Calories in Jelly Beans: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
Per 35 pieces (40g)
Per 100g
Source: Web research, March 2026.
Jelly beans are a sugar-based candy containing 350 calories per 100g. The standard serving of 35 pieces (40g) packs 140 calories and 37g of carbs with 28g of sugar. They contain zero protein, zero fat, and zero fiber. The entire caloric content comes from sugar and other simple carbohydrates (92.5g of total carbs per 100g). Jelly beans provide no meaningful micronutrients, with all vitamin and mineral values at zero. The sodium content is modest at 25mg per 100g. As a nearly pure sugar candy, jelly beans cause a rapid spike in blood glucose and insulin levels. They are not a food that belongs in a fitness-focused diet on a regular basis. However, some endurance athletes use fast-digesting sugary candy like jelly beans as an intra-workout or race-day fuel strategy.
Nutrition Highlights
Calories by Serving Size
| Serving | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 pieces (40g) | 140 | 0g | 37g | 0g | 0g |
| 100g | 350 | 0g | 92.5g | 0g | 0g |
Full Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 | 18% |
| Protein | 0g | |
| Total Fat | 0g | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 92.5g | 34% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | |
| Sugars | 70g | 140% |
| Sodium | 25mg | 1% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
Health Benefits of Jelly Beans
Jelly beans offer essentially no nutritional benefits from a health or fitness standpoint. Their entire caloric value comes from sugar (70g per 100g) and simple carbohydrates (92.5g per 100g), with no protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, or minerals to speak of.
The one context where jelly beans have a practical use is during endurance exercise. Long-duration activities like running, cycling, or rowing deplete muscle glycogen. Fast-digesting carbohydrates like jelly beans can rapidly replenish glycogen mid-exercise or immediately after training. Some distance runners use them as a portable, easy-to-carry fuel source during races. In this specific context, the fast sugar hit is actually advantageous.
Outside of athletic fuel, jelly beans are essentially empty calories. Regular consumption of high-sugar foods contributes to elevated triglycerides, blood sugar spikes, increased hunger due to rapid insulin responses, and potential body fat gain when total calories exceed your maintenance level. If you are cutting, jelly beans provide no satiety and will leave you hungry shortly after eating them.
Dietary Considerations
Jelly beans are vegan and gluten-free in most formulations, though some brands use beeswax coatings or gelatin, making them non-vegan. Always check the specific brand. They are not keto-compatible at 92.5g of carbs per 100g. Not suitable for diabetics or those managing blood sugar due to the high sugar load. They contain no common allergens like nuts, dairy, or eggs, though flavoring agents vary by brand. Not Whole30, paleo, or any clean-eating protocol compatible. Best consumed rarely and as a deliberate treat rather than a regular snack.
Daily Intake (100g)
100g of jelly beans provides 18% of a 2,000-calorie diet.
Track Your Intake
See how jelly beans fits your personal calorie and macro targets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in jelly beans?
Jelly beans contain 350 calories per 100g. A standard serving of 35 pieces (40g) has 140 calories. Even a small handful adds up quickly in calories, so portion control is essential.
Are jelly beans good for weight loss?
No. Jelly beans are high in sugar and calories with zero protein, fat, or fiber to create satiety. Eating them will spike blood sugar and insulin, leading to a quick energy crash and increased hunger. They provide no nutritional value to support a fat-loss diet.
How much sugar is in jelly beans?
Jelly beans contain 70g of sugar per 100g. A 40g serving (35 pieces) has 28g of sugar. This is a very high amount of sugar in a small serving size.
How much protein is in jelly beans?
Jelly beans contain zero protein. They provide no amino acids and offer nothing to support muscle recovery or growth. They are purely a source of sugar and fast-digesting carbohydrates.
Can jelly beans be used as workout fuel?
Yes, in the context of endurance sports. Jelly beans are a fast-digesting, portable carbohydrate source that some endurance athletes use mid-exercise or post-workout to quickly replenish glycogen. A small serving provides a rapid carbohydrate hit. This is one of the few legitimate fitness uses for jelly beans.
Are jelly beans vegan?
Some jelly beans are vegan and some are not. Traditional recipes use gelatin (animal-derived) and some brands coat them in beeswax. Many modern brands now produce vegan jelly beans using plant-based ingredients. Always check the label if you are following a vegan diet.