Snickers and Milky Way are two iconic candy bars. They’re both adored for their rich, chocolatey flavor and indulgent caramel center. While the two have similar flavor tones and are made by the same company, they have distinct traits.
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So, which one reigns supreme? Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Snickers vs Milk Way
History
While both candy bars are manufactured and marketed by Mars Inc., an American confectionary company, Milk Way was launched in 1923. Named after a famous malted milkshake, it quickly gained traction.
Snickers, on the other hand, debuted a few years later, in 1930. It bears the name of the Mars family’s favorite horse and has become a global chocolate staple.
Popularity
Snickers is by far the favorite of the two, with over 40 million bars sold annually in the US alone. A glance at the Mars Inc. website or any kid’s basket during Halloween will reveal this fact.
Milk Way, however, is no slouch either. It remains a strong contender, with over 16 million bars sold annually in the same country.
Flavor
If you’re a connoisseur of the two candies, you’ll notice they have similar flavor tones. And while this is true, there are still some key differences.
Milky Way boasts a delicious combination of chocolate-malt nougat and caramel. They’re topped with milk chocolate to make a sweet, creamy treat that melts in your mouth.
Conversely, Snickers has a more complex flavor profile due to the multiple layers inside the bar. The nougat, caramel, and peanuts combine to create a satisfying crunch with each bite. Whereas the milk chocolate coating adds a sweet finish, the layers make Snickers taste richer than its counterpart.
Texture
Talking of texture, Snickers is cushier than Milky Way due to the peanuts embedded in it. This adds a layer of complexity to the bar, making it a treat you can savor for a longer time.
On the other hand, Milky Way is smooth and velvety, with a creamy nougat filling that melts in your mouth. The texture is chewy, with a fluffiness that is hard to replicate. However, it lacks the crunch factor that its rival offers.
Varieties
One thing that stands out between these two is the variety of flavors and options each offer. Snickers lead the race in this category with the following:
- Milk Chocolate
- Peanut Butter
- Original
- White Chocolate
- Ice Cream
- Almond
- Hazelnut
- Creamy Peanut Butter
- 100 Calories Chocolate
- Almond Brownie Dark Chocolate
- Peanut Brownie Milky
On the other hand, Milky Way is just a little behind, offering options like Midnight, Salted Caramel, Cookie Dough and Original. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and which candy bar you crave.
Availability
You can find Snickers in virtually every grocery store, gas station, and vending machine. They boast a global presence in over 70 countries.
However, Milk Way has a different level of ubiquity than its rival. It’s only available in a few countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia.
Size
When it comes to size, the two brands are close. The original full-size Milky Way weighs 1.84 ounces, while the Snickers is slightly bigger at 1.86 ounces.
However, be aware of these numbers, as both come in various sizes to fit your cravings.
You can find mini versions of both candies if you want a bite-sized treat. The original singles are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth on the go, while fun-size bars are ideal for sharing with friends. And if you want to indulge, there’s the 2-to-go bar that is big enough to share.
Ingredients
One of the main ingredients common to Stickers and Milk Way is milk chocolate, which is made of the following:
- Sugar
- Cocoa butter
- Chocolate
- Lactose
- Skim milk
- Milkfat
- Artificial flavors.
Furthermore, both bars include corn syrup, salt, sugar, and egg whites. However, what sets them apart is the addition of peanuts in Snickers.
Nutrition Facts
While it’s apparent that you don’t eat candies for their health benefits, their nutritional content is still worth noting. For instance, a 100g serving of Snickers packs 488 calories, 24g of fat, and 63g of carbs, while Milk Way weighs in with 456 calories, 17g of fat, and 71g of carbs.
Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that both brands are indulgent treats that should be consumed in moderation. However, for those looking to eat something sweet with fewer calories, Milk Way may be the better option. Meanwhile, if you want a quick energy boost, Snickers could be a good choice.
For a closer look, here is a nutritional chart.
Snickers Milky Way Size 100g 100g Calories 488 456 Total Fat 24g 17g Carbohydrates 63g 71g Dietary fiber 1.9g 1g Sodium 189mg 167mg Protein 7g 4g Cholesterol 9mg 9mg Sugar 47g 60g
Benefits of Eating Snickers and Milk Way
If you’ve been avoiding Snickers and Milky Way because of their reputation as “junk food,” it’s time to rethink your position. These sweet treats offer a range of benefits that might surprise you.
Source of Antioxidants
Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Lower Blood Pressure
Although the effect may be mild, flavonoids in dark chocolate, found in Snickers and Milky Way, can help lower blood pressure.
Great for Your Skin
Believe it or not, the benefits of Snickers and Milky Way bars extend beyond your internal health. The flavonoids in cocoa may also help protect your skin from damage caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Mood Booster
Studies show that people who eat dark chocolate are less likely to experience mood swings. It stimulates the release of endorphins, creating a feeling of contentment.
Downsides of Eating Snickers and Milk Way
- High in calories: Both Snickers and Milk Way bars are high in calories, with a typical bar containing around 200-250 calories. Eating these bars frequently could contribute to weight gain or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
- High in sugar: Both Snickers and Milk Way bars contain a lot of sugar, with a typical bar containing around 20-30 grams of sugar. Consuming too much sugar can lead to a variety of health issues, including tooth decay, insulin resistance, and obesity.
- High in saturated fat: Both Snickers and Milk Way bars are high in saturated fat, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease if consumed in excess.
- Low in nutrients: Although Snickers and Milk Way bars contain some protein, they are generally low in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Eating these bars as a snack or meal replacement could lead to an inadequate intake of essential nutrients.
- Potential allergens: Both Snickers and Milk Way bars contain common food allergens like milk, soy, and peanuts. People with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid these bars or check the ingredient list carefully before consuming.
Final Verdict: Snickers vs Milk Way
Snickers and Milky Way are popular sweet candy bars that have stood the test of time. However, they offer different flavors, textures and even nutritional value. If you’re looking for a candy bar with a satisfying crunch, caramel and nuts, Snickers takes the crown. But for a lighter and smooth chocolate treat, Milk Way is your best bet. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Significantly, consume in moderation!