Eating candy as children was such a fun treat to enjoy, sometimes earn, and to look forward to having. Into adulthood, we learn the consequences of eating candy when it comes to our health. We knew as kids we could only have candy “sometimes”, and now as adults the rule holds true but requires willpower. Caramel is a type of candy that is made from sugar, butter, and cream, so taste buds love the rich flavor.
In a single serving of about 100 grams of caramel, there are 382 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 77 grams of carbs. We might try to find the silver lining by saying caramel does contain antioxidants, potassium, and iron. Don’t forget it is filled with sugar, is calorie dense, and there can be additives like artificial colors and preservatives.
Maybe reading how caramel is made gives more insight into health purposes. To make homemade caramels, the recipes call for 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 can of condensed milk, 2 cups of brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons salt. Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan then add the corn syrup, condensed milk, and brown sugar. Keep simmering it and stirring (scrap off the sides of the pan during the stirring) until the temperature reaches 235 and 245 F. Once a soft-ball state is reaches, add the vanilla extract and salt. Pour it all into a new pan and let it cool. Cut into squares for serving.
Caramel sounds indulgent for sure. Knowing what it is made of might make you reconsider what health “benefits” it caramel could have. A sweet tooth can be dangerous but kept at bay. Candy isn’t meant to be eaten all the time, but when we do, we make sure we eat what we like. For some of us, caramel is on that list.
Food caramels: a review – PMC
Caramel stickiness: Effects of composition, rheology, and surface energy – ScienceDirect
(PDF) Food caramels: a review
measurement and character of caramel colour | International Journal of Food Science and Technology | Oxford Academic
Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough owns a fitness studio in Oceanside CA called Every BODY’s Fit. She has a Doctorate in Health and Human Performance, M.A. in Physical Education & Health Science, and she’s an NASM Master Trainer & Instructor. She’s also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, Wellness Coach, and AFAA Group Exercise Instructor. She has 6 books on Amazon too,.