Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies & Diabetes
High glycemic impact — occasional choice only. Glycemic load of 24.3 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 24.3/100g · GI 42.8 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Blood Sugar Impact
Nutrition at a Glance
Compared With Its Close Variants
For calories, this one sits in the middle of its Candies family: 515 per 100g against a 400-573 per 100g spread. The protein figure (9.6 per 100g) is a middle-of-the-family number — variants here run 0.2-15.2 per 100g.
Verdicts split across the family: the gentlest option is SNICKERS MUNCH bar (GL 16.7) and the heaviest is M&M's Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies (GL 22.6); this one is limit. Glycemic load across the 36-item Candies group runs 16.7 to 39 per 100g, so the version matters as much as the food. Compare directly with SKITTLES Sours Original, MILKY WAY Caramels. dark chocolate covered, TWIX Peanut Butter Cookie Bars.
What to Watch For
⚠️ High Saturated Fat
Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies contains 5.5g of saturated fat per serving — above the 5g threshold recommended by the ADA and AHA. High saturated fat intake is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, which is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. While this food may have a manageable glycemic load, consider it an occasional choice rather than a daily staple.
ADA Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management (2024). Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1). · AHA Dietary Guidelines.
Related Sweets Options
🍬 Candies
🔴 Limit · GL 22.3/100g
🍬 Toppings
🔴 Limit · GL 28.1/100g
🍬 Puddings
🟢 Low GL · GL 7.5/100g
Tips for Enjoying It
💡 Half Portion, Full Satisfaction
A half serving significantly reduces the glycemic load. Use it as a side, not the main event, and bulk up your plate with vegetables.
💡 Check Your Own Response
Individual blood sugar responses vary. Use a glucose meter to understand how this food affects you personally.
💡 Glycemic Load Over Glycemic Index
GL accounts for both the speed AND amount of carbohydrate, making it more practical for real-world eating than GI alone.
💡 Pair Carbs With Protein
Adding protein to a carbohydrate-containing meal slows digestion and helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 27g | 16.3g | 6.6 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 54g | 32.7g | 13.1 | Moderate |
| Restaurant Portion | 108g | 65.3g | 26.2 | High |
GL ≤10 = Low (Friendly) · 11–19 = Moderate · ≥20 = High (Limit).
The page-level verdict is based on GL per 100g; this table shows how portion size changes the actual GL you get.
FAQ
Can MARS SNACKFOOD US M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies fit into a diabetes meal plan?
MARS SNACKFOOD US M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies should be limited for diabetics. A GL of 24.3 is firmly in the high range. If it's a food you love, try reducing the portion dramatically or swapping for a lower-GL version.
What is the glycemic load of MARS SNACKFOOD US M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies?
The glycemic load of MARS SNACKFOOD US M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies is 24.3 per 100g. GL is calculated by multiplying the GI (42.8) by the available carbohydrates (56.8g) and dividing by 100.
How does MARS SNACKFOOD US M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies affect blood sugar?
After eating MARS SNACKFOOD US M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies, you can expect a high blood sugar response. The GL of 24.3 means a significant spike. This can vary based on what else you eat with it.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 42.8 for MARS SNACKFOOD US M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Sweets category from the International GI Tables (Atkinson et al., 2021). Actual GI may vary by variety, ripeness, cooking method, and individual response. We display estimated values with full transparency so you can make informed decisions.
Can portion control make this food work?
Yes — half a standard serving of MARS SNACKFOOD US M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies reduces the glycemic load substantially. At GL 24.3 per 100g this is a dense source, but a half portion makes a meaningful difference. The key is mindfulness: use it as a side dish, not the main event, and fill most of your plate with non-starchy vegetables and lean protein.
What about the saturated fat content?
At 5.5g of saturated fat per serving, MARS SNACKFOOD US M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies exceeds the 5g threshold that the ADA and AHA recommend for diabetes and heart health. Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. While this food may have a manageable glycemic load, it is best as an occasional choice rather than a daily staple. Prioritize foods with unsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, fish) for everyday eating.
Data Sources
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 42.8 — subcategory_avg:Sweets. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 54.0g) = 24.3 × 54.0 ÷ 100 = 13.1
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 169582. Data are in the public domain (CC0 1.0).
GL Classification: ≤10 = Low (Low GL), 11–19 = Moderate (Eat in Moderation), ≥20 = High (Limit). Based on University of Sydney Glycemic Index Foundation classification.
⚠️ GI value is estimated, not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. Actual GI may vary by variety, cooking method, and individual glycemic response.
Cite this page: GlycemicWise. “Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/candies-mars-snackfood-us-m&ms-peanut-chocolate-candies/
Dietary reference — not medical advice. This page provides evidence-based dietary reference information for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual blood sugar responses vary significantly. Always check your blood glucose to understand your personal response to foods, and talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Data sources are cited above and publicly available from the USDA and the University of Sydney Glycemic Index Research Service.