Quick Answer
One caramel rice cake typically contains around 70 calories, depending on the brand. The main ingredients in caramel rice cakes are rice flour, sugar, and caramel. Since they are made from rice flour, caramel rice cakes are gluten-free and often promoted as a lighter alternative to traditional cakes or other baked goods. However, the caramel coating significantly increases the calorie content compared to plain rice cakes. Overall, a single caramel rice cake makes for a sweet, satisfying low-calorie snack or light dessert.
Calories in Popular Brands of Caramel Rice Cakes
The number of calories in a caramel rice cake can vary slightly depending on the brand. Here is the calorie count for one caramel rice cake from several top brands:
| Brand | Calories per Caramel Rice Cake |
|---|---|
| Quaker | 70 |
| Lundberg | 80 |
| Kirkland | 60 |
| Snack Factory | 70 |
As you can see, most major brands of caramel rice cakes contain around 60-80 calories per cake. Quaker, one of the most popular brands, contains 70 calories in each caramel rice cake.
Nutrition Facts for Quaker Caramel Rice Cakes
Since Quaker is a leading brand of caramel rice cakes, let’s take a closer look at the exact nutrition facts for one Quaker caramel rice cake:
| Nutrition Facts | 1 Caramel Rice Cake (14g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Total Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 75mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g |
| Sugars | 8g |
As you can see, a Quaker caramel rice cake contains 70 calories. It also has 15g of carbohydrates, mainly from added sugars. There is minimal fat or protein in rice cakes.
Main Ingredients in Caramel Rice Cakes
What gives caramel rice cakes their sweet flavor and texture? Here are the main ingredients:
– Rice flour – Caramel rice cakes are made from ground rice flour instead of traditional wheat flour. This makes them gluten-free.
– Sugar – Granulated white sugar adds sweetness to the caramel coating and provides most of the calories. Brown rice syrup is also sometimes used.
– Caramel – The sticky caramel coating contains sugar, corn syrup, butter, milk products, and natural flavors.
– Salt – A small amount of salt balances out the sweetness.
– Natural flavors – Things like vanilla extract are often added for extra flavor.
– Oil – A small amount of vegetable oil is used in the manufacturing process.
So while rice flour forms the base, sugar is the main driver of calories and caramel flavor. The caramel coating is essential for the taste, but it significantly increases the calorie content compared to plain rice cakes.
Are Caramel Rice Cakes Healthy?
Caramel rice cakes can be a relatively healthy snack in moderation. Here are some of the pros and cons for caramel rice cakes:
Pros:
– Gluten-free and made from whole grains
– Lower in calories than many desserts
– Low in fat
– Provides quick energy from carbohydrates
Cons:
– High in added sugars from the caramel coating
– Lower in fiber, protein, and nutrients compared to whole foods
– Sugar content can lead to energy crash later
– Not enough calories for a filling meal
Overall, caramel rice cakes are a better option than things like cake, cookies, or candy since they are lower in calories, fat, and carbs. However, plain rice cakes or whole grain snacks would be healthier due to less added sugar. Caramel rice cakes are best enjoyed occasionally as a sweet treat, not daily snacks. Moderation is key.
Caramel Rice Cake Calories Compared to Other Snacks
How do caramel rice cakes compare calorie-wise to some other popular snacks? Here is a quick comparison:
| Snack | Calories |
|---|---|
| Caramel rice cake | 70 |
| Apple | 95 |
| Baby carrots | 35 |
| Original rice cake | 35-40 |
| Cheese stick | 80 |
| Animal crackers | 138 |
| Pretzels | 110 |
| Potato chips | 150 |
A caramel rice cake contains around 70 calories, which is a bit more than an original plain rice cake but much less than traditional baked goods. It has fewer calories than most other popular snacks like crackers, cookies, chips, and cheese. However, fresh fruits and vegetables are lower in calories and sugar.
Daily Calorie Recommendations
How many caramel rice cakes can you eat per day while staying within recommended calorie limits? Here are some guidelines based on daily calorie needs:
– 2000 calories per day – Up to 3 caramel rice cakes
– 2500 calories per day – Up to 4 caramel rice cakes
– 3000 calories per day – Up to 5 caramel rice cakes
Most health experts recommend limiting added sugar to no more than 25g per day as part of a healthy diet. Since caramel rice cakes contain about 8g of sugar each, you’d want to max out at 3 per day to stay under 25g of added sugar if requiring 2000 calories. This would provide 210 calories, or about 10% of your total daily needs.
Serving Size
What is the standard serving size for caramel rice cakes? Here are some serving size guidelines:
– 1 caramel rice cake is considered one serving
– The nutrition information on packages is based on one cake
– 1 serving has 70-80 calories depending on brand
– 1 serving provides 15-20g of carbohydrates
– The small, round cake shape helps control portions
Sticking to one caramel rice cake at a time makes it easier to watch your portions and limit calories. Be aware the small package size can sometimes lead people to overeat by consuming multiple rice cakes in one sitting. Enjoy the sweet treat in moderation by sticking to a single serving.
