowly and mindfully to savor each bite
- Split bar with a friend or save half for later
Portion control is key when enjoying indulgent snacks like ice cream bars. Sticking to a small portion or mini bar can help keep calories in check.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts panel on a SNICKERS ice cream bar provides exact calorie and nutrient information per serving. Here is the nutrition facts breakdown for a standard small 2.5 oz bar:
| Nutrition Facts | Per Bar (2.5 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
As you can see, the calories come largely from fat (11g) and carbohydrates (24g). The sugar content is also notable at 20g per bar. This nutrition profile reflects why small portions of ice cream treats are recommended.
Ingredients
What ingredients are used to make a SNICKERS ice cream bar? A typical recipe includes:
- Ice cream (milk, cream, sugar, whey, nonfat milk solids)
- Peanuts
- Chocolate flavored coating (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, dairy butter, milk fat, soy lecithin, natural flavors)
- Caramel (corn syrup, sweetened condensed skim milk, sugar, milk protein concentrate, palm oil, contains 2% or less of modified food starch, salt, mono & diglycerides, natural and artificial flavor, annatto color, caramel color, soy lecithin)
As you can see, the main ingredients contributing calories and fat include the cream and milk in the ice cream, sugar in the ice cream and caramel, peanuts, and the chocolate coating. So no big surprises with the ingredient list!
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions for how to enjoy a SNICKERS ice cream bar:
- For a decadent dessert, serve one ice cream bar topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle
- For a kid’s birthday party, make ice cream bar sundaes with sprinkles and cherries on top
- Pack ice cream bars in a cooler for a sweet frozen treat at the beach or park
- Sandwich a bar between two oatmeal cookies for an ice cream “sandwich”
- Dip in chocolate magic shell topping and peanuts for an “adult” version
- Skewer one bar and fruits like bananas and strawberries for a caramel chocolate fruit kebab
Get creative with mixes, toppings and serving methods! Ice cream bars make great party treats and picnic desserts.
Comparable Snack Options
Instead of a SNICKERS bar, here are some other sweet, chocolatey frozen snack options to consider:
- Fudgsicle (80 calories)
- Dark chocolate dipped banana pops (120 calories)
- Frozen yogurt bar (100-140 calories)
- Mini ice cream sandwich (140 calories)
- Frozen grapes dipped in dark chocolate (175 calories)
- Chocolate dipped strawberries (150 calories)
- Frozen chocolate banana bites (56 calories)
- Greek yogurt pops with chocolate chips (89 calories)
These provide a similar sweet treat for fewer calories. Portion and ingredient swaps (like using dark chocolate, frozen fruit, or Greek yogurt) can lighten up an indulgent frozen dessert.
Benefits of Ice Cream in Moderation
While ice cream and frozen treats should be enjoyed in moderation, here are some of the benefits that ice cream can provide:
- Satisfies sweet cravings in a portion controlled way
- Source of calcium from dairy products
- Contains protein which helps you feel full
- Cold treat can help cool you down on a hot day
- Provides happiness hormones from sugar and fat that improve mood
- Fun, versatile dessert for celebrations and gatherings
- More nutrients than plain sugar candy when made with milk and cocoa
As an occasional treat, a small ice cream bar can be part of a balanced diet. Focus on controlling portions rather than feeling guilty.
Healthier Ice Cream Alternatives
For those looking to make this treat healthier, here are some tips for lighter ice cream bars:
- Look for bars made with low-fat or nonfat milk and cream
- Choose fruit-based bars sweetened with juice instead of added sugar
- Opt for dark chocolate coating for antioxidant benefits
- Enjoy bars made with Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamy base
- DIY healthy ice cream bars at home with fresh ingredients
- dip frozen banana slices in chocolate for a lower calorie version
You can also make “nice” cream at home by blending frozen bananas into a creamy, frosty dessert. There are many ways to still enjoy the treat of ice cream in a lighter way.
Storing Ice Cream Bars Properly
To maintain freshness and texture of ice cream bars, be sure to store them properly:
- Keep bars frozen until ready to eat, do not allow to thaw and refreeze
- Store in freezer below 0°F if possible
- Place ice cream bars in airtight packaging or plastic freezer bags
- Lay bars flat in a single layer to prevent sticking
- Do not store bars too long, consume within 2-3 months for best quality
- Avoid freezer burn by limiting air exposure
With proper storage methods, you can keep a stash of ice cream bars on hand for summer treat cravings!
History of SNICKERS Ice Cream Bars
SNICKERS bars were first invented in 1930. The SNICKERS ice cream bar was introduced in the 1990s, combining the popular candy bar with ice cream. Some key moments:
- 1930 – SNICKERS candy bar introduced by Mars company
- 1990s – Milky Way and SNICKERS ice cream bars launched
- 2010s – Fun size and mini SNICKERS ice cream bars introduced
- 2020s – New flavors like Cookies & Cream added to line-up
For over 90 years, the combo of chocolate, caramel, nougat and peanuts has been a favorite candy treat. Turning it into scoopable ice cream form only increased the popularity!
Fun Facts About SNICKERS
Here are some fun facts about SNICKERS bars and ice cream bars:
- The ice cream bar was originally marketed as the “King Size SNICKERS Ice Cream Bar” when introduced in the 1990s
- SNICKERS used to contain Brazil nuts in addition to peanuts, but switched in the 2000s due to nut allergy concerns
- SNICKERS are one of the top 5 best-selling candy bars of all-time worldwide
- Ice cream bars are made with special thick chocolate coating to prevent them from melting too fast
- The “It’s going to be a while” tagline in SNICKERS commercials started in the 1970s with their hunger-satisfying message
- Single-serve ice cream novelty products like SNICKERS bars account for over $5 billion in annual sales
Satisfying chocolate cravings while beating the heat, SNICKERS ice cream bars have become an iconic summertime treat!
Where to Buy SNICKERS Ice Cream Bars
Here are some places where you can find SNICKERS and other ice cream bars for sale:
- Grocery stores – Check the ice cream aisle and freezer section
- Convenience stores – Look in the freezer case
- Ice cream shops and parlors – May offer ice cream bar treats
- Gas stations – Ice cream novelty items are commonly sold
- Big box stores like Target and Walmart – Find variety packs
- Ice cream trucks – Classic place to get bars and other frozen treats
- Amazon.com – Can buy cases shipped frozen
- Ice cream subscription boxes – For monthly treats
You can stock up for summertime snack cravings at your local retailers. Specialty ice cream shops may also make their own gourmet ice cream bars!
Conclusion
In conclusion, a small SNICKERS ice cream bar contains around 200-220 calories depending on brand. The calories come from a combination of ice cream, chocolate coating, peanuts and caramel. It falls in the middle range for ice cream desserts, lower than a full size candy bar but higher than a plain popsicle. Enjoy this classic summer indulgence in moderation by sticking to snack size portions. Look for recipe swaps or healthier versions to satisfy your chocolate cravings for fewer calories. Always store ice cream bars properly in the freezer to maintain freshness and texture. When craving something cool and sweet on a hot day, a SNICKERS ice cream bar can be a delicious choice!
