Cotton Candy

Cotton candy, also known as candy floss or fairy floss, is a light, fluffy confection made by melting and spinning sugar into thin strands that are collected into a soft, cloud-like mass. It typically consists of just sugar, often with added food coloring and flavorings, and is a staple at fairs, carnivals, and circuses worldwide. While its origins are debated, it was popularized in the early 20th century in the United States.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Cotton candy is almost entirely simple carbohydrates (sugar) with virtually no fat, protein, or significant vitamins or minerals. A typical serving (about 1 ounce or 28 grams) contains roughly 100-110 calories, providing a quick burst of energy but little nutritional value.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	160 kcal
Protein	0 g
Carbs	42 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	42 g
Sodium	30 mg
Sugars	42 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Calories	160 kcal
Sodium	30 mg
Iron	0.1 mg
Calcium	2 mg
Potassium	5 mg
Magnesium	1 mg

Per 1 bag (42 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Cotton candy is unique for its theatrical preparation, where a machine spins sugar into a web of fine threads that are gathered by hand, making it as much a visual spectacle as a treat. Nutritionally, it's essentially pure sugar air, with over 95% of its volume being trapped air, which is why it melts so quickly on the tongue.