If you’re a fan of tough, chewy candy bars with a rich, nutty flavor, then you’ve likely indulged in a Peanut Chew or two. This classic candy treat has been a popular snack for over a century, satisfying the cravings of candy lovers all over the world. But what makes this candy bar so delicious? And what exactly are the key ingredients that make up the beloved Peanut Chew?
Turns out, the answer is pretty simple: peanut crunch, milk chocolate, and caramel. These three key ingredients come together to create the classic, satisfyingly chewy texture of the Peanut Chew. But don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you; this candy bar packs a punch of flavor that is hard to resist. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or just need a pick-me-up during a long day, a Peanut Chew is sure to hit the spot.
If you’re a candy lover looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s hard to go wrong with a Peanut Chew. With its simple yet addictive combination of crunchy peanuts, decadent caramel, and smooth milk chocolate, this classic candy bar is a true fan favorite. And now that you know exactly what goes into making this beloved snack, you can enjoy it with even more appreciation for its delicious, mouth-watering simplicity.
The History of Peanut Chews
Invented in Philadelphia, Peanut Chews have been satisfying sweet and salty cravings since 1917. The story of Peanut Chews dates back to World War I, when the US Army needed a ration bar that would provide soldiers with a quick source of energy between meals. Goldenberg’s Candy Company, which was founded in 1890 by David Goldenberg, was tasked with creating a ration bar that was both nutritious and delicious.
Goldenberg’s combined roasted peanuts and molasses, which resulted in a tasty and energy-packed candy. The first version of Peanut Chews was wrapped in wax paper and sold as a bulk product to the US Army. Once the war ended, Peanut Chews were introduced to the general public, and their popularity skyrocketed.
Today, Peanut Chews are still made with the original Goldenberg’s recipe and are beloved by many.
The Nutritional Value of Peanut Chews
Peanut Chews are a popular candy containing peanuts and chocolate. These treats are not only delicious but also contain important nutrients that can benefit your health.
- Peanuts: High in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, peanuts are a nutritious and tasty addition to your diet. They also provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of chronic diseases.
- Chocolate: Made from cocoa beans, chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids that can help protect your cells from damage and improve blood flow. Dark chocolate, in particular, provides more of these health benefits and is a good source of iron, magnesium, and copper.
- Corn Syrup: While not a nutrient, corn syrup is used as a sweetener in Peanut Chews. It provides a source of quick energy but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
The table below shows the nutritional information for one serving (45g) of Peanut Chews:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 23g |
| Protein | 4g |
While Peanut Chews are not a health food, they can be incorporated into a balanced diet as an occasional treat. Be mindful of portion sizes and balance your intake with other nutrient-dense foods.
Other Varieties of Chewy Candies
While peanut chews are a classic favorite, they are by no mean the only type of chewy candy on the market. Here are some other popular varieties:
- Taffy: A traditional favorite, taffy is made by mixing sugar with butter, corn syrup, and water, then cooking it to temperature before stretching and pulling it to create a soft, chewy texture.
- Caramels: These rich, buttery candies are made by cooking sugar and cream together until they thicken and darken in color. They can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as vanilla, chocolate, or sea salt.
- Fruit chews: These candies feature a fruity flavor and a gooey, chewy texture. They are usually made with sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice, and a gelling agent such as pectin or gelatin.
Of course, there are countless other types of chewy candies available, from licorice to gummy bears to chocolate-covered marshmallows. No matter what your preferences are, there is sure to be a chewy candy out there that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
How to Make Chewy Candy
If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to try making your own chewy candy at home. While the process can be a bit intimidating at first, it can also be a lot of fun and very rewarding. Here are the general steps for making chewy candy:
| Step | Description | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Determine what type of candy you want to make (taffy, caramels, etc.) and gather your ingredients. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Step 2 | Cook your sugar mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the desired temperature (which will vary depending on the type of candy you’re making). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Step 3 | Pour your candy mixture onto a greased surface and let it cool slightly. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Step 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Step 5 |
| Ingredient | Function in the recipe |
|---|---|
| Peanuts | Provide crunch and peanut flavor |
| Peanut butter | Binds the mixture together and adds richness |
| Caramel | Gives the candy its sweet, chewy texture |
| Corn syrup | Helps bind the ingredients together |
| Sugar | Contributes to the candy’s sweetness |
| Chocolate | Coats the candy and adds a finishing touch of sweetness and richness |
While the exact recipe for Peanut Chews is a closely-guarded secret, the manufacturing process outlined above offers insight into how this beloved candy bar is created.
Peanut Chews as a Kosher Snack
Kosher snacks are gaining popularity among people who look for food options that comply with jewish dietary laws. One of the snacks that can be enjoyed as a kosher option is the Peanut Chews candy. Let’s explore the ingredients that make it qualify as a kosher food.
- The first ingredient to consider is the peanuts themselves. They are a natural food and do not pose any kosher compliance issues.
- The second important ingredient is sugar. To comply with kosher requirements, it is essential that the sugar used does not come from sugar cane that has not been processed to remove any impurities. The manufacturer of Peanut Chew, Just Born Inc., uses beet sugar to ensure the kosher status of the snack.
- The third ingredient is corn syrup, which is also a kosher food.
- Next, there are products that contain gelatin as an ingredient. Gelatin is derived from animal bones, and it is not considered a kosher food. To ensure the kosher status, Peanut Chews do not contain any gelatin in their recipe.
