Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: The Surprisingly Low Calorie Count of Brach’s Jelly Beans

When a candy craving strikes, jelly beans can provide a fun, flavorsome treat. Brach’s, a popular brand, offers an array of jelly bean types from fruity flavors to sour varieties. But are these colorful little candies diet-friendly? Let’s dig into the calorie count and nutrition facts of Brach’s jelly beans.

Total Calories in Brach’s Jelly Beans

Brach’s small jelly beans contain around 110 calories per serving. A standard serving size is 10 pieces or 29 grams.

This calorie count is for their classic Original flavor. Other varieties like Sours, Tropical Island Mix, and more also have 110 calories per serving on average.

For just 110 calories, you can enjoy a handful of delectable little jelly beans to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Nutrition Profile of Brach’s Jelly Beans

Beyond calories, here is the nutritional breakdown per 29 gram serving

• Total fat: 0g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Total carbs: 28g
• Sugar: 21g
• Protein: 1g

Brach’s jelly beans deliver sweetness mainly from sugar They are fat-free and contain minimal protein or sodium The small serving size keeps calories and carbs in check.

Calorie Density of Jelly Beans

Brach’s jelly beans contain about 3.8 calories per gram. This is a moderate calorie density among candies:

• Lower calorie density (2 to 3 calories/g): gum, mints, lollipops
• Moderate calorie density (3 to 4 calories/g): jelly beans, Skittles, M&Ms
• Higher calorie density (4+ calories/g): chocolates, caramels, hard candies

The soft, chewy texture of jelly beans gives them a calorie content that’s on the lighter side for candy.

Calories Compared to Other Jelly Bean Brands

Brach’s has a similar number of calories compared to other popular jelly bean brands.

• Brach’s: 110 calories per 10 jelly beans
• Jelly Belly: 110 calories per 10 jelly beans
• Starburst: 140 calories per 13 jelly beans
• Lifesavers: 70 calories per 7 jelly beans

Brach’s and Jelly Belly are nearly identical in calories and serving size. Starburst and Lifesavers vary slightly in calorie count.

Calories in Different Flavors

While the original flavor is 110 calories, Brach’s mix variety packs with different flavors have similar nutrition:

• Island Mix: 110 calories
• Sours: 120 calories
• Tropical Mix: 110 calories
• Berry Mix: 110 calories

The Island Mix, Tropical Mix, and Berry Mix all clock in at 110 calories per 10 jelly beans. The Sours have a slightly higher calorie count at 120 calories for the same serving size.

Brach’s Jelly Bean Ingredients

Brach’s jelly beans are made from a simple list of ingredients:

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Modified food starch
• Artificial flavors
• Artificial colors (FD&C dyes)
• Carnauba wax

The bulk of Brach’s jelly beans come from sugar. Corn syrup acts as an additional sweetener while modified food starch gives the chewy texture.

Comparing Brach’s Jelly Beans to Other Candies

How do the calories in Brach’s jelly beans compare to other popular candies?

• Skittles (15 pieces): 150 calories
• Reese’s Miniatures (5 pieces): 210 calories
• M&Ms (1.74 oz): 240 calories
• Twizzlers (3 pieces): 140 calories
• Junior Mints (13 pieces): 170 calories

Brach’s jelly beans clock in well below most other candy options at just 110 calories for 10 pieces. The small serving size makes them a lighter choice.

Tips for Enjoying Jelly Beans in Moderation

While jelly beans can be part of a balanced diet, portion control is key. Follow these tips:

• Stick to the standard 10 piece serving size.

• Measure out a portion rather than snacking directly from the bag.

• Mix jelly beans into a trail mix to make them go farther.

• Substitute lower calorie snacks like fruit if you’ve already have a sweet treat.

• Avoid mindless munching – be aware of each piece you consume.

• Always pair candy with a drink like water to avoid dehydration and overeating.

• Choose mini packs or fun sizes to keep portions controlled.

Enjoying a small serving of Brach’s jelly beans can satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard on sugar and calories.

Pairing Jelly Beans with Other Foods and Drinks

What goes well with Brach’s jelly beans? Balance out the sweetness with salty or creamy flavors:

• Popcorn – Sprinkle jelly beans on your popcorn for a sweet and salty mix.

• Trail mix – Combine with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, pretzels or crackers for more nutrition.

• Yogurt – Top vanilla yogurt with a handful of jelly beans.

• Ice cream – Mix jelly beans into vanilla ice cream or milkshakes.

• Cupcakes or cookies – Decorate baked treats with assorted jelly beans.

• Coffee or tea – Enjoy a few beans alongside your morning beverage for a pick-me-up.

Jelly beans add a punch of flavor and fun when paired thoughtfully with other foods and drinks.

Health Benefits of Jelly Beans

While candy isn’t the most nutritious option, jelly beans do offer a few potential health upsides in moderation:

• Quick energy – The sugar provides a fast energy boost any time you need it.

• Stress relief – Eating a small treat can lift your mood and lower stress.

• Low fat – Jelly beans are fat free, meaning you don’t have to feel guilty about their calories.

• Small portions – The standard 10 bean serving helps prevent overindulging.

• No prep needed – Their grab-and-go portability makes healthy choices convenient.

Enjoy jelly beans occasionally as part of an overall balanced diet for an energy and mood lift without overdoing calories or sugar.

Fun Facts About Jelly Beans

Beyond nutrition stats, here are some fascinating facts about America’s favorite Easter candy:

• Jelly beans were first made in the 1860s. The jelly bean shape became popular in the early 1900s.

• Ronald Reagan was famous for loving jelly beans and kept a jar of them on his desk.

• Over 16 billion jelly beans are produced for Easter holidays each year.

• The top 3 jelly bean flavors are cherry, lemon-lime, and grape.

• Black jelly beans are the most disliked flavor.

• Inventor of Jelly Belly beans developed over 100 exotic flavors like strawberry cheesecake and mango.

• The world’s largest jelly bean, weighing over 850 pounds, was created in LA in 2000.

Jelly beans have come a long way from their origins as a simple Easter sweet. Their burst of flavors and colors make them a perennial favorite.

How to Use Brach’s Jelly Beans

Beyond just eating them straight from the package, get creative with ways to use Brach’s jelly beans:

• Use as cake decorations – spell out messages with letters or cover the top.

• Make bright confetti by crushing and sprinkling into frosting or decorations.

• Skewer on sticks for DIY lollipops.

• Add to cookie dough or rice krispy treats for pops of texture.

• Layer in clear glasses or jars for color and height.

• Fill mini paper cones for jelly bean bouquets to give as gifts.

• Candy coatings – melt chocolate and dip plain beans for a sweet shell.

With their range of colors and flavors, jelly beans are the perfect candy for crafting and dessert embellishments.

Brach’s Jelly Beans: A Guilt-Free Candy Treat

When you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, Brach’s jelly beans are a sensible option with just 110 calories per serving. Their small size, lack of fat, and modest calorie density let you enjoy the guilt-free fun of candy without overdoing it on sugar. Just be sure to stick to the standard 10 bean portion to keep this classic treat in line with healthy eating habits. Brach’s jelly beans prove you can have your candy and eat it too – in moderation!