FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidsweetTootsie Roll Industries Inc.· 0.33 BAR

Tootsie Roll Industries . CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA

Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA receives a FoodScore of 6/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and classification as an ultra-processed food.

  • This product has a FoodScore of 6/100, indicating it is an 'Avoid' choice.
  • The primary nutritional concern is 40.52g of added sugar per 100g.
  • It is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
  • Compared to generic vanilla taffy, this SKU has a similar nutritional profile.
  • Consider this product as an occasional treat in very small portions.
  • Scores -9 points above the sweet category average (15/100 across 1084 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
2.63g
5% of Daily Value
Added sugar
40.52g
81% of Daily Value
Sodium
66.05mg
3% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table

Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.

What holds it back
Added sugar (40.5g)-25
Saturated fat (7.9g)-9
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 6

Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA earned a FoodScore of 6 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This low score is largely driven by significant penalties for its nutritional composition. A major factor is the high amount of added sugar, contributing 40.52g per 100g, which incurs a substantial penalty of -25 points. The ingredient list begins with corn syrup and sugar, indicating these are primary components. Additionally, the product contains 7.89g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a -9 point penalty. The presence of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is also noted, which can contribute to the saturated fat content. As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed, resulting in a further -10 point penalty. The product offers no fiber, and negligible amounts of protein (2.63g) and micronutrients like potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins, thus receiving no bonus points. Compared to a generic unbranded vanilla taffy, this Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. product exhibits a very similar nutritional profile, with high sugar and fat content and minimal beneficial nutrients.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in tootsie roll industries . charleston chew, vanilla actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Provides Quick Energy

This product is primarily composed of simple carbohydrates from corn syrup and sugar, which are rapidly digested and absorbed. For individuals needing an immediate energy boost, such as after intense physical activity or during prolonged periods without food, the sugars in CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA can provide a quick source of glucose. However, this energy is short-lived and not sustained, making it less suitable for consistent energy needs.

Source of Calories for Specific Needs

With 421.05 calories per 100g, this product can contribute to daily caloric intake. For individuals with very high energy requirements or those struggling to maintain weight, calorie-dense foods like this can be a component of their diet. However, it is important to balance these calories with nutrient-dense options to ensure adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Occasional Indulgence

Foods like CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA can serve as an occasional treat within a balanced dietary pattern. Allowing for small, infrequent indulgences can help prevent feelings of deprivation and support adherence to overall healthy eating habits. The key is moderation and ensuring that the majority of one's diet consists of whole, unprocessed foods.

How to eat it

CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA is typically consumed as a confectionery snack, often eaten directly from the wrapper. It's a popular choice for a quick sweet treat or as part of a dessert. Due to its high sugar and fat content, it's best enjoyed in moderation.

Consider pairing a very small piece with a source of protein or fiber, like a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit, to help mitigate rapid blood sugar spikes.
Portion control is key: divide a bar into smaller pieces and only consume one small piece at a time to manage added sugar intake.
Instead of eating the whole bar, consider sharing it or saving half for another time to reduce calorie and sugar load.
For a similar texture with more nutritional value, try a fruit leather or a date-based energy bar as an alternative.
Store in a cool, dry place to maintain its chewy texture; avoid refrigeration as it can make the candy too hard.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware of several aspects of CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA. The product contains partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is a source of saturated fat and historically associated with trans fats, though the label states 0g trans fat per 100g. Individuals with allergies should note the presence of nonfat dry milk, lactose, milk protein concentrate, and egg albumen, indicating milk and egg allergens. Soya lecithin and soya protein are also listed, meaning soy is an allergen. The high added sugar content (40.52g per 100g) makes this product less suitable for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, and for children, where excessive sugar intake can contribute to dental issues and overall dietary imbalances. The product is also ultra-processed, which is a factor to consider for those aiming for a diet rich in whole foods.

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Reader questions
Is Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA healthy?
Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA is not considered a healthy food choice. It scores 6/100 on FoodScore, primarily due to its high added sugar content (40.52g per 100g) and classification as an ultra-processed food. It offers minimal protein, fiber, or essential micronutrients.
How does Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA compare to other candy bars?
Compared to many other candy bars, CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA has a similar nutritional profile, often being high in added sugars and saturated fats with low micronutrient density. For instance, a generic chocolate bar might have comparable sugar and fat levels, though specific ingredients can vary.
What is 'partially hydrogenated vegetable oil' in this product?
Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is a type of fat that has undergone a process to make it more solid at room temperature. While the label states 0g trans fat, this ingredient can still contribute to the saturated fat content and is a marker of a highly processed food. The specific oils used include palm kernel, palm, and soybean.
What is a reasonable portion size for CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA?
Given its high sugar and calorie content, a reasonable portion size would be much smaller than a full bar, perhaps a third of a bar or less, especially if consumed as an occasional treat. The serving size listed is 0.33 BAR, which helps manage intake.
Can I eat CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA if I have a milk allergy?
No, CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA contains several milk-derived ingredients, including nonfat dry milk, lactose, and milk protein concentrate. These are common allergens, so individuals with a milk allergy should avoid this product to prevent an allergic reaction.
How does this compare to a Snickers bar?
While both are confectionery items, CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA and a Snickers bar differ in composition. A Snickers bar typically contains peanuts, which provide some protein and fiber, whereas CHARLESTON CHEW, VANILLA has negligible fiber and very little protein. Both are high in added sugar and saturated fat, making them occasional treats.

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Data & references