REESE'S PUFFS SWEET & CRUNCHY CORN PUFFS scores 34/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and **ultra-processed nature**.
FoodScore: 34/100 (Poor), indicating a low nutritional density.
Contains 31.6g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
Provides 5.29g of fiber and is fortified with several micronutrients.
Classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
Consider as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple due to its nutritional profile.
Scores -7 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
REESE'S PUFFS SWEET & CRUNCHY CORN PUFFS receives a FoodScore of 34 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely driven by its high amount of added sugar, which is 31.6g per 100g, incurring a substantial penalty of 25 points. The product's classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, further reduces its score by 10 points. While it does contain 'WHOLE GRAIN CORN' as the first ingredient, the overall formulation includes multiple sources of sugar like 'SUGAR', 'DEXTROSE', and 'CORN SYRUP'. The product also contains 552.63mg of sodium per 100g, leading to a minor penalty. On the positive side, REESE'S PUFFS provides 5.29g of fiber and is fortified with various vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B12, which contribute 12 bonus points. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, this product offers less inherent nutritional value and a higher concentration of added sugars and processed ingredients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in reese's puffs sweet & crunchy corn puffs, sweet & crunchy actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Fortified Micronutrients
REESE'S PUFFS is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals, which can contribute to daily nutrient intake. Per 100g, it provides 26% DV of calcium, 53% DV of iron, 72% DV of zinc, and 147% DV of Vitamin A. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including bone health, red blood cell formation, and immune function. While fortification adds value, it's important to consider the overall nutritional context of the product.
Contains Dietary Fiber
This product contains 5.29g of fiber per 100g, primarily from whole grain corn. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet supports regular bowel movements and can help manage blood sugar levels. While this amount is a positive aspect, it is important to balance it with the product's other nutritional components.
Provides Quick Energy
Due to its carbohydrate content, including various sugars like 'SUGAR' and 'CORN SYRUP', REESE'S PUFFS can provide a quick source of energy. This can be useful for individuals needing a rapid energy boost, such as before or after light physical activity. However, the rapid absorption of simple sugars may lead to a quick rise and fall in blood sugar levels, which might not be ideal for sustained energy.
REESE'S PUFFS SWEET & CRUNCHY CORN PUFFS scores 34/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature.
How to eat it
REESE'S PUFFS is typically consumed as a breakfast cereal with milk or as a dry snack. The standard serving size is 1 1/3 cup. Given its high added sugar content, moderation is key to incorporating it into a balanced diet.
Pair with unsweetened milk (dairy or plant-based) and a handful of nuts or seeds to add protein and healthy fats, which can help mitigate the sugar impact.
Combine a smaller portion of REESE'S PUFFS with a higher-fiber, lower-sugar cereal to reduce the overall added sugar per serving.
Use as an occasional topping for yogurt or oatmeal rather than a standalone meal to add texture and flavor without making it the primary component.
Be mindful of portion sizes; measure out the recommended 1 1/3 cup to avoid overconsumption of added sugars and calories.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with peanut allergies should avoid REESE'S PUFFS due to the presence of 'REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER' in the ingredient list, which explicitly contains 'PEANUTS'. The product is also high in added sugars (31.6g per 100g), which may be a concern for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, or for parents monitoring their children's sugar intake. The ingredient 'TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE' is a common food additive used as an emulsifier and acidity regulator, generally recognized as safe, but some sensitive individuals may prefer to limit foods containing such additives. The ultra-processed nature (NOVA 4) of this product means it contains ingredients and processing methods not typically found in home cooking.
REESE'S PUFFS scores 34/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it is fortified with several vitamins and minerals like iron and Vitamin A, and contains some fiber, its high added sugar content (31.6g per 100g) and ultra-processed classification mean it is not considered a nutrient-dense food for regular consumption. It is best viewed as an occasional treat.
How does REESE'S PUFFS compare to other breakfast cereals?
Compared to a plain, unsweetened whole-grain cereal like Shredded Wheat, REESE'S PUFFS has significantly more added sugar and a higher sodium content. While it offers similar fortification, the overall nutritional profile of REESE'S PUFFS is less favorable due to its higher processing level and sugar load. For a healthier option, consider cereals with less than 5g of added sugar per serving.
What is 'WHOLE GRAIN CORN' and why is it listed first?
'WHOLE GRAIN CORN' being the first ingredient indicates it is the most abundant ingredient by weight in REESE'S PUFFS. Whole grains provide fiber and various nutrients. However, the presence of multiple sugar sources ('SUGAR', 'DEXTROSE', 'CORN SYRUP') higher up in the ingredient list after the whole grain still contributes to a high overall sugar content.
What is a reasonable portion size for REESE'S PUFFS?
The manufacturer's recommended serving size is 1 1/3 cup. To manage intake of added sugars and calories, it is advisable to stick to this portion size or even reduce it, especially if consuming other sources of sugar throughout the day. Pairing it with nutrient-dense foods can help balance the meal.
Does REESE'S PUFFS contain artificial colors?
The ingredient list for REESE'S PUFFS includes 'CARAMEL COLOR'. While this is a color additive, it is not typically considered an artificial dye in the same category as colors like Red 40 or Yellow 5. Caramel color is often used to achieve a consistent brown hue in many processed foods.