If you're looking for a sweet and satisfying snack, 1/4 cup (1.5 oz) of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's might be just what you need. With 220 calories per serving, it's important to enjoy this treat in moderation.
Not only do Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's taste great, but they also contain some important nutrients. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional information.
In this article, we'll explore the calorie and nutrient content of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's, as well as some tips for enjoying them in a healthy way.
Calories in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
As mentioned earlier, a 1/4 cup (1.5 oz) serving of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's contains 220 calories. This makes it a relatively high calorie snack, so it's important to keep portion sizes in mind. If you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it's helpful to track your calorie intake. You can also consider swapping out some higher calorie snacks for lower calorie options to help manage your overall calorie intake. It's worth noting that not all calories are created equal. While Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's are a high calorie snack, they do contain some nutrients that can be beneficial for your health.
Fat content in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
In addition to calories, it's important to pay attention to the fat content in your snacks. One serving of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's contains 12 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat. Saturated fat is a type of fat that can contribute to high cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. It's recommended to limit your intake of saturated fat to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake. While Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's contain some saturated fat, they also contain a small amount of healthy monounsaturated fat, which can be beneficial for heart health in moderation.
Sugar content in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's are a sweet treat, and their sugar content reflects that. One serving contains 19 grams of sugar, which is approximately 4.75 teaspoons. While sugar can be a tempting ingredient in snacks, it's important to be mindful of your intake. A diet high in added sugars can lead to health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental problems. If you're looking to reduce your sugar intake, you can consider swapping out some high sugar snacks for lower sugar options or incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Carbohydrate content in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
One serving of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's contains 27 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for our bodies, but it's important to balance our intake with other nutrients. If you're following a low carb diet or need to manage your blood sugar levels, you may want to limit your intake of high carb snacks like Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's. However, if you're engaging in physical activity or need a quick energy boost, a small serving of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's can provide some quick energy.
Protein content in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
While Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's aren't a significant source of protein, they do contain some protein. One serving provides 4 grams of protein. Protein is an important nutrient that helps to build and repair tissues in the body. While it's important to get enough protein in your diet, it's also important to balance your intake with other nutrients like carbohydrates and healthy fats. If you're looking for a snack that's high in protein, you may want to consider other options like nuts, Greek yogurt, or hard boiled eggs.
Calcium content in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
Calcium is an important mineral that's essential for strong bones and teeth. While Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's aren't a significant source of calcium, they do contain a small amount. One serving provides 4% of the daily value for calcium. If you're looking to boost your calcium intake, you can consider incorporating other calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, or fortified plant milks into your diet. It's important to get enough calcium in your diet, especially if you're at risk for osteoporosis or have other bone health concerns.
Iron content in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
Iron is an important mineral that helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. While Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's aren't a significant source of iron, they do contain a small amount. One serving provides 2% of the daily value for iron. If you're looking to boost your iron intake, you can consider incorporating other iron-rich foods like red meat, beans, or fortified cereals into your diet. If you're at risk for iron deficiency or have other concerns related to iron intake, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about strategies for meeting your needs.
Fiber content in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
Fiber is an important nutrient that helps to support a healthy digestive system. While Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's aren't a significant source of fiber, they do contain a small amount. One serving provides 1 gram of fiber. If you're looking to boost your fiber intake, you can consider incorporating other fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your diet. It's important to get enough fiber in your diet, as a diet low in fiber can contribute to constipation, digestive issues, and other health concerns.
Sodium content in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
Sodium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate fluid balance in the body. While sodium is an important nutrient, it's also one that many people tend to overconsume. One serving of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's contains 55 milligrams of sodium. While this isn't a significant amount of sodium, it's important to be mindful of your overall sodium intake. If you're looking to reduce your sodium intake, you can consider limiting your intake of processed foods and increasing your intake of fresh or minimally processed foods.
Vitamin C content in Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps to support a healthy immune system. While Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's aren't a significant source of vitamin C, they do contain a small amount. One serving provides 2% of the daily value for vitamin C. If you're looking to boost your vitamin C intake, you can consider incorporating other vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, or bell peppers into your diet. It's important to get enough vitamin C in your diet, as a deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system and other health concerns.
While Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's are a tasty treat, it's important to enjoy them in moderation and balance them with other nutrient-rich foods.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's
1. How many calories are in a 1/4 cup of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's?
A 1/4 cup (1.5 oz) serving of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's contains 220 calories.
2. What is the dark chocolate coating made of?
The dark chocolate coating on the peanut M&Ms is made of sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, milkfat, soy lecithin, vanilla, and artificial flavors.
3. Are Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's gluten-free?
Unfortunately, Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's are not gluten-free. They contain wheat flour as an ingredient.
4. How many Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's are in a 1/4 cup serving?
The number of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's in a 1/4 cup serving varies depending on the size of the peanut M&Ms in the package. On average, a 1/4 cup serving contains around 28-30 pieces.
5. Are Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's vegetarian?
No, Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's are not vegetarian. They contain gelatin, which is derived from animal sources.