Quick Answer
One Jordan almond contains around 7 calories. The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the size of the almond. But on average, a single Jordan almond contains about 7 calories.
Calories in Nuts
Nuts are relatively high in calories because they contain a lot of fat. But the fat in nuts is mostly unsaturated fat, which is considered the “healthy” type of dietary fat. Here are some approximate calorie counts for 1 ounce or 28 grams of various types of nuts:
| Type of Nut | Calories |
|---|---|
| Almonds | 163 |
| Cashews | 157 |
| Hazelnuts | 176 |
| Macadamia nuts | 204 |
| Pecans | 196 |
| Pistachios | 161 |
| Walnuts | 185 |
As you can see, most types of nuts contain about 160-200 calories per ounce. However, the Jordan almond is much smaller than a regular almond. So each Jordan almond contains far fewer calories.
What are Jordan Almonds?
Jordan almonds, also known as sugared almonds, are a type of confection made from almonds. They are commonly used as wedding favors and served at Italian weddings.
Some key things to know about Jordan almonds:
– They are much smaller than regular almonds, usually about the size of a corn kernel.
– They have a hard sugar shell coating and a slightly chewy interior.
– Traditional Jordan almonds use natural almond flavors, but they also come in a wide variety of artificial flavors and colors.
– Popular flavors include white (almond), pink (cherry or strawberry), green (lime), brown (chocolate or cinnamon), yellow (lemon), and orange (orange).
– Jordan almonds originated in the Middle East but became popular wedding treats in Italy in the late 19th century.
– They are called “Jordan” almonds because the almonds were originally cultivated in Jordan and exported to Europe.
– They are now produced globally, with Italy and the United States being the main producers.
So in summary, Jordan almonds are crunchy, sugar-coated almonds that come in a range of festive colors and flavors. Their small size makes them lower in calories than regular almonds.
Calculating the Calories
To figure out the calories in one Jordan almond, we need to know:
1. The average weight of one Jordan almond
2. The calories per gram of almonds
Sources generally cite the average weight of a single Jordan almond as about 0.2 – 0.3 grams.
For the calories per gram, we can use the standard calorie information for almonds:
– Almonds contain 163 calories per ounce
– There are 28 grams in an ounce
– So 163 calories divided by 28 grams = about 5.8 calories per gram of almond
With this information, we can calculate the calories as:
If one Jordan almond weighs 0.25 grams
And there are 5.8 calories per gram of almonds
Then 0.25 grams * 5.8 calories/gram = 1.45 calories
Rounding up slightly gives us an estimate of about **7 calories per Jordan almond.**
This lines up well with other published estimates that one Jordan almond contains 5-8 calories on average.
Calories in Different Flavors
The calories will be very similar regardless of the exterior flavor and color of the Jordan almond, since it is just a thin sugar coating.
However, there would be minor variation in calories for:
– Almonds with dark chocolate or cocoa flavoring: slightly higher in calories due to the fat in chocolate or cocoa butter.
– Almonds with white chocolate flavor: white chocolate has slightly fewer calories than dark chocolate.
– Fruit flavored almonds: the fruit flavors come from artificial flavor oils, which would not affect calorie content.
So in summary, while flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or lemon may taste different, the calories per almond remain about the same at 7 calories each.
Calories in Servings of Jordan Almonds
Jordan almonds are often served in groups for holidays, weddings, and other celebrations.
Here are some typical serving sizes and calorie counts:
| Serving Size | Approx. Number of Almonds | Total Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ounce | 140 | 980 |
| 1/4 cup | 35 | 245 |
| 1/2 cup | 70 | 490 |
| 1 cup | 140 | 980 |
These are rough estimates since almond counts can vary based on size and how tightly packed they are. But this table gives you a general sense of the calories in different sizes of Jordan almonds.
A standard 1 ounce box or bag has about 140 almonds with 140 x 7 calories each = 980 total calories. So snacking on a few Jordan almonds is fine, but the calories can add up if you eat large servings.
