How Fattening Is Chocolate Fudge?

As far as some people are concerned, there's absolutely nothing wrong with chocolate fudge. No matter how convincing your sweet tooth may be, though, you can't deny the nutritional profile: chocolate fudge is fattening. It is rich in fat and sugar, both of which are less than ideal for keeping your tummy tight. However, your overall calorie intake is the most important factor in fat gain, so you can enjoy chocolate fudge without gaining fat if you properly manage your overall calorie intake.

Calorie Content

Chocolate fudge is fattening because it's high in calories, even in small amounts; this trait is referred to as being calorie-dense. A 100 g, or 3.5 oz. serving of chocolate fudge provides 411 calories, which is 20 percent of your total calorie intake, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Calorie-dense foods are considered fattening because it's harder to control your calorie intake when consuming such foods. If you consume a surplus of 3,500 calories, you'll gain 1 pound.

Fat

Chocolate fudge is high in dietary fat, which is detrimental because fat provides more calories than other nutrients. In addition, your body burns fewer calories absorbing fat and derives a lower degree of satiety compared to other nutrients, according to a study review article in the May 2001 edition of "International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders."

Sugar

Chocolate fudge is high in sugar, as it contains 73 g per 100 g serving, which is nearly three times the amount in an 8 oz. serving of soda. Too much sugar can increase your risk of obesity, as it doesn't provide nutrients or satiety but it is rich in calories, explains nutritionist Dr. Robert Keith. The World Health Organization suggests limiting daily sugar intake to 10 percent of your calories; this would equate to 50 g of sugar daily if you consume 2,000 calories each day.

Fiber

Chocolate fudge contains very little fiber -- just 1.7 g. Fiber is important because it promotes feelings of fullness and can help keep blood sugar levels stable.

Vitamin C

While vitamin C is most often associated with preventing colds and scurvy, it also has potential effects on body composition. Research from the June 2005 edition of "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" indicates that increased vitamin C can promote improved fat burning. Unfortunately, chocolate fudge lacks vitamin C, so you can't rely on this nutrient to reduce the fattening potential of chocolate fudge.