Candy bars are never considered a health food. They are laden with fat, sugar and calories. But if you're craving something sweet, and hard candy just won't do, choose the lesser of several evils and know the difference between the caloric content of certain candy bars. By making an informed choice when you reach for a candy bar, you're more likely to eat mindfully and less likely to undo your diet.
CocoaVia
CocoaVia bars are portioned into respectable 100-calorie servings so you won't undo your whole diet over a chocolate craving. Their fat content of just 6 g each is far lower than many traditional chocolate bars. Unfortunately, you're likely to find them only at health food stores.
Figamajigs
As the name suggests, Figmajigs get their sweet taste and chocolate-like texture from figs, which helps reduce the caloric content. With only 130 calories per bar, they are also have relatively little fat, just 2.5 g. Figamajigs offer the bonus of 5 g of fiber per bar, along with 1 g of protein.
York Peppermint Patties
York Peppermint Patties have just 140 calories each and only 2.5 g of fat. They have no trans fats. The small size stops you from overindulging while still giving you your chocolate fix.
Tootsie Rolls
Tootsie Rolls aren't only Halloween fare. If you're a chocoholic, you can eat six "midgee" pieces for 140 calories and 4 g of fat. Unfortunately, the treats also have 20 g of sugar.
Luna Bars
Luna Bars are packed with protein, making them a gym staple. A Caramel Nut Brownie Luna Bar has 160 calories, 6 g of fat and 8 g of protein. The problem with candy protein bars is that they often seem more nutritious than they are. While Luna Bars do offer protein, don't rationalize. They have just as many calories as other candy bars.
Mounds
The coconut-filled Mounds chocolate bar is relatively low in calories, weighing in at 195 per bar. It has 11 g of fat, which is common for regular candy bars. Its redeeming factor is 2 g of protein, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
Chunkie
Despite its name, Chunkie bars have fewer calories than many other candy bars. They have 173 calories each, along with 10 g of fat and 3 g of protein, making them a more attractive option than other fat-laden offerings at the candy store.
M&M Minis
While not a traditional candy bar, a 1-oz tube of M&M Minis can help you satisfy a sweet tooth without doing too much damage to your waistline. With 150 calories and 7 g of fat, they're healthier than candy bars filled with fudge, caramel and nougat.
100 Grand
With a crispy creamy filling, you would expect a 100 Grand bar to be sky high in calories and fat, but it has a moderate 180 calories per bar and 8 g of fat. Still too high to be considered a healthy option, it won't completely ruin your diet if you sneak a bite.
Kit Kat
Kit Kat slides into the bottom of the list by offering a 220-calorie chocolate fix, along with 12.5 g of fat per serving. Save the calories and fat by breaking the Kit Kat in half, with just 110 calories. Enjoy the other half the next time your sweet tooth acts up.
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