How many calories is a lifesaver gummy?

Lifesavers gummies are a popular candy known for their iconic ring shape and variety of fruit flavors. But with sugar and calories often a concern, many people wonder just how many calories are actually in a lifesavers gummy.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

On average, one standard lifesavers gummy contains about 22 calories. The exact number of calories can vary slightly depending on the specific flavor.

Serving Size Matters

As with most foods, the total calories in lifesavers gummies will depend on the serving size. Here’s a look at the calorie count for different serving sizes of lifesavers gummies:

1 gummy: 22 calories
5 gummies: 110 calories
10 gummies: 220 calories

20 gummies: 440 calories

The standard single-wrapping “roll” of lifesavers gummies contains about 5 pieces, equaling around 110 calories. But be aware that it can be easy to unintentionally eat more than one roll, which can quickly add to the calorie count.

Calories by Flavor

While the calorie count doesn’t vary too significantly, some lifesavers gummy flavors do contain slightly more or less calories. Here’s a look at the calorie count by popular flavor:

Flavor	Calories (1 gummy)
Cherry	22
Orange	23
Lemon	23
Lime	21
Strawberry	21
Mixed fruit	22
Sugar free (all flavors)	3

As you can see, most flavors range from 21-23 calories per gummy. Sugar free versions contain significantly less at just 3 calories per piece.

Calorie Breakdown

Now that we know how many total calories are in lifesavers gummies, let’s take a look at where those calories come from:

Carbohydrates – The majority of calories come from carbohydrates in the form of sugar. Each gummy contains about 5-6g of sugar.

Fat – Lifesavers gummies contain no fat.
Protein – There is minimal protein in lifesavers gummies.

So the calories in lifesaver gummies almost completely come from the high sugar content. The protein and fat content are negligible.

Ingredients

Now let’s take a detailed look at the ingredients in lifesavers gummies to understand where the calories are coming from:

Corn syrup – This is the main source of carbohydrates and calories. Corn syrup gives the gummies their sweetness.
Sugar – White granulated sugar adds additional sweetness and carbohydrate content.

Gelatin – This ingredient gives lifesavers gummies their chewy texture but contains minimal calories and nutrients.
Natural and artificial flavors – Flavorings like citric acid and malic acid add fruit flavor but contain negligible calories.
Coloring agents – Ingredients like Red 40 provide color but no calories.

So in summary, the corn syrup and sugar account for nearly all the calories in lifesavers gummies. The other minor ingredients provide texture, flavor and color with minimal caloric impact.

Nutrition Facts

Here is the full nutrition facts breakdown for a standard roll of 5 lifesavers gummies:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	110	5%
Total Fat	0g	0%
Sodium	0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrates	28g	9%
Total Sugars	27g
Protein	0g	0%

As you can see, a 5 piece roll delivers 110 calories, none of which come from fat or protein. The calories come almost entirely from the 28g total carbohydrates, which consists predominantly of sugars.

Daily Value

Looking at the % daily value (%DV) shows that a standard roll of lifesavers gummies makes up about 5% of a 2,000 calorie diet. Given there are no significant sources of nutrients, the main takeaway from the %DV is that the sugars make up a substantial portion (9%) of the recommended limit for added sugars (30g or less per day).

Common Serving Sizes

To put the calories in lifesavers gummies into context, here’s how they compare to some other common serving sizes:

1 roll (5 gummies) = 110 calories

1 small apple = 95 calories
1 cup berries = 80 calories
1 slice wheat bread = 70 calories

2 tbsp peanut butter = 190 calories

As you can see, one roll of lifesavers gummies is roughly equivalent to 1 small apple or 1 slice of bread in terms of calories. So while they make for a tasty candy treat, gummies aren’t the most nutrient-dense choice.

Weight Loss Considerations

When trying to lose weight, it’s important to pay attention to calorie intake. Here are some things to keep in mind about lifesavers gummies:

At around 110 calories per roll, gummies can quickly add extra calories that add up over the day.
The low protein, fiber, and nutrients make gummies a poor choice for satiety compared to foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean meats.
Going for sugar free gummies brings the calorie count way down to just 3 calories per piece.

Portion control is key – sticking to just 1 roll can help keep gummy calories in check.

While the occasional gummy indulgence is fine for most healthy diets, relying on gummies to satisfy cravings can easily undermine weight loss efforts.

