The festive season is here, and with it comes a parade of Christmas chocolates that are hard to resist. But as a Crunchy mom, I’m sure you’ve wondered just how much sugar is packed into those festive treats?
As moms, we know Christmas is all about the magic, and for kids, that often includes a mountain of treats! But let’s be real – there’s only so much sugar one little body can handle before the excitement turns into a meltdown. Instead of letting chocolate take center stage, why not mix it up a bit this year? There are so many other ways to keep the festive cheer alive without relying on endless sweet treats.
With that in mind, we’re happy to share some eye-opening data about the sugar content in popular UK Christmas chocolates. If you’re looking to make better choices for your family, especially for your kids, this guide will help you navigate the sugary minefield of festive treats.
Why Sugar Matters for Christmas Treats
While indulging in Christmas chocolates is a beloved holiday tradition for some, it’s important to be mindful of sugar intake, especially for children.
Excess sugar can lead to energy crashes, impact dental health, and set habits that may last beyond the holiday season. If you’re at a stage where you’re starting to switch to a crunchier lifestyle, and wanting to rethink your families sugar intake then this time of year can be a little stressful in that regard.
Opting for chocolates with lower sugar content or keeping an eye on portion sizes can make a big difference in ensuring the festive season remains sweet but balanced.
You may also have to talk to relatives and put in some boundaries, if you have grandparents or other family members that like to whip out the sugar filled treats at any opportunity. If thats the case, having the facts and information at your fingertips can be really helpful, to guide them to the slightly better options.
Top 10 Christmas Chocolates with the Highest Sugar Content
A detailed study reviewed the sugar content of Christmas chocolates available in UK supermarkets.
If you’re in the US or another country and want to check the sugar content of your chocolates or treats, the easiest way is to look at the label for sugar per 100g. This gives you a straightforward comparison. For example, if a chocolate has 60g of sugar per 100g, that means more than half of it is just pure sugar!
Ideally, look for options with much lower sugar content – dark chocolate is often a better choice, with some varieties containing around 20-30g of sugar per 100g. It’s a small tweak that can make a big difference. When shopping, take a moment to compare labels and look for options with less sugar. It’s a great way to make healthier choices without skipping the treats altogether!
Here are the top offenders:
- Cadbury Mini Snow Balls
- Sugar per 100g: 68.0g
- Sugar per portion (24.3g): 16.5g
These festive chocolates top the list with a staggering 68g of sugar per 100g, making a single portion over 55% of the recommended daily intake.
- Galaxy Chocolate Selection Box
- Sugar per 100g: 67.0g
- Sugar per portion (42g): 28.0g
A single serving almost maxes out the daily sugar limit.
- After Eight
- Sugar per 100g: 66.2g
- Sugar per two mints: 11.4g
Perfect for mint lovers, but they pack a sugary punch.
- Matchmakers: Zingy Orange
- Sugar per 100g: 63.4g
- Sugar per portion: 8.3g
- Matchmakers: Cool Mint
- Sugar per 100g: 62.1g
- Sugar per portion: 8.1g
- Cadbury Milk Chocolate Coins
- Sugar per 100g: 61.0g
- Sugar per portion: 15.3g
- Aero Bubbles
- Sugar per 100g: 60.4g
- Sugar per portion: 14.5g
- Smarties Elf Treats Milk Chocolate Tube
- Sugar per 100g: 60.3g
- Sugar per portion: 11.4g
- M&M’s Santa Milk Chocolate
- Sugar per 100g: 59.2g
- Sugar per portion: 14.8g
- Terry’s Chocolate Orange
- Sugar per 100g: 59.0g
- Sugar per portion: 18.0g
These chocolates, while they might be considered as just a bit of fun , are loaded with sugar, often more than half the daily recommended allowance in just a small serving.
Making Healthier Choices for the Holidays
Choosing chocolates with less sugar or offering smaller portions can help manage sugar intake. You might consider pairing chocolates with fruits or nuts for a more balanced treat. Keeping the focus on quality over quantity is a great way to teach kids about mindful eating while still letting them enjoy festive goodies.
Non-Chocolate Alternatives That Kids Love
Instead of filling stockings with chocolate coins and selection boxes, think about adding in some fun, non-edible surprises. Small toys, festive-themed books, coloring sets, or even Christmas socks can bring just as much joy.
And if you still want to include food treats, opt for healthier options like festive-shaped fruit snacks, mini bags of popcorn, or even homemade goodies like spiced nuts or low-sugar gingerbread cookies.
Another idea is to make healthier treats part of the holiday fun. My kids love making “fruit kebabs” with strawberries, bananas, and grapes, or decorating rice cakes with nut butter and festive sprinkles.
When they’re involved in the process, they get just as excited about these options as they do about the chocolates – and as a bonus, it’s a great way to spend time together during the holidays.
At the end of the day, Christmas is about balance. A little chocolate here and there won’t hurt, but adding variety to the mix can keep things exciting while teaching kids that treats come in many forms – and not all of them are wrapped in shiny foil!
Make Chocolate a Small Part of the Fun, Not the Whole Show
Of course, chocolate has its place – we’re not trying to be the Grinch here! But instead of letting it take over, keep it as a small part of the bigger festive experience.
One idea is to use chocolate as part of an activity, like decorating gingerbread houses or making hot chocolate together. That way, the focus is on the fun and creativity, and the chocolate becomes a treat within an experience rather than the main event.
If your kids want to dive headfirst into their chocolate haul the second they open it. A good trick is to set some ground rules before Christmas morning. For example, let them pick one or two pieces to enjoy straight away, and then put the rest aside for later. You can even make a little ‘chocolate jar’ where they can choose one treat a day – it stretches the fun and keeps the sugar rushes at bay!
As Mike Gibbs, co-founder of Second Nature, aptly put it: “It’s all part of the fun, but being mindful of how much you’re having can make a big difference.” By being informed, we can maintain the festive spirit without overloading on sugar.
For the full details of this study and more tips on managing festive indulgence, visit Second Nature.
More Healthy Eating This Festive Season
Christmas doesn’t have to mean overindulging in sugar! With a little creativity, you can swap out some of the sweet treats for healthier options that are just as exciting. From festive fruit platters to homemade snacks, there are plenty of ways to keep the holiday magic alive while making better choices for your family.
- Gmo Free Food List – Brands That Do and Don’t Use GMOs
- 10 Foods That Destroy Your Gut
- Smoothie Ingredients List for Healthy Goodness
- DIY Digestive Tummies – Tummy Relief Gummies
If you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends and family to spread the word about making healthier choices this Christmas! Don’t forget to join our email list for more tips, ideas, and festive fun sent straight to your inbox.
