The Drumstick lolly is a nostalgic British sweet known for its chewy, fruity taste and classic raspberry and milk flavour. Originally made by Swizzels in the 1950s, it's remained a staple of pick ‘n’ mix bags and childhood memories. But how many calories are in a Drumstick lolly, and does this sweet treat have a place in a healthy diet?

Calorie Content by Weight and Size

A standard original Drumstick lolly weighs 18g and contains approximately 75 calories. Here's a rough breakdown based on different sizes:

  • Mini Drumstick (10g): Around 42 calories
  • Original size (18g): 75 calories
  • Giant Drumstick (35g): 145–150 calories

Because these sweets are dense in sugar, the calorie count is concentrated in a small portion.

 

Nutritional Breakdown of a Drumstick Lolly

Per standard 18g lolly:
Calories: 75
Fat: 1.3g
Saturated Fat: 1.1g
Carbohydrates: 15.6g
Sugars: 10.8g
Protein: 0.2g
Salt: 0.02g

Drumstick lollies are high in sugar and offer little in the way of protein, fibre, or vitamins. The small fat content comes mainly from palm oil used in the chewy texture.

What’s in a Drumstick Lolly?

Drumstick lollies are made from a mixture of sugar, glucose syrup, vegetable oil (usually palm), skimmed milk powder, and flavourings. The raspberry and milk taste is created using artificial flavourings, and colourants are added for the familiar pink and cream stripe.

Some versions also contain gelatine, so they may not be suitable for vegetarians, though Swizzels now offers some vegetarian alternatives.

Benefits of a Drumstick Lolly

From a nutritional perspective, there are no significant benefits to a Drumstick lolly. It's a source of quick energy due to its high sugar content, which may be useful in situations like long-distance sports or low blood sugar episodes. However, for the average person, it's more of a sweet indulgence than a beneficial food.

Downsides of a Drumstick Lolly

The biggest issue is the sugar load. A single lolly delivers over 10g of sugar nearly a third of the recommended maximum daily sugar intake for a child. Eating sweets like these regularly can contribute to tooth decay, blood sugar spikes, and long-term health problems such as obesity or insulin resistance.

There’s also little to no satiety benefit, meaning you're likely to still feel hungry after eating one. The small fat content is mostly saturated and offers no nutritional value.

How Drumstick Lollies Affect Your Diet

Drumstick lollies are high in calories for their size and low in nutritional content, making them a poor fit for balanced diets, especially if consumed frequently. While they won’t derail a healthy eating plan if enjoyed occasionally, eating them regularly can lead to excessive sugar intake without you even realising it  especially when paired with other sweets or sugary drinks.

They should be considered as treats, not snacks or part of any meal routine.

Glycaemic Index Rating

Drumstick lollies have a high glycaemic index, due to their refined sugar and glucose syrup content. They are rapidly absorbed by the body and cause sharp spikes in blood sugar, followed by quick drops. This makes them unsuitable for those managing blood glucose levels, including people with diabetes or those on a low-GI diet.

Healthier Alternatives

If you're looking for a sweet fix with less sugar and more nutritional benefit, consider:

  • Dried fruit like mango or dates (natural sugar, but with fibre)
  • Dark chocolate (in small amounts, lower GI and with antioxidants)
  • Frozen yoghurt bites with berries
  • Homemade fruit lollies made from blended fruit and natural yoghurt

These offer flavour and enjoyment without the pure sugar hit of a Drumstick lolly.

Summary

So, how many calories are in a Drumstick lolly? A standard one contains about 75 calories, mostly from sugar, with little nutritional benefit. While it’s a fun, nostalgic treat, it’s best kept as an occasional indulgence. High in sugar and quick to spike blood sugar, it ranks poorly for anyone watching their diet, weight, or health. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, there are better choices that still satisfy your cravings without the crash.

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