Tips for Enjoying Caramel Rice Cakes
Here are some tips for enjoying caramel rice cakes in a healthy way:
– Read nutrition labels and choose brands lowest in sugar
– Stick to one rice cake at a time to control portions
– Enjoy as an occasional treat, not a daily snack
– Pair with protein like nut butter for more filling snack
– Choose plain rice cakes instead for a lower calorie option
– Drink water with caramel rice cakes to avoid empty calories
– Avoid mindless snacking straight from the package
– Appreciate caramel rice cakes as a gluten free alternative to sweets
– Keep tabs on your daily calorie and sugar intake
– Be aware they contain no protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals
Caramel rice cakes can satisfy a sweet tooth craving, but they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy and balanced diet, not as a daily indulgence. Paying attention to serving sizes and being mindful while snacking can help keep your calorie intake in check.
Healthy Alternatives to Caramel Rice Cakes
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar and empty calories, here are some healthier snack alternatives to consider instead of caramel rice cakes:
– Fresh fruit – Apples, bananas, berries, etc. Provide fiber, vitamins.
– Dried fruit – Gets rid of some of the water for more concentrated sweetness.
– Plain rice cakes – Lower in calories without the caramel coating.
– Whole grain crackers – Look for ones with fiber and protein.
– Nuts – Provide healthy fats and plant protein. Go for unsalted.
– Popcorn – High volume food for fewer calories. Stick to minimal salt and butter.
– Vegetables – Baby carrots, bell pepper slices, cucumber slices. With hummus for protein.
– Greek yogurt – High protein option that is thick and creamy. Opt for unsweetened.
– Cottage cheese – Also provides filling protein, choose low or no fat versions.
– Nut butters – Smear on rice cakes or apples for satisfying snack combo.
Recipes With Caramel Rice Cakes
While caramel rice cakes are good plain, you can also incorporate them into snacks and dessert recipes. Here are some tasty ways to use caramel rice cakes:
Apple Sandwiches – Top rice cake with sliced apples and nut butter.
Sweet Pizza – Top rice cake with Greek yogurt and fresh berries.
S’mores Snack – Top rice cake with small squares of chocolate and toasted marshmallow.
Ice Cream Cake – Make layers with rice cake, ice cream, caramel sauce, and banana slices.
Pumpkin Pie Rice Cakes – Top rice cake with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and grated ginger snap cookies.
Chocolate Hazelnut – Drizzle melted chocolate over rice cake and top with chopped hazelnuts.
Trail Mix Topper – Sprinkle your favorite nuts, seeds, coconut and dried fruit on a rice cake.
PB&J – Rice cake topped with peanut butter and jelly or jam.
Get creative with toppings and layer on additional ingredients that complement the sweet caramel flavor. Using caramel rice cakes in recipes lets you satisfy your sweet tooth while bumping up the nutrition.
Storing and Reheating Caramel Rice Cakes
Here are some tips for storing and reheating caramel rice cakes to keep them fresh:
– Store unopened packages at room temperature in a cool, dry pantry. Avoid temperature extremes.
– Once opened, transfer any remaining cakes to a sealed container or plastic bag. Try to minimize air exposure.
– For best quality and texture, finish opened rice cakes within 2-3 days. Use within printed expiration date.
– To reheat, place rice cake on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 15-20 seconds at a time. Watch closely to avoid melting.
– You can also reheat in a toaster oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them.
– Do not refrigerate or freeze caramel rice cakes once opened. This can cause them to harden and crack.
– Look for any signs of mold, such as white fuzz, which means they should be discarded.
With proper storage in a cool pantry, caramel rice cakes can retain their fresh taste and crunch for several days after opening. Be careful when reheating to avoid scorching or drying them out.
Where to Buy Caramel Rice Cakes
Caramel rice cakes can be found in the snack aisle at most major grocery stores, supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and online retailers. Here are some specific places you can buy caramel rice cakes:
Grocery stores – Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Publix, HEB, etc. Look in the cracker and cookie aisle.
Natural food stores – Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Earth Fare. Often have organic options.
Warehouse clubs – Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s. Sell multi-packs at a discount.
Convenience stores – 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K. Single-serve packs by the register.
Online – Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, Target. Can be delivered to your door.
Dollar stores – Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar. Affordable versions.
Drug stores – CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid. Convenient while shopping.
Name brand versions like Quaker are easy to find but most grocers also offer cheaper generic and store brand options. Shop around for different pricing and packaging options to suit your needs.
Caramel Rice Cake Nutrition Facts Summary
In summary, here are some key nutrition facts to know about caramel rice cakes:
– One caramel rice cake contains around 70 calories
– Main ingredients are rice flour, sugar, and caramel coating
– Provide carbohydrates but minimal protein, fat, fiber or micronutrients
– Lower in calories than many classic desserts or baked goods
– High amount of added sugar from the caramel glaze
– Serving size is one rice cake
– Healthiest when enjoyed occasionally in moderation
– Plain rice cakes are lower in calories without the caramel
– Read labels and aim for brands with less total sugar
– Can be incorporated into healthy snacks and recipes
– Store opened rice cakes properly and reheat carefully
– Easily found in the snack aisle at any major grocery store
Satisfy your sweet tooth in a lighter way with caramel rice cakes instead of candy or cookies, but be mindful of portions. A single caramel rice cake can provide 70 calories of sweetness!
Conclusion
Caramel rice cakes offer a sweet treat with fewer calories and carbs than many traditional dessert options. While the caramel glaze adds sugar, a single rice cake contains around 70 calories depending on brand. Pay attention to serving sizes, and enjoy caramel rice cakes in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Check labels and choose brands with less total sugar when possible. With mindful snacking habits, the portion-controlled caramel rice cakes can help satisfy a sweet craving for fewer calories than cake, cookies, or candy.