- Last but not least, the chocolate coating that gives Peanut Chews their signature flavor needs to be certified kosher. Just Born Inc. uses a kosher-certified chocolate coating to comply with Jewish dietary laws.
Overall, Peanut Chews are a delicious and convenient kosher snack for those who follow Jewish dietary laws. The ingredients used in their recipe meet the Kosher requirements, and the manufacturer ensures that every package is kosher certified.
Peanut Chews and Allergies
For people with peanut allergies, eating a peanut chew can be a serious health hazard. Peanut allergies are the most common food allergies in the United States, and they can cause severe anaphylaxis reactions, which can lead to life-threatening symptoms, including difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure. As such, it’s essential to know what’s in a peanut chew before consuming it.
- Peanuts: As the name suggests, the primary ingredient in a peanut chew is peanuts. Peanuts are a legume, not a nut, and people with tree nut allergy can safely consume them.
- Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch. It is commonly used in candy and other sweets to provide sweetness and texture.
- Sugar: Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that is used to sweeten the candy. It is usually made from either sugarcane or sugar beets.
- Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil: Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is a type of fat that is commonly used in processed foods to extend their shelf life. It is also known to contain trans fats, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Molasses: Molasses is a byproduct of the sugar-making process. It is a thick, sweet syrup that is used to add flavor and texture to the candy.
- Nonfat Milk: Nonfat milk is a low-fat dairy product that is used in the peanut chew to provide a creamy texture.
It’s worth noting that some peanut chew products may also contain soy, wheat, and/or eggs, which are common allergens. Therefore, people with food allergies should always read the ingredient list on the packaging before consuming a peanut chew or any other food product.
To help people with food allergies, some packaging includes prominent labeling stating that the product contains peanuts. The labeling is a requirement by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), which passed in 2004, requires manufacturers to label the product that contains any of the eight major food allergens to the packaging. This requirement helps people with allergies to quickly and easily identify foods they should avoid.
| Allergen | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Peanuts | Skin reactions, hives, itching, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, anaphylaxis reactions |
| Soy | Skin reactions, hives, itching, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, anaphylaxis reactions |
| Wheat | Swelling, itching, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, anaphylaxis reactions |
| Eggs | Swelling, itching, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, anaphylaxis reactions |
In conclusion, peanut chews are a delicious candy with a rich history, but for people with food allergies, consuming them can be risky. Knowing the ingredients in a peanut chew and checking the packaging for allergen labeling before purchasing and consuming is crucial. As always, consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding food allergies.
Peanut Chews and Cultural Significance
Over the years, Peanut Chews have become a cultural icon in the United States. The tasty candy bar has been a favorite among Americans since its creation in 1917. The chewy texture and sweet nutty flavor are what make Peanut Chews stand out from other candy bars.
- The candy bar was originally made for soldiers in World War I as a high-energy ration bar to provide protein and carbohydrates for the troops.
- It became a popular snack in the Philadelphia area and beyond in the 1920s and 1930s, with people often cutting it into small pieces and sharing it amongst themselves.
- In the mid-2000s, Peanut Chews became a favorite snack amongst hip-hop artists and fans, with artists like Fergie and Kanye West referencing the candy bar in their lyrics.
Aside from its popularity in the music world, Peanut Chews have also been used in pop culture and media as props and references. In the 2013 film “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Leonardo DiCaprio’s character can be seen snacking on a Peanut Chew as a symbol of his blue-collar roots and love for American junk food.
If you’re ever in Philadelphia, be sure to stop by the Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews factory and pick up a pack of the classic candy bar. It’s a cultural experience that everyone should try at least once!
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sugar | High |
| Corn Syrup | High |
| Roasted Peanuts | High |
| Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel and Soybean Oil) | Low |
| Skim Milk | Low |
| Less Than 1% of: | |
| Cocoa | Low |
| Whey Protein Concentrate | Low |
| Soy Lecithin | Low |
| Salt | Low |
The ingredients in Peanut Chews include mostly high levels of sugar, corn syrup, and roasted peanuts. It also features a low amount of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, skim milk, cocoa, whey protein concentrate, soy lecithin, and salt. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique and delicious taste that has been enjoyed by millions for over a century.
FAQs: What are the ingredients in Peanut Chews?
Q: What are Peanut Chews?
A: Peanut Chews are a classic candy bar that contains peanuts and a chewy chocolate-caramel nougat.
Q: What is the main ingredient in Peanut Chews?
A: The main ingredient in Peanut Chews is roasted peanuts.
Q: What is present in the nougat of Peanut Chews?
A: The nougat in Peanut Chews is made of sugar, corn syrup, milk, chocolate, and soybean oil.
Q: Is there any egg in Peanut Chews?
A: No, Peanut Chews are egg-free.
Q: Does Peanut Chews contain dairy?
A: Yes, Peanut Chews contain milk, which is used in the nougat.
Q: What is the nutritional information of Peanut Chews?
A: One package of Peanut Chews contains 260 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 20 grams of sugar.
Q: Are Peanut Chews gluten-free?
A: No, Peanut Chews are not gluten-free. They contain wheat flour in the nougat.
Closing: Thanks for Reading!
Now that you know what the ingredients in Peanut Chews are, you can enjoy them with confidence! Remember, Peanut Chews contain roasted peanuts, chocolate-caramel nougat, milk, and soybean oil, and are not gluten-free. Keep these facts in mind if you have any dietary restrictions. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you again soon!