Are Peanut M&Ms a Healthy Snack? Here’s What You Need to Know

Peanut M&Ms are a type of candy, and like most candies, they are not considered to be particularly healthy. They are high in calories, sugar, and fat, and are not a good source of nutrients.
A serving of Peanut M&Ms (about 1.7 ounces or 49 grams) contains approximately 250 calories, 12 grams of fat (including 4 grams of saturated fat), 32 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein. They also contain 21 grams of sugar.
While Peanut M&Ms are not a healthy food, they can be enjoyed as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet. If you are looking for a healthier snack, you might consider options such as fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, or whole-grain crackers.

What’s in M&M’s?

M&M’s are small candy-coated chocolate candies that come in a variety of colors and flavors. The ingredients in M&M’s vary slightly depending on the specific type, but here are the general ingredients:

  • Milk chocolate (sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, skim milk, milk fat, lactose, soy lecithin, salt, artificial flavors)
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Less than 1% of: corn syrup, dextrin, coloring (includes blue 1 lake, yellow 6, red 40, yellow 5, blue 1, red 40 lake, blue 2 lake, yellow 6 lake, yellow 5 lake, blue 2), gum acacia

The milk chocolate used in M&M’s contains sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, skim milk, milk fat, lactose, soy lecithin, salt, and artificial flavors. The colored candy shells are made from sugar, cornstarch, and various food dyes. The corn syrup and dextrin are used as binding agents, and the gum acacia helps to keep the candy shell intact. But they also contain more dangerous substances, including titanium dioxide, a coloring agent also known as E171.

It’s worth noting that M&M’s are a processed food and, while they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, they should not be relied on as a significant source of nutrition.

Ingredient Analysis

Ingredient Amount per Serving (49 g) % Daily Value*
Calories 250 13%
Total Fat 13 g 17%
Saturated Fat 5 g 25%
Trans Fat 0 g 0%
Cholesterol 5 mg 2%
Sodium 90 mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 31 g 11%
Dietary Fiber 2 g 7%
Total Sugars 27 g
Protein 5 g
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 40 mg 4%
Iron 1.1 mg 6%
Potassium 170 mg 4%

*Daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

This table provides information about the nutritional content of Peanut M&Ms per 49-gram serving (about 1.7 ounces). It shows the amount of calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, protein, and certain vitamins and minerals in each serving. The percent Daily Value indicates how much of a nutrient in one serving contributes to a daily diet.

It’s important to note that while Peanut M&Ms contain some nutrients, such as iron and protein, they are also high in calories, fat, and sugar. As with any sweet treat, it’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What dangers for our health?

Eating Peanut M&Ms in moderation is generally safe for most people. However, eating them in excess can lead to several potential health risks, including

  1. High calorie content: Peanut M&Ms are high in calories, with a 49g serving containing 250 calories. Consuming excessive amounts of calories can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity, which is linked to several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
  2. High sugar content: Peanut M&Ms are also high in sugar, with one serving containing 27 grams of sugar. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can contribute to tooth decay, increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
  3. High fat content: Peanut M&Ms are relatively high in fat, with one serving containing 13 grams of total fat and 5 grams of saturated fat. Consuming excessive amounts of saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of developing heart disease.
  4. Allergen Risk: Peanut M&Ms contain peanuts, which are a common allergen. People with peanut allergies should avoid eating Peanut M&Ms or other products that contain peanuts.
  5. Additive Risk: Peanut M&Ms contain several additives and preservatives, such as artificial flavors and colors. While these additives are generally considered safe for consumption, some people may be sensitive to them and experience adverse reactions.

Overall, eating Peanut M&Ms in moderation is generally safe for most people, but overconsumption can lead to potential health risks. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet and limit intake of sugary, high-fat snacks like Peanut M&Ms to reduce the risk of health problems associated with overconsumption of these types of foods.

José Bové

According to an intervention of José Bové on BFMTV, M&Ms candies would present health risks because of this dye. If manufacturers claim that its presence is consistent with a decree dating from 2008 that authorizes the use of titanium dioxide, this figure of the anti-globalization movement claims a failure to comply with safety standards. According to José Bové, the dye would be authorized only in the form of microparticles, but the candies of the famous brand would use much smaller extracts, nanoparticles that he considers more harmful to health. According to an information relayed by the newspaper Le Monde, the latter would be part of 20% of the additives composing the M&M’s candies.

Beyond the controversy associated with this coloring, they also contain other substances considered harmful to health, including corn syrup that would increase the risk of overweight and cardiovascular disease.

Is eating peanut everyday good for you?

Eating peanuts every day can be good for you, as they are a nutrient-dense food that provides a range of health benefits. Peanuts are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Here are some potential health benefits of eating peanuts:

  • Heart health: Peanuts contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
  • Weight management: Despite being high in calories, research suggests that eating peanuts can help with weight management, as the protein and fiber in peanuts can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.
  • Diabetes prevention: Peanuts have a low glycemic index, which means they cause a slow rise in blood sugar levels, making them a good choice for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
  • Brain function: Peanuts are high in vitamin E, which has been linked to better cognitive function and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s important to note that peanuts are also high in calories, so it’s important to consume them in moderation and be mindful of portion sizes. Additionally, some people may have peanut allergies, which can cause severe and potentially life-threatening reactions. If you have a peanut allergy, it’s important to avoid peanuts and products that contain peanuts.

One study showed that eating peanuts every day can decrease the overall risk of death by up to 21% – and reduces the occurrence of heart disease by 38%. However, peanuts are high in calories and, while they contain “good fats,” too much can be a bad thing.

FAQs

Why is peanut not good for you?

Peanuts contain a natural plant substance called phytic acid, which can also be found in other legumes, nuts, seeds, and types of oils. Phytic acid, unfortunately, acts as an anti-nutrient in your body, meaning that it can inhibit your body’s absorption of nutrients like iron, zinc, calcium, manganese, and magnesium.

Are peanut butter M and Ms healthy?

How healthy is Peanut Butter M&Ms? On the positive side, Peanut Butter M&Ms has 100% less cholesterol, 114% less sodium and 55% more protein than the average chocolate bar.

What is the most unhealthy candy?

Here’s a look at the 10 most unhealthy candies you may find in your child’s bag this Halloween that you should consider tossing.

  • Smarties.
  • Candy Corn.
  • Skittles.
  • Snickers.
  • Almond Joy.
  • Raisinets.
  • Nestlé Crunch.
  • Peanut M&Ms.

Are M and Ms fattening?

M&M’s are a favorite candy among children and grownups alike. Eating them in moderation won’t have a big effect on your health. But most people rarely stick to a single serving, which may lead to weight gain and other issues in the long run. These candies are loaded with sugar, additives and chemicals.

How many peanuts can I eat a day?

The recommended daily servings are a handful of peanuts (1-2 ounces depending on your size) or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.

What are the disadvantages of peanuts?

8 Disadvantages of Eating Peanuts

  • Increases weight. Peanuts are high in calories and can cause weight gain.
  • Allergic Side Effects.
  • Increased Sodium Intake.
  • Omega Fatty Acid Imbalance.
  • High Quantity of Saturated Fats.
  • Harmful Additives.
  • Inhibits Blood Clotting.
  • Unbalanced Diet.