Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, STARBURST Fruit Chews, Original fruits
Whole food · Sweets
Photo: Wikipedia
Starburst Original Fruit Chews are iconic, individually wrapped, square-shaped candies known for their vibrant, fruit-forward flavors and a signature chewy, slightly waxy texture that softens as you eat. Each piece delivers an intense burst of artificial fruit flavor—strawberry, cherry, orange, and lemon—that is both sweet and tart. Nutritionally, they are a pure sugar-and-carb energy source, offering virtually no protein, fiber, or micronutrients.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 81% carbs · 18% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love Starburst for its unique, satisfying chew and the powerful, authentic fruit flavor that stands out among other candies. Its cultural staying power is cemented by its catchy marketing and its role as a go-to movie theater, office, and Halloween treat.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is the very high sugar content (58g per 100g), which can contribute to blood sugar spikes and offers empty calories. Those monitoring sugar intake or with dental concerns should be cautious. A practical tip is to pair a piece with a source of protein or fat (like a handful of nuts) to slow sugar absorption, or to enjoy just one or two pieces as a deliberate treat rather than mindlessly snacking from the bag.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick, concentrated source of energy from simple carbohydrates.
- Offers a consistent, nostalgic flavor profile that is widely recognizable.
- Individually wrapped pieces are convenient for portion control and sharing.
- Fat-free formulation makes it a lower-fat candy option.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original four Starburst flavors (strawberry, cherry, orange, lemon) were introduced in the U.S. in 1976, but the green apple flavor was a later addition and has since been retired and brought back in various limited editions.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 8.5 g |
| Energy | 408 kcal |
| Energy | 1706 kj |
| Protein | 0.41 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 8.2 g |
| Ash | 0.30 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 82.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 58.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.01 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 5.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 2.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.00 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.80 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 58.7 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.01 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.04 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 1.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 1.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 1.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 1.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 6.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.33 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.1 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 7.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.32 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.26 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 3.5 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 1.2 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.69 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.7 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.14 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 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
Are Starburst candies gluten-free?
According to the manufacturer (Mars), Starburst Original Fruit Chews are considered gluten-free, but they are not certified gluten-free and are produced in facilities that may handle wheat. Individuals with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should exercise caution.
Why do Starburst have a waxy coating?
The slight waxy texture comes from the candy's formulation, which includes ingredients like corn syrup, sugar, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil to achieve its signature chew and to prevent the pieces from sticking together in the wrapper.
Can you freeze Starburst?
Yes, you can freeze Starburst. Freezing will make them harder and less chewy, but they will retain their flavor. Some people enjoy them frozen for a different texture.
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 4.08 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 58.1 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.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.00 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.