Snickers Milk Chocolate Peanut Caramel…
A sugar-heavy candy bar that delivers a big dose of added sugar and saturated fat in a few bites, with a few additives of mild concern.
Ingredients (14)
Milk Chocolate
Made of sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, skim milk, lactose, milkfat and soy lecithin. It provides some cocoa, but is mostly sugar and saturated fat.
Sugar
Sugar is the first ingredient and appears in several components. High added sugar intake is linked to weight gain, dental decay and type 2 diabetes risk.
Corn Syrup
A rapidly absorbed sweetener with no nutritional value beyond calories. It is used in the caramel and nougat to add sweetness and chewy texture.
Peanuts
A source of protein, healthy unsaturated fats, and some fiber and niacin. Major allergen for those with peanut allergy.
Palm Oil
ControversialHigh in saturated fat, and palm oil production is linked to deforestation, so it is a sustainability concern as well as a nutritional one.
Skim Milk
A source of milk protein and calcium. Not a concern for most people, though it is an allergen and not suitable for vegans.
Lactose
A naturally occurring milk sugar. It adds to the sugar load and may bother people with lactose intolerance.
Salt
Used for flavor balance. At this level it is modest and not a major concern in a single serving.
Milkfat
A natural dairy fat that contributes creaminess and saturated fat.
Cocoa Butter
A natural fat from the cocoa bean. It contains saturated fat, but stearic acid is considered relatively neutral for cholesterol.
Egg Whites
Used to create the aerated nougat texture. A simple natural protein, but an allergen.
Soy Lecithin
E322A common emulsifier that is generally recognized as safe. It is a soy allergen to note for sensitive people.
Artificial Flavor (Vanillin)
A synthetic vanilla flavoring regarded as safe at used levels. It is rated yellow because it is a processed additive that stands in for real vanilla.
Hydrolyzed Milk Protein / Whey Protein
Processed milk proteins used for texture. Generally safe, but a dairy allergen and a sign of an ultra-processed product.
Healthier alternatives
Less sugar, more fiber and antioxidants, and no caramel or corn syrup.
Find on AmazonSweetened mainly with dates, with more fiber and protein and fewer additives.
Find on AmazonHigher protein and typically less sugar, which helps with satiety.
Find on AmazonSnickers was introduced in 1930 and was named after a favorite horse of the Mars family. It is now one of the best-selling candy bars in the world.