Chocolate bars may contain more calories than a McDonald’s burger, a sensational investigation has found.
MailOnline assessed the nutritional value of nearly 100 varieties, including those from Cadbury’s, Mars and Nestle.
The worst offenders contain nearly 380 calories.
For comparison: a cheeseburger from the fast food giant contains around 300 pieces.
Candy bars can also be filled with up to 10 teaspoons of sugar – three more than an adult’s total recommended daily intake.
Campaigners have warned that the bars – which are often eaten alongside high-calorie sandwiches and soft drinks – contain “unnecessary” amounts of sugar, which are then “deceptively underestimated” by manufacturers.
Extra large and fitted chocolate packs contain the most calories, with the worst chocolate bars containing more than 370 calories in a pack
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Experts have long warned about the health risks of the constant intake of too much sugar, as it can lead to weight gain and the resulting consequences.
Our check scoured the range from the UK’s most popular supermarkets, ranging in size from around 30g to 75g. The samples with the highest calories tended to be among the largest.
The Twix Xtra White Chocolate Bar contains 376 calories, making it the highest calorie bar.
The milk chocolate and salted caramel variants follow close behind with 370 and 368 respectively.
For comparison: This number is only slightly below two original glazed Krispy Kreme donuts (390).
Cadbury’s Double Decker Duo (342), Yorkie Raisin and Biscuit Duo (336) and Cadbury Wispa Gold Chocolate Duo (336) are also among the highest in calories.
KitKat Chunky Duo (330), Cadbury’s Boost Duo (324), M&S Swiss Blond Chocolate (229) and Maltesers Kingsize (294) round out the top 10.
In comparison, the average woman is recommended to consume about 2,000 calories per day to maintain a healthy weight, while 2,500 is recommended for men.
If you eat more calories than you burn, you will gain weight over time. Figures show that six out of ten adults and four out of ten children are overweight or obese.
Fat can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke, and mental health problems.
But it’s not just the eye-popping calories that chocolate fanatics need to pay attention to; They are also full of sugar.
Cadbury’s Double Decker Duo has 40g, which is equivalent to 10 teaspoons or three and a half Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts (12g).
Yorkie Raisin and Biscuit Duo (38.8g), the three Twix Xtra varieties (36g) and Cadbury Wispa Gold Duo (34g) are also among the highest in sugar.
Health authorities recommend consuming no more than 30 grams of free sugar (the sugar added to food or drink) per day, as too much can lead to tooth decay and weight gain over time.
Dr. Kawther Hashem, campaign director at Action on Sugar, said: “It’s no surprise that candy bars contain sugar and calories.
“But 10 teaspoons of sugar per packet, which is 3 teaspoons more than the maximum recommended daily intake for adults, is unnecessary.”
She warned that consumers may not realize how many calories and sugar they are consuming because the numbers are “deceptively underestimated” by companies, who often print nutritional information in half packs.
“Many are also sold as part of a meal offer, for example soft drinks, which add more sugar to the meal,” said dr. Hashem.
For example, combining a KitKat Chunky Duo with Coca-Cola would mean a meal deal containing almost 60 grams of sugar and 430 calories before even adding the main meal.
Dr Hashem wants food and drink companies to reduce the amount of sugar, salt, saturated fat and calories in their products.
She said: “With two thirds of adults in the UK now living with overweight and obesity, one in three suffering from tooth decay and the NHS under pressure, the government must now put the nation’s health first.”
“This still includes restrictions on price supports for unhealthy foods and the introduction of levies, which have successfully encouraged food companies to reduce the amount of sugar, salt, saturated fat and calories in their products.” Reduce.
“This will create a much-needed level playing field for the food and drink industry and provide greater access to healthier food for all.”
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a ‘world-leading’ anti-obesity plan in 2020, partly because his own weight put him at greater risk of becoming seriously ill when he contracted Covid.
However, his government rejected the more radical proposals of the then food czar and Leon founder Henry Dimbleby, such as: B. Taxes on salt and sugar, after it was calculated that the proposals could add £60 to everyone’s annual food bill.
The proposals that stood – a ban on buy-one-get-one-free deals on unhealthy snacks and junk food ads before 9pm – have since been pushed back to October 2025 by Rishi Sunak.
What should a balanced diet look like?
According to the NHS, meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains
• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables count
• Basic meals with potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains
• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is equivalent to eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole grain cereal crackers, 2 thick slices of whole grain bread, and a large baked potato with the skin still on
• Provide some dairy products or milk alternatives (eg soya drinks) and opt for lower fat and lower sugar options
• Eat beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish per week, one portion fatty).
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small amounts
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day
• Adults should consume less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women and 30g for men per day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
