1. UnReal Milk Chocolate Gems
“I’m really impressed with these,” says Gorin. “The candy contains no artificial flavor or color, and the coloring comes from natural sources, like turmeric.”
But because the gems contain a fair amount of sugar, you’ll want to stick with the 1.3-ounce (oz) grab-and-go bags, which make the perfect single serving, says Kelly Kennedy, RDN, Everyday Health’s staff nutritionist.
What’s Inside 170 calories per package, 10g fat, 6g saturated fat, 22g carbohydrate, 18g sugar, 4g protein
UnReal Milk Chocolate Gems nutrition info
2. Endangered Species Chocolate Extreme Dark 88 Percent Cocoa Dark Chocolate
This chocolate is low in sugar (3 grams per serving) and high in cocoa, earning its title of “extreme dark.”
What’s Inside 180 calories per oz, 13g fat, 8g saturated fat, 11g carbohydrate, 3g sugar, 3g protein
Chocolate Extreme Dark 88 Percent Cocoa Dark Chocolate nutrition info
3. Peanut M&M’s
What’s Inside 90 calories per “fun-size” pack, 4.5g fat, 2g saturated fat, 11g carbohydrate, 9g sugar, 2g protein
M&M’s Peanut Fun-Size Chocolate Candies nutrition info
4. Snickers
Surprised? Although Snickers is not a low-calorie option, Gorin recommends a “fun-size” bar because it’s more likely to leave you satisfied, thanks to the product containing some protein. “It also has less sugar than some other candies that are almost entirely pure sugar,” she says.
What’s Inside 80 calories per “fun-size” bar, 4g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 10g carbohydrate, 9g sugar, 1g protein
Snickers Fun-Size Chocolate Candy Bar nutrition info
5. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
The protein in peanuts makes this another good pick, says Gorin. Plus, around the holidays, you’re more likely to find single cups rather than packs of two, so it’s easier to satisfy your sweet tooth in moderation.
What’s Inside 110 calories per cup, 6g fat, 2g saturated fat, 12g carbohydrate, 11g sugar, 2g protein
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups nutrition info
6. Blow Pops
For the non–chocolate lovers, a Blow Pop can be a practical pick. “It has less sugar than many of the other candies out there and, because of the gum center, you can enjoy it for longer,” says Gorin.
What’s Inside 70 calories per pop, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 17g carbohydrate, 13g sugar, 0g protein