Candies, hard
FDC 167990oz (28 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 8 · -1 vs Sweets medianHard candy scores 8 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band ranking 34 of 60 in Sweets, just under the category median of 9, since it is essentially pure sugar with no standout vitamins or minerals and 394 calories per 100 grams.
It is sucked slowly rather than chewed, and shows up in holiday tins, mints, and old-fashioned candy jars. An ounce serving is about 28 grams and mostly dissolves into sugar, at 62.9 grams per 100 grams and nearly all of its 98 grams of carbohydrate, so it is best kept to the occasional piece.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around candies, hard, 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 | 394 kcal | 20% |
| Total fat | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 38 mg | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 98 g | 36% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 63 g | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 5 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 3 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 3 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal | 6% |
| Total fat | 0.06 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 11 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 27 g | 10% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 18 g | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 1.4 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0.84 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.08 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 0.84 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 167990Original 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.
Fruit syrupDensity 8 vs 8Candies, milk chocolate coated raisinsDensity 9 vs 8Jams and preserves, apricotDensity 9 vs 8Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Hard candy is made by boiling sugar syrup to the hard-crack stage, then cooling and shaping it into drops, lollipops, or ribbon candy, sometimes flavored with mint, fruit, or cinnamon. It is meant to be sucked slowly rather than chewed, dissolving over several minutes, which is why it turns up in stocking stuffers, holiday tins, and as an after-dinner mint at restaurants. Because it is nearly pure sugar, it also gets crushed and used as a decorative topping on cakes and cookies, or melted down to create stained-glass candy shards for garnishing plated desserts.
Store it in a cool, dry place away from humidity, since sugar candy pulls in moisture from the air and turns sticky or cloudy if left unwrapped. Individually wrapped pieces keep the longest, often for months in the pantry. At 394 calories and 98 grams of carbohydrate per 100 grams, with essentially no fat or protein, it is as close to pure sugar as a food gets, so it is best treated as an occasional treat measured in single pieces rather than a snack eaten by the handful. Sodium is minimal at 38 milligrams per 100 grams, and fat sits at just 0.2 grams per 100 grams.
Frequently asked questions about candies, hard
How many calories are in hard candy?
About 394 calories per 100 grams, almost entirely from its 98 grams of carbohydrate.
Does hard candy have any nutritional value?
No, it is essentially pure sugar, with no meaningful protein, fiber, or fat per 100 grams.
How should hard candy be stored?
Keep it in a cool, dry container away from humidity, since sugar candy turns sticky if it absorbs moisture.