Candies, caramels
FDC 167974package (2.5 oz) (71 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 8 · -1 vs Sweets medianCaramels score 8 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band ranking 35 of 60 in Sweets, just under the category median of 9, with the dairy in the recipe contributing 11% DV of calcium alongside 382 calories per 100 grams.
Caramels are chewed slowly on their own, melted for apple dipping, or folded into desserts for their buttery flavor. A small 71 gram package is a typical serving, and despite the calcium from milk and cream, they remain very high in sugar, at 65.5 grams per 100 grams, so they are best treated as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around candies, caramels, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 382 kcal | 19% |
| Total fat | 8.1 g | 10% |
| Saturated fat | 2.5 g | 12% |
| Cholesterol | 7 mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 245 mg | 11% |
| Carbohydrate | 77 g | 28% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 66 g | |
| Protein | 4.6 g | 9% |
| Potassium | 214 mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 138 mg | 11% |
| Iron | 0.14 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 17 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 12 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.46 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 271 kcal | 14% |
| Total fat | 5.8 g | 7% |
| Saturated fat | 1.8 g | 9% |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 174 mg | 8% |
| Carbohydrate | 55 g | 20% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 47 g | |
| Protein | 3.3 g | 7% |
| Potassium | 152 mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 98 mg | 8% |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 12 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.28 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 8.5 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.33 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 167974Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the sweets median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Candies, hardDensity 8 vs 8Fruit syrupDensity 8 vs 8Candies, milk chocolate coated raisinsDensity 9 vs 8Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Caramel candies are made by slowly cooking sugar with butter and cream or milk until it thickens into a chewy, dense confection, a texture that sets them apart from hard candy or chocolate. Eaten on their own they are usually individually wrapped, but they also melt down easily for dipping apples at fall gatherings, get chopped and folded into blondies or millionaire's shortbread, or are dipped in melted chocolate for a two-layer candy. Their sticky chew and buttery flavor make them a common filling for chocolate bars as well.
Keep wrapped caramels in a cool spot away from heat so they hold their shape, and if you have unwrapped pieces, store them in an airtight container so they do not dry out or pick up odors from other foods in the pantry. The milk and cream base gives caramels a trait unusual for a candy, about 11% of the Daily Value for calcium per 100 grams, alongside 4.6 grams of protein and 8.1 grams of fat. Even so, at 382 calories and 65.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams, with sodium at 245 milligrams, they are still best treated as a treat rather than a dairy source.
Frequently asked questions about candies, caramels
How many calories are in caramel candy?
About 382 calories per 100 grams, with 8.1 grams of fat from its butter and cream base.
Does caramel candy have any calcium?
It carries about 11% of the Daily Value for calcium per 100 grams, likely from the milk or cream used to make it.
How is caramel candy used in cooking?
Beyond eating it plain, it is often melted down for caramel apples, dipped in chocolate, or layered into bar desserts like millionaire's shortbread.