Halloween Candy: The Calorie Wars

Halloween is just around the corner and that means scrambling for costumes, pumpkin carving, hayrides, and everyone’s favorite—candy.

Just because we are college students does not mean we’re done eating candy. The sugary fruity flavors, chocolaty peanut butter goodness, and s’mores delight around this time of year are nothing to feel too guilty about, but if you want to keep your physique in mind, it’s best to know which candies win the calorie war.

Candy Corn vs. Sour Patch Kids

In a battle between one serving (19 pieces) of candy corn versus one small bag of sour patch kids, candy corn takes the win for being a better choice. One serving of candy corn contains 140 calories, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 28 grams of sugar. One small bag of sour patch kids contains 210 calories, 52 grams of carbohydrates, and 36 grams of sugar. Too much of either of these candies will having you bouncing off the wall, but even one serving has quite a bit of calories, carbs, and sugar.

Twix vs. Kit Kat

If you are deciding between a classic chocolate bar like Twix or Kit Kat, Kit Kat takes the win with 210 calories in a regular sized package, 27 grams of carbs and 21 grams of sugar. Twix has a massive 250 calories per package, 34 grams of carbs, and 24 grams of sugar. A package of Twix plus a few bites of another candy adds up to the calories intake of an entire meal. If that doesn’t make you think twice about opening that wrapper, then I don’t know what will.

Starburst vs. Smarties

One serving of Starburst, or 8 pieces, contains 160 calories, 34 grams of carbs, and 22 grams of sugar. Surprisingly, one roll of Smarties candies contains only 25 calories, 6 carbs, and 6 grams of sugar. Enough said.

Reeses vs. M&Ms

When it comes to deciding between the most amazing bites of chocolaty heaven, 2 Reeses peanut butter cups conatins 210 calories, 24 grams of carbs, and 31 grams of sugar. If you eat an entire regular size bag of M&M’s, you are consuming 240 calories, 34 grams of carbs, and 31 grams of sugar. Who would of thought those tiny candy pieces could add up to so much? Instead, try switching out your regular size bag of M&Ms for a snack size serving, which contains only 70 calories, 11 grams of carbs and 9 grams of sugar. Thank goodness for creating fun size candy packages.

Now that you are more educated about the importance of candy corn versus sour patch kids, hopefully you will enjoy this Halloween with a little more knowledge and a better choice of candies. It is important to be health conscious even when you are celebrating the holidays, especially when the candy might be sitting around your apartment for the next few weeks. Remember, a bite or two of a candy bar is really all you need to curb your craving.

Photo by Victoria Oberdorf