Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, STARBURST Fruit Chews, Tropical fruits
Whole food · Sweets
Photo: Wikipedia
Starburst Tropical Fruit Chews are a vibrant, chewy confectionery that delivers an intense burst of sweet and tangy flavors inspired by exotic fruits like pineapple, mango, and passion fruit. Each piece offers a satisfying, taffy-like texture that melts slowly in the mouth, releasing a concentrated wave of fruity sweetness. Nutritionally, these chews are almost entirely composed of carbohydrates and sugar, providing a quick energy boost with negligible protein or fiber.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 81% carbs · 18% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore Starburst Tropical Chews for their uniquely intense, artificial-yet-delicious fruit flavors that transport you to a tropical paradise with each bite. The chewy, slightly sticky texture is addictive, making them a popular choice for candy lovers seeking a fun, nostalgic treat.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The extremely high sugar content (over 58g per 100g) can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes and crashes, making them a poor choice for individuals managing diabetes or those sensitive to sugar highs. To mitigate this, pair a small portion with a source of protein or fat (like a handful of nuts) to slow sugar absorption, and practice strict portion control by limiting yourself to 2-3 pieces at a time.
Key benefits
- Provides a rapid source of energy from simple sugars
- Offers a convenient, portable snack option
- Delivers a strong, satisfying flavor experience
- Fat-free (per piece) and low in sodium
- Widely available and affordable treat
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original Starburst flavors were all citrus-based (orange, lemon, lime, and cherry), but the Tropical line was introduced in 1999 to capitalize on the growing popularity of exotic fruit flavors in the United States.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 8.5 g |
| Energy | 409 kcal |
| Energy | 1710 kj |
| Protein | 0.41 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 8.3 g |
| Ash | 0.30 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 82.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 58.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.01 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2.0 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 59.4 mg |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 8.0 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 Tropical Chews gluten-free?
Yes, Starburst Tropical Chews are generally considered gluten-free, as they do not contain wheat, barley, or rye ingredients. However, always check the packaging for the most current allergen information.
How many calories are in a single Starburst Tropical Chew?
A single piece of Starburst Tropical Chew contains approximately 20-25 calories, depending on the exact size and formulation.
Can Starburst Tropical Chews be used in baking?
Yes, they can be chopped and added to cookie dough, brownie batter, or melted down as a sweet, fruity topping for desserts.
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 4.09 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 58.2 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.