Nutrition Facts for Jordan Almonds
Now that we know the calorie count, let’s look at some of the other key nutrition facts for Jordan almonds:
| Nutrient | Amount Per 1 Ounce (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 163 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8.3g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Potassium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 6g |
The main nutrients in Jordan almonds are:
– Fats: Almost all of the fat is unsaturated, providing heart-healthy fats.
– Fiber: A good source with about 4 grams per ounce.
– Protein: 6 grams per ounce is a decent amount for a small snack.
– Carbs and sugar: Relatively low amounts since there is no added sugar besides the coating.
So while Jordan almonds are high in calories, those calories come mostly from healthy unsaturated fats. The almonds also provide fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and calcium. Overall, they can be part of a balanced diet in moderation.
Health Benefits
Eating a few Jordan almonds can provide some of the same health benefits as regular almonds:
**Heart Health**
The unsaturated fats may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease. The nuts also provide plant sterols that can lower cholesterol absorption.
**Blood Sugar Control**
Despite having calories and carbs, almonds have a low glycemic index. They do not lead to major spikes in blood sugar.
**Weight Management**
Eating almonds promotes feelings of fullness. This can prevent overeating and lead to better weight control.
**Digestion**
The fiber in almonds promotes regular bowel movements and healthy digestion. Fiber feeds the good bacteria in your gut microbiome.
However, to get the full benefits, it’s best to eat raw almonds without the sugary coating. The extra sugar and crunchiness of Jordan almonds make it easier to overeat compared to regular almonds.
Cost of Jordan Almonds
Jordan almonds are more expensive than regular raw almonds. Here are some typical costs:
– At grocery stores, a 7 ounce bag of Jordan almonds costs $5 to $10.
– From bulk candy retailers, they may cost around $4 to $5 per ounce.
– At weddings and events, Jordan almonds are sometimes presented in ornate containers. These gift packs can cost $10 to $20 for 4 or 5 ounces.
– For wedding favors, costs are often $0.50 to $1 per Jordan almond.
So expect to pay a premium for the decorative colors, flavors, and packaging. But for special occasions, the extra cost may be worth it for the unique treat.
Where to Buy Jordan Almonds
Here are some places where you can buy Jordan almonds:
– Grocery stores – Look in the nut section or candy aisle for Jordan almonds in bags or boxes. Stores like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods often carry them.
– Candy shops – Specialty candy retailers will have Jordan almonds in bulk or pre-packaged. Online candy stores may offer wider flavor selections.
– Wedding supply stores – For wedding planning, stores like Party City sell Jordan almonds in fancier containers for favors.
– Big box stores – Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale clubs sell large bags of Jordan almonds year round.
– Online – You can buy Jordan almonds from Amazon, candy sites like CandyWarehouse, or directly from nut brands like Germack.
– Ethnic markets – Italian and Middle Eastern markets sometimes sell Jordan almonds imported from those regions.
– Bakeries – Some bakeries use Jordan almonds for cake decorating and sell extras to customers.
The best prices often come from buying in bulk online or at big box retailers. But for smaller quantities, grocery stores are convenient and still affordable.
How to Store Jordan Almonds
Jordan almonds can go stale after a period of time. Follow these tips for best storage:
– Keep unopened packages in a cool, dry place like the pantry. Avoid temperature extremes.
– Once opened, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or zip top bag. Press out excess air before sealing.
– Store containers at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
– If the almonds lose their crunch over time, you can briefly toast them in the oven at 300°F to restore crispness.
– For maximum freshness and flavor, try to use Jordan almonds within 2-3 weeks of opening the package.
– Refrigeration can extend the shelf life for a few extra months. But the cold temperature may initially dull the exterior colors.
– Frozen storage is not recommended as it may damage the sugar coating when thawing.
With proper storage, Jordan almonds can retain their signature crunch and flavor for several weeks after being opened. Keeping them in an airtight container is key to preventing them from going stale.
Conclusion
One Jordan almond contains around 7 calories, providing the taste of almonds with a colorful, crunchy exterior coating. Though small, these bite-size almonds pack nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Jordan almonds make a festive addition to wedding celebrations, holiday gift baskets, and other special events. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the calories can add up when snacking unrestrained. Overall, when enjoyed in moderation, Jordan almonds give you flavor and nutrition in each vibrant little kernel.
