We all know that fudge isn’t a healthy snack, but just how bad is every bite? Before we show you the numbers, we have to warn you that the calorie count is big! Very big!
The average count for fudge calories is 411 calories per 100 grams. This number comes from plain fudge without chocolate, nuts, or any other additions. For flavored fudge the number of calories per 100 grams can be anywhere between 448-473+ depending on your sinful fillings of choice.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a “catch-all” answer for every fudge’s calorie count, but we know that most weight watchers want an easy figure to put into their trackers. This is why we have separated this article into two sections; the quick answer and the not-so-quick answer. Scroll down for whichever version you most prefer.
Quick Answer – How Many Calories In Fudge
The average count for fudge calories is 411 calories per 100 grams.
This number comes from plain fudge without chocolate, nuts, or any other additions. It simply includes the main three ingredients of sugar, butter, and milk.
Of course, most fudge sold in America contains a lot of chocolate, and other stores might use whole milk or cream. This is why it’s important to recognize that a “catch-all” number might not fit the fudge you have in front of you.
If you want something more specific, keep reading.
Realistic Answer – What Ingredients Are In Your Fudge
If basic fudge without any extra flavor is 411 calories, then you know that fancier fudge will be higher.
Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate fudge is the most popular type of fudge in North America. It is so popular, in fact, that many assume this type of fudge is the norm. If you have been looking at basic calories for fudge, we are sorry to say that you have been given the wrong information.
Looking for a basic answer again, you can expect your chocolate fudge to be worth 448 calories per 100 grams.
However, the type of chocolate being used and the amount added to the mixture will change these factors again.
If you are eating a store-bought chocolate fudge, we suggest using the calorie count on the packaging. If there is no calorie count, then use the “448 calories per 100 grams” suggestion above.
If you have made the fudge yourself, then scroll down to the “How To Work Out Your Fudge Calories” section below.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Despite being a more claggy texture, peanut butter is considered healthier than chocolate. This is good news to all the peanut butter-fudge-eaters, as the calorie count is slightly lower than your chocolate-fudge-lover friends.
The basic answer to peanut butter fudge calorie counts is 435 calories per 100 grams.
Again, the amount of peanut butter added to the mixture will change this figure. And if you use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth, then the number will change again.
As always, we suggest using the packet information given by the bakers, but if they are missing, use our generic numbers above.
If you have made the fudge yourself, then scroll down to the “How To Work Out Your Fudge Calories” section below.
Nutty Fudge
Although nuts are considered the healthiest of our free options, they contain a lot of calories with their protein.
The basic calorie count for nutty fudge is 473 calories per 100 grams.
This number is massive, but remember that we are being generic here. We haven’t described the type of nut nor the amount, so this number is not wholly accurate.
Instead, use the number on the packaging or our advice below.
How To Work Out Your Fudge Calories
In all of our sections above, we have suggested that home bakers should count the calories individually. This is solely so you can get the most accurate answer to your calorie counting questions.
The way to do this is by measuring the weight of every ingredient you use and comparing that figure to the package’s calorie information.
For example, if the packet says that 250 grams of chocolate contain 1,365 calories, then you can divide that number by 250 to get 1 gram worth. With 1 gram worth, you can multiply the number to the value you need for your recipe.
Let’s give you the formula to make this easier:
Package Calorie Number / Package Calorie Weight = Calories per Gram.
Calories per Gram X Recipe Amount = Calories per Ingredient
Using our example, it would look like this:
1,365 Calories / 250 Grams = 5.46 Calories per Gram
5.46 Calories per Gram X 100 = 546 Calories for the Chocolate
If you get your food from a market, it might be easier to learn the basic information. Sugar, for example, has 387 calories per 100 grams. Picking up a bag of sugar with no label on it, you can use this information to see how many calories the sugar is adding.
Once every ingredient has been weighed and calorie counted, you can figure out how much each slice is worth.
When the fudge has been set, you should cut the sweet into even pieces and divide the total calorie number by this figure. Then you’ll end up with the exact calorie count for each bar.
Let’s give you a formula again:
Calories for Ingredients 1 + 2 + 3 etc = Total Calories For All The Fudge
Total Calories For All The Fudge / Number of Slices = Calories per Slice
Using our example, it would look like this:
387 (Sugar) + 717 (Butter)+ 42 (Milk) = 1,146 Calories For All The Fudge
1,146 / 100 Slices = 114 Calories per Slice
It might sound confusing at first, but it won’t take long to get into the swing of things.
How To Make Fudge Healthier
Fudge is never going to be a healthy snack, but you can reduce your calories by opting for healthier ingredients.
Sugar is an essential ingredient in fudge, no matter which type you create, so this heavy-calorie ingredient cannot be replaced.
Milk, however, comes in all shapes and forms. Whole milk is often used in fudge for its fat content, and 1 cup of whole milk equates to 150 calories.
If you are happy to lose some of the creamy texture in your fudge, then you can swap to low-fat milk. For 1 cup measurement, you can reduce your calorie count to 102 calories.
The same goes for butter. Standard butter has 717 calories per 100 grams, but if you swap to low-fat butter, you can change the same 100-gram measurement to 520 calories. However, using low-fat butter in your bake will make the fudge crumbly.
Does Calorie Cut Fudge Taste Nice
As you can guess from our descriptions above, a calorie-cut fudge will not have the same creamy texture as the sweet we all know and love.
Instead of eating a normal size portion of this delicious treat, we suggest cutting that portion in half to save on calories. That way, you can still have the delightful taste of fudge without going over your weight-watching budget.
In Summary
Fudge may be calorific but here at Call Me Fudge, we firmly believe that this sweet candy is something that should be enjoyed wholeheartedly when eaten occasionally or as a special treat. One bite of this gooey delight, and you’re sure to agree!