Blow Pop is a popular brand of lollipop that has been around since the 1970s. With its hard candy exterior and bubblegum center, Blow Pop provides a tasty treat for kids and adults alike. However, some people wonder if eating Blow Pops and other lollipops is actually healthy or if they are just empty calories and sugar. In this article, we will explore the ingredients in Blow Pops, potential health benefits and risks, and overall nutritional value to help you determine if Blow Pops can be part of a healthy diet.
Blow Pop Ingredients
The main ingredients in a Blow Pop are sugar, corn syrup, and artificial colors and flavors. Let’s take a closer look at each of these:
Sugar
The number one ingredient in Blow Pops is sugar. Each lollipop contains 11 grams of sugar, which is almost half of the recommended daily allowance for added sugars for adult women (25 grams) and over a third for adult men (36 grams) [1]. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men [2]. The high sugar content is why Blow Pops taste so sweet!
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is another form of added sugar that gives Blow Pops their smooth, sticky texture. It is made from starch and contains glucose, another type of sugar. Corn syrup contains no nutritional value other than carbohydrates and calories.
Artificial colors and flavors
Blow Pops contain several artificial colors and flavors including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and citric acid. These artificial additives provide the vibrant colors and fruity flavors like cherry, grape, and orange. Artificial colors and flavors are safe to consume, but some people prefer to avoid them for a more natural diet.
Potential Health Benefits
Despite being high in sugar, Blow Pops may provide some potential health benefits:
Low calorie treat
One Blow Pop only contains about 40 calories [3]. This is lower than many other candies and treats, making Blow Pops a lower calorie option for satisfying a sweet tooth. The small portion can help limit calorie intake.
Non-fat and non-cholesterol
Blow Pops are fat-free and contain no cholesterol. For people concerned about heart health and obesity, lollipops like Blow Pops offer a treat low in fat and cholesterol compared to other candy choices.
Gluten-free
The ingredients in Blow Pops do not contain any gluten. This makes them a gluten-free friendly choice for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Potential oral health benefits
Some research indicates that chewing sugar-free gum can benefit oral health by increasing saliva flow, which helps wash away bacteria and food debris to prevent cavities [4]. The gum center of Blow Pops may provide similar oral health benefits. However, their high sugar content likely counteracts any of these benefits.
Potential Health Risks
There are also some potential health risks to consider with eating Blow Pops and other lollipops regularly:
Blood sugar spikes
The 11 grams of sugar in one Blow Pop can cause a quick spike in blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes or pre-diabetes, these surges in blood sugar need to be carefully managed through portion control and coordination with medication. Frequent blood sugar spikes can increase risk for developing diabetes in those currently without the disease [5].
Weight gain
Candy and foods high in added sugars like Blow Pops can lead to weight gain over time when consumed in excess. The calories from sugar can accumulate quickly and provide empty calories without nutritional benefits. Limiting portion sizes of these sugary treats is important for maintaining a healthy weight.
Dental cavities
The combination of sugar and stickiness in lollipops like Blow Pops can lead to an increased risk for cavities, especially if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. The sugary liquid and gum stick to the teeth, allowing cavity-causing bacteria to thrive if not brushed away.
Choking hazard
Like any hard candy, Blow Pops can present a choking hazard for young children. Parents should monitor lollipop consumption and follow age recommendations on packages.
Nutritional Value
Here is the nutrition information for a standard Blow Pop lollipop [3]:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
As you can see, a Blow Pop contains 40 calories, all of which come from carbohydrate sources like sugar. There is minimal nutritional value, as Blow Pops provide no protein, nutrients, or healthy fats. The main concern nutritionally is the 11 grams of added sugar, which is almost half the recommended daily limit for women.
Moderation is Key
Based on the ingredients and nutrition information, enjoying the occasional Blow Pop as a treat is not necessarily unhealthy if consumed in moderation. The key is limiting portion sizes to help restrict sugar and calorie intake. Here are some tips for keeping your Blow Pop habit in check:
– Stick to only 1-2 Blow Pops at a time and avoid continuously snacking on them throughout the day.
– Be mindful of your total added sugar intake from all sources, including beverages, desserts, candy, etc.
– Brush your teeth after eating Blow Pops or other sugary candies to protect your dental health.
– Choose sugar-free gum or mints if you are just looking for oral satisfaction between meals and snacks.
– Offer children appropriate portion sizes of Blow Pops and other candies. Don’t allow them to be a daily treat.
– Drink water when enjoying sweet treats to prevent a sugar overload.
– Consume Blow Pops along with more nutritious foods like fruit, veggies, lean protein and whole grains for more balanced nutrition.
The Bottom Line
Blow Pops are high in sugar and lack nutritional value beyond calories, so moderation is key if including them in an overall healthy diet. The small portion size, lack of fat and gluten, and gum center provide some benefits, but their sugar content is the main concern. Following serving recommendations and limiting frequency is important, especially for those concerned about blood sugar management and dental health. Overall, the occasional Blow Pop can be enjoyed guilt-free as part of a lifestyle that focuses on nutritious whole foods the majority of the time. Satisfy your sweet tooth wisely by being mindful of portions of these fun fruity lollipops.