Diabetes Considerations

For those with diabetes or risk for high blood sugar, lifesavers gummies can impact blood glucose levels in a couple key ways:

The high sugar content leads to a rapid spike in blood sugar after eating gummies.
Without protein, fiber or fat, the sugars are rapidly absorbed.
Going for sugar free gummies eliminates the high carbohydrate load.

Pairing gummies with protein or fiber containing foods can help slow sugar absorption.
Check labels and aim for gummies made with natural sugars like fruit juice over corn syrup.

Overall, enjoying the occasional lifesaver gummy once in a while should have minimal effects on blood sugar for most people with diabetes. But regular consumption, especially in large amounts, can contribute to blood sugar spikes and should be minimized as part of a diabetic diet.

Satiety

When it comes to feeling full and satisfied after eating, lifesavers gummies come up short due to lacking protein, fiber, and nutrients. Some key points on gummies and satiety include:

Protein is the most filling macronutrient, while sugar tends to cause cravings soon after eating.
Fiber provides bulk and slows digestion to prolong feelings of fullness.

Without protein or fiber, gummies only provide a quick burst of energy before hunger returns.
Combining gummies with a source of protein (like nuts) or fiber (like fruit) can increase satiety.
Drinking water with gummies can also help increase feelings of fullness.

In the end, other snacks like whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt, or string cheese make for better options than gummies when aiming to control hunger between meals.

Energy (Calories) Provided

At around 22 calories per gummy, lifesavers can provide a quick energy boost in the form of carbohydrate-derived calories. Here is how the calories in lifesavers gummies can impact energy levels:

Simple carbs like sugar are quickly digested to provide fast energy.

Energy from gummies doesn’t last long compared to complex carbs, protein or fat.
Gummies can provide a sweet pick-me-up when feeling tired and low energy.
Consuming gummies 30-60 minutes before exercising can provide fuel for working out.

Don’t rely solely on gummies for sustained energy – combine with more balanced snacks instead.

Thanks to their high carb and sugar content, lifesavers gummies can be an occasional convenient way to get a quick hit of energy. But for lasting power, you’ll want to choose snacks that also contain protein, fiber and nutrients.

Benefits

Here are some of the main benefits that lifesaver gummies can provide in moderation:

Convenience – Gummies are portable and require no prep, making them convenient for on-the-go snacking.
Great taste – With fun fruit flavors, gummies can help satisfy a sweet tooth or candy craving.
Low fat and cholesterol free – Gummies are a better option than high-fat candies like chocolate for heart health.

Gluten free – Most gummies are made without gluten, making them suitable for those with celiac disease.
Potential nutritional benefits – Some gummies are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

In moderation, lifesavers gummies can be a tasty way to get a little energy boost throughout the day. Just keep portions small and practice moderation when consuming them as part of an overall healthy diet.

Downsides and Health Concerns

Despite some potential benefits, there are also some important downsides and health concerns to consider with frequent or excessive lifesaver gummy consumption:

High in refined carbohydrates and added sugars
May contribute to weight gain and increase risk for chronic diseases when eaten in excess

Provide empty calories without much nutritional value
May cause dental cavities with frequent consumption
Can cause digestive issues like gas, bloating or diarrhea for those sensitive to sugar alcohols

Sugar free gummies often contain maltitol syrup, which can have laxative effects in large amounts

Overall, the biggest health concern with lifesavers gummies stems from their high sugar content without beneficial nutrients. Moderation is key, and they should be viewed as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack choice.

Alternatives

For those looking to reduce their sugar intake or consume fewer empty calories, here are some healthier candy alternatives to consider instead of lifesavers gummies:

Fruit snacks made with real fruit juice and no added sugars
Dried fruit like raisins, dried apricots or apple rings
Frozen grapes for a cool, sweet treat

Greek yogurt with honey or fruit
Cinnamon apple chips
Nut and seed trail mixes

Protein bars made with limited added sugars
Dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa
Popsicles made from 100% fruit juice

Choosing fruit-based or high protein snacks over candy can help satisfy sweet cravings while providing more nutritional benefits.

The Bottom Line

So in summary, a single lifesaver gummy contains around 22 calories, almost entirely in the form of sugar. The exact amount can vary slightly by flavor. While they can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, lifesavers lack nutritional value and should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Other fruit and protein-based snacks can provide healthier alternatives to help meet daily nutrition needs.