Candy, caramel
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Caramel candy is a chewy, buttery confection made by heating sugar until it browns, then blending it with cream, butter, and vanilla. Its flavor is a deep, toasty sweetness with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that can range from soft and pliable to hard and brittle. Nutritionally, it's a dense source of quick energy, composed almost entirely of simple carbohydrates.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore caramel for its complex, rich flavor that balances deep sweetness with buttery, slightly bitter notes. It's incredibly versatile, used as a standalone candy, a topping for ice cream and apples, or a filling in chocolates and cakes.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
With over 60g of sugar per 100g, it can cause significant blood-sugar spikes and is a major concern for those managing diabetes or dental health. To counteract this, enjoy it in small portions as a deliberate treat, and pair it with a source of protein or fat (like nuts or a piece of cheese) to slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Provides a rapid source of energy.
- Can offer a quick mood boost or comfort.
- Versatile ingredient for both sweets and savory sauces.
- A classic treat for celebrations and holidays.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Maillard reaction, which gives caramel its brown color and complex flavor, is the same chemical process that browns seared steak and toasted bread.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 7.6 g |
| Energy | 384 kcal |
| Protein | 3.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 5.7 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 82.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 60.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 87.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.47 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 20.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 86.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 165 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 144 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.42 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.20 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.08 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.16 mg |
| Niacin | 0.18 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 6.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 5.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 8.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 13.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.15 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 6.0 ug |
| Retinol | 6.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.56 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 5.7 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.2 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.39 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.7 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.8 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.02 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 |
| Cholesterol | 4.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 4.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 38.0 mg |
FAQ
What's the difference between caramel candy and caramel sauce?
Caramel candy is cooked to a higher temperature, allowing it to set firm at room temperature. Caramel sauce is cooked to a lower temperature and contains more liquid (like cream or milk), keeping it pourable.
Why does my homemade caramel sometimes turn grainy?
Graininess is usually caused by sugar crystals reforming. This can happen if the pot isn't clean, if you stir the sugar while it's boiling, or if it cools too quickly. Using a wet pastry brush to wash down the sides of the pot and avoiding stirring once boiling helps.
Is caramel gluten-free?
Pure caramel made from sugar, cream, and butter is naturally gluten-free. However, pre-packaged caramel candies may contain gluten-based additives or be processed in facilities with wheat, so always check the label.