Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, MILKY WAY Caramels. dark chocolate covered
Whole food · Sweets
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a classic American candy bar featuring a soft, nougat-like center and chewy caramel, all enrobed in a rich, dark chocolate coating. The texture is a delightful contrast between the smooth chocolate shell, the yielding caramel, and the slightly airy nougat. Nutritionally, it's a dense energy source, with over 54g of sugar per 100g, making it a potent but fleeting fuel.
Calorie split: 3% protein · 58% carbs · 39% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore the Milky Way for its harmonious blend of textures and the deep, malty sweetness of its nougat balanced by the buttery caramel and dark chocolate. It's a nostalgic staple, often associated with movie nights and a reliable, satisfying indulgence.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar and fat content can lead to a rapid blood-sugar spike followed by a crash, making it a poor choice for sustained energy or for those managing blood glucose. The calorie density (458 kcal per 100g) means portions can add up quickly. **Tip:** Pair a single piece with a handful of almonds or a glass of milk to add protein and fat, which can help blunt the glycemic response and promote satiety.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates and fats
- Offers a small amount of plant-based protein from peanuts and nougat
- Contains cocoa flavonoids from the dark chocolate coating
- Serves as a convenient, portion-controlled treat for a sweet craving
- A familiar comfort food that can provide a psychological mood boost
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Milky Way bar was not named after the galaxy, but after a popular malted milk drink of the era, reflecting its original malted nougat center.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 7.0 g |
| Energy | 458 kcal |
| Energy | 1915 kj |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 20.4 g |
| Ash | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 67.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 54.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 83.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.2 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 246 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.40 mg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 246 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 13.8 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.27 g |
| Cholesterol | 17.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Candies, honey-combed, with peanut butter — USDA does not publish this profile for Candies.
| Tryptophan | 0.09 g |
| Threonine | 0.21 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.24 g |
| Leucine | 0.61 g |
| Lysine | 0.27 g |
| Methionine | 0.10 g |
| Cystine | 0.09 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.47 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.33 g |
| Valine | 0.31 g |
| Arginine | 1.1 g |
| Histidine | 0.22 g |
| Alanine | 0.36 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.0 g |
| Glycine | 0.56 g |
| Proline | 0.55 g |
| Serine | 0.58 g |
FAQ
Is the dark chocolate on a Milky Way bar the same as dark chocolate candy?
It's a dark chocolate *coating*, which typically contains less cocoa solids and more sugar and fats than premium dark chocolate meant for eating on its own. It provides the flavor and snap but isn't a significant source of antioxidants.
What's the difference between a Milky Way and a 3 Musketeers bar?
A Milky Way contains caramel in addition to nougat, while a 3 Musketeers bar is simply nougat covered in chocolate, making it lighter and less rich.
Can I eat this if I'm vegan?
No, the standard US Milky Way contains milk ingredients (in the nougat and caramel) and is not suitable for a vegan diet. Some international versions may vary, but the classic is not vegan.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 4.58 kcal/g · 3% calories from protein · 2.8 g fiber · 54.1 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.