Are chocolate covered nuts candy or not? What category do these treats fit in? Well, the line between snacks and candy can often blur. And this is how this debate usually starts. Moreover, deciding on whether or not chocolate covered nuts fit the definition of candy depends on various factors, Want to find out where these treats belong? Well for that, you’ll have to keep reading till the end. Let’s go!
Are Chocolate Covered Nuts Candy? Let the Debate Begin!
Candy is usually a sugary treat. On the other hand, chocolate-covered nuts are made of two ingredients: chocolate and nuts. Besides, to fall in the list of candies, a treat must:
- Not set in the fridge
- Not contain flour
Although chocolatey nuts tick off these two factors, are they really candy? Well, the answer is a lot more complicated than this. For instance, you should know that candy has sugars but nuts covered in chocolate don’t. Besides, chocolate-covered nuts is a type of chocolatey treat. So, this debate is not just about candy vs. nuts. It’s also about whether or not chocolate is candy. Therefore, to have a clear answer we need to delve into the details of both – candy and chocolate-covered nuts.
What is Candy?
You should know that candy is a broad category that fits in a variety of sugar treats, from toffees to lollipops, and chewing gums and whatnot. Moreover, most people refer to all sweets as candies. The best part about candy is that it’s easily available everywhere. There are specific candy shops but you can find them at grocery stores too. Furthermore, some people even consider chocolate and chocolatey treats a part of this range.
“Candy is a type of confection which has sugar as the main constituent. It comes in a variety of flavors, often with additional ingredients like chocolate, nuts, or fruits. Small in size, it usually serves as a sweet snack” – Britannica
Candy is surely a confectionary item but not all confectionaries are candies. For instance, cakes, cupcakes, and cookies can’t be candies. It is so because these are larger than the general candy size. Secondly, they contain flour which clearly disqualifies them from this list. Also, there are two types of candies:
- Soft Candies
- Hard Candies
Both these types differ in texture and consistency. Hard candies have more sugar content and less moisture. Plus, they are cooked at a really high temperature to give them their brittle and crunchy texture. You should also know that natural substitutes for sugar are also used to make candies, such as molasses, coconut sugar, xylitol, honey, etc. But keep in mind that candy made from these ingredients will not have the regular hard texture,
What are Chocolate Covered nuts?
Here we are, on the next level of our – chocolate covered nuts candy – quest. The composition of treat is as simple as its name. After all, it mainly contains two ingredients: chocolate and nuts. Moreover, it is made by dipping different nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios and even raisins in chocolate. As you bite into them, they are a burst of flavors in your mouth. These treats are popular because of their indulgent taste and texture. Most people consider these addictive. If you go for one, it’s impossible to leave the bag without emptying it.
“Chocolate covered nuts are a confection made by dipping different nuts in melted chocolate of any type – milk, dark, and white.” – Wikipedia
Chocolate covered nuts are a confection too. And as aforementioned, candy is a confection too. Does this mean chocolatey nuts are candies? Well, not necessarily. Besides, chocolatey nuts are a beloved treat since the 1900s. They were created as snacking items for Americans during the TV time. However, their invention took the world of sweets by storm and they became a popular treat worldwide.
Chocolate Covered Nuts vs. Candy: Health Benefits
To find out – are chocolate covered nuts candy – let’s discuss health benefits of both. Candy and chocolate covered nuts are great snack options. Undoubtedly, they are delightful treats. But are they both healthy? You should know that both of these vary insignificantly in terms of health benefits. Let’s delve deeper into these:
Are Chocolate Covered Nuts Healthy?
This treat contains both chocolate and nuts and both bring different set of health benefits to the table. Firstly, the nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Besides, chocolate is also packed with nutrition. It is rich in antioxidants which are amazing for your heart health and packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, both nuts and chocolates are great for your brain health. Plus, dark chocolate also contains iron and magnesium.
Is Candy Healthy?
Candy contains sugar which can give you an instant energy boost. But too much of it can’t be good for your health. First of all, too much sugar leads to energy crash. Apart from this, it can lead to excessive weight gain. This is the reason why those who begin their weight loss journey are recommended to give up on sugar first. Also, having too much sugar can lead to dental issues too. Besides, unchecked consumption of sugar content can also lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart problems. Above all, it has little to no sugar consumption. This means your body gets almost nothing from candy. So, clearly, candy has less health benefits than its harmful.
Ending Thoughts – Are Chocolate Covered Nuts Candy?
Are chocolate covered nuts candy? Let’s end this debate once for all! Well, chocolate covered nuts are clearly not candy. The reason why people call it candy is that they are small in size and sweet in taste – just like candy. But in reality, small size or sweetness doesn’t make it candy at all. After all, their composition – the ingredients – make them two totally different things. Remember that these two are totally different in all ways – just like sun and moon.