Eating sweets as children was such a treat to be enjoyed, sometimes earned, and looked forward to. Until we reach adulthood, we learn the consequences that eating sweets has on our health. As children, we knew we could only eat candy “sometimes,” and now, as adults, the rule applies but requires willpower. Caramel is a type of candy made from sugar, butter, and cream, which is why taste buds love the rich flavor.
A single serving of about 100 grams of caramel contains 382 calories, 8 grams of fat and 77 grams of carbohydrates. We could try to find the silver lining by saying that caramel contains antioxidants, potassium and iron. Don’t forget that it is full of sugar, high in calories and may contain additives such as artificial colors and preservatives.
Perhaps reading about how caramel is made will provide more insight into health purposes. To make homemade fudge, recipes call for 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup corn syrup, 1 can evaporated milk, 2 cups brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons salt. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan and then add the corn syrup, evaporated milk, and brown sugar. Continue simmering and stirring (scraping down sides of pan while stirring) until temperature reaches 235-245 F. Once soft balled, add the vanilla extract and salt. Pour everything into a new pan and let cool. Cut into squares to serve.
Caramel definitely sounds indulgent. Knowing what caramel is made of might make you think again about what health “benefits” caramel might have. A sweet tooth can be dangerous, but it should be kept in check. Sweets aren’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 Color | International Journal of Food Science and Technology | Oxford academic
Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough owns a gym in Oceanside, California called Every BODY’s Fit. She holds a PhD in Health and Human Performance, an MA in Physical Education and Health Sciences, and is a NASM Master Trainer and Instructor. She is also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, wellness trainer and AFAA group exercise instructor. She also has 6 books on Amazon.