Reese's Peanut Butter Cups receive a Poor FoodScore of 30/100, primarily due to their classification as an ultra-processed food and high saturated fat content.
This food is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed product.
A 100g serving contains 10.71g of saturated fat, contributing significantly to its low score.
It provides 11.9g of protein per 100g, which offers a modest nutritional bonus.
With 357mg of sodium per 100g, this food contributes to daily sodium intake.
Fiber content is low at 2.4g per 100g, offering a minor positive contribution.
Scores -25 points above the dairy category average (55/100 across 104 foods).
Fiber
2.4g
9% of Daily Value
Protein
11.9g
24% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
357mg
16% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2.4g)+2
Protein (11.9g)+7
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (10.7g)-15
Sodium (357mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 30
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups earned a FoodScore of 30 out of 100, placing them in the 'Poor' category. This score reflects a combination of minor nutritional bonuses offset by significant penalties. On the positive side, the food receives a +7 bonus for its protein content of 11.9g per 100g, which can contribute to daily protein needs. A small +2 bonus is also awarded for its fiber content of 2.4g per 100g. However, these benefits are overshadowed by several substantial penalties. The most significant deductions come from its saturated fat content, with 10.71g per 100g leading to a -15 penalty, reflecting dietary guidelines to limit intake. As an ultra-processed food (NOVA class 4), it incurs a -10 penalty, consistent with recommendations to reduce consumption of such items. An additional -3 penalty is applied for being a concentrated source of ultra-processed fat. Finally, its sodium content of 357mg per 100g results in a minor -1 penalty. To achieve a higher score, the product would need to significantly reduce its saturated fat, sodium, and level of processing, while increasing beneficial nutrients like fiber.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in reese's peanut butter cups actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Protein for Muscle Support
Protein is an essential macronutrient vital for muscle repair and growth, as well as the production of enzymes and hormones. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups provide 11.9g of protein per 100g. While this contributes to your daily protein intake, it's important to consider the overall nutritional profile of the food. For context, 11.9g of protein represents about 24% of the daily value for protein, which is 50g. However, this food is not a primary source of protein and should not be relied upon for significant protein intake due to its other nutritional drawbacks.
Iron for Oxygen Transport
Iron is a crucial mineral involved in oxygen transport throughout the body and plays a role in energy production. A 100g serving of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups contains 1.71mg of iron, which is 10% of the daily value. This contribution can help meet daily iron needs, particularly for individuals who may struggle to get enough from other sources. However, the iron in this food is likely non-heme iron, which is less readily absorbed than heme iron found in animal products. Relying on this food for iron intake is not recommended given its overall nutritional composition.
Fiber for Digestive Health
Dietary fiber is important for maintaining digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups offer 2.4g of fiber per 100g. While this is a modest amount, it does contribute to the recommended daily fiber intake, which is around 25-38g for adults. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and can support a healthy gut environment. However, this amount is relatively low compared to whole, unprocessed foods, and the benefits of this fiber are limited within the context of an ultra-processed food.
Calcium for Bone Health
Calcium is a vital mineral known for its role in maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a part in nerve function and muscle contraction. A 100g serving of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups provides 48mg of calcium, which is 4% of the daily value. While this is a small contribution, it can still add to your overall calcium intake. However, this food is not a significant source of calcium, and a balanced diet rich in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods would be more effective for meeting calcium requirements.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups receive a Poor FoodScore of 30/100, primarily due to their classification as an ultra-processed food and high saturated fat content.
How to eat it
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are typically consumed as a dessert or snack in the American diet, known for their combination of chocolate and peanut butter. They are ready-to-eat and require no preparation. Due to their high calorie and saturated fat content, they are best enjoyed infrequently and in small portions as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a balanced diet.
Consider portion control by enjoying a single cup rather than multiple, to manage calorie and saturated fat intake.
Pair with a nutrient-dense food like a piece of fruit to add fiber and vitamins to your snack.
Store in a cool, dry place to maintain texture and flavor quality.
Things to keep in mind
For most healthy adults, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups do not present unique cautions beyond their general nutritional profile. The primary concern is the high saturated fat and calorie content, which, if consumed in excess, can contribute to weight gain and may impact heart health over time. Individuals with peanut allergies must avoid this product due to its primary ingredient. Those with diabetes or managing blood sugar should be mindful of the sugar content, although added sugar is listed as 0g per 100g, the overall carbohydrate profile should be considered. There are no widely documented interactions with medications or specific concerns for pregnant individuals at normal serving sizes.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are not considered a healthy food. They receive a Poor FoodScore of 30/100, primarily due to being an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) and having a high content of saturated fat (10.71g per 100g). While they offer some protein and a small amount of iron, these benefits are outweighed by their overall nutritional profile, which is not aligned with dietary guidelines for regular consumption.
Is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups good for weight loss?
No, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are not suitable for weight loss due to their high calorie density (500 calories per 100g) and significant fat content. Consuming foods high in calories and saturated fat frequently can make it challenging to maintain a calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. For weight management, prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods with lower calorie density and higher nutrient content is recommended.
Is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups ultra-processed?
Yes, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are classified as a NOVA 4 food, which means they are ultra-processed. This classification indicates that the product is made from industrial formulations typically containing many ingredients, including flavors, colors, and other additives, and often high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. Dietary guidelines recommend limiting the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
How should I store Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?
To maintain their quality and prevent melting, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Many people also enjoy them chilled, which can alter their texture. Proper storage helps preserve their taste and prevents the chocolate from blooming or becoming discolored.
What are some healthier alternatives to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?
For a healthier alternative that satisfies a similar craving, consider making homemade peanut butter cups with dark chocolate and natural peanut butter, controlling the amount of added sugar and saturated fat. Alternatively, a piece of fruit with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter can provide a similar flavor profile with more fiber and fewer processed ingredients. These options offer a more nutrient-dense snack.
Do Reese's Peanut Butter Cups provide any essential nutrients?
While primarily a treat, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups do offer some essential nutrients. A 100g serving provides 11.9g of protein and 1.71mg of iron (10% DV). It also contains a small amount of fiber (2.4g) and calcium (4% DV). However, these contributions are minor in the context of its overall nutritional profile, which is high in saturated fat and calories, and it should not be considered a significant source of daily nutrients.