Are Twizzlers Bad For You?
Also Known As: red ropes
Short answer
Yes, Twizzlers are bad for you. They are full of sugar and artificial color and flavoring, like many candies. They are not dangerous to consume in low amounts, but should not remain a staple in the weekly diet.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
It is no secret that candy is not an ideal treat to snack on, but some are definitely better than others. Twizzlers are not much different from other non-chocolate candies. A serving size is six Twizzlers. In those six, you will find 18 grams of sugar, 95 milligrams of sodium, 36 grams of carbohydrates, and .5 grams of fat. Six Twizzlers can go by quickly, especially since they are not as sweet as other candies—so the average person will likely consume, at minimum two servings. Sugar is a large concern because of its propensity to cause inflammation in the body, resulting in a multitude of other ailments. Though it is difficult to avoid entirely, it is advantageous to limit sugar content as much as possible. In addition to inflammation, the large increase of sugary foods significantly contribute to the rise in obesity. Dentists are not a fan of Twizzlers because not only are they full of sugar, but their sticky nature makes them likely to stick to the teeth and even hide between teeth.
Another lurking enemy to the body is Red dye #40. This artificial color shows up in a lot of candies, foods, and beverages. Research has strongly correlated Red dye #40 with hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), allergic reactions, and moodiness. It is also a known carcinogen.
The Twizzlers’ label includes “artificial flavoring” on the ingredients list. There is not any specific information regarding the ingredients. However, we know that it is “fake flavoring”. That generally means a chemical is created in a lab to give a specific taste, such as strawberry. The chemical is mixed with the other ingredients to create the tasty treat. It should be no surprise that there are no crushed up strawberries inside Twizzlers, just “pretend strawberries.”
On the positive side, Twizzlers is processed in a plant that is free of peanuts and tree nut products. Unfortunately, so many products are made in plants that also process these high allergens, that it those who are allergic are limited in the candies (or foods) they can enjoy.
Twizzlers have similar nutritional data to other candies in its class. For those of us that have a relentless sweet tooth, a few Twizzlers will likely not be catastrophic. However, Twizzlers should be consumed in as a treat, not a daily snack.
Possible short-term side effects
- hyperactivity
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fatigue
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allergic reactions
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bodily inflammation
Possible long-term side effects
- cancer
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obesity
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cavities
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add/adhd
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
- organic fruit ropes
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organic fruit strips
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whole fruit
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
YumEarth Organic Licorice
- Allergy friendly
- Gluten-free treat
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Vegan snack
- No artificial additives
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Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 04-21-2016
Last updated: 11-30-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 04-21-2016
Last updated: 11-30-2023
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