Mars vs. Snickers — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on July 20, 2023

Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan

Summary

Mars bar is higher in carbs, calories and has a higher glycemic index. On the other hand, snickers are richer in proteins and higher in fats. Their vitamin and mineral profiles are poor. Consumption should be minimal because of their increased risks for different health disorders.

Introduction

Mars and Snickers are chocolate candy bars that are widely known around the world. However, in the United States, mars bars are marketed in a milky way that comes in brown packaging. A global version of the milky way comes in a blue wrap; however, the two Milky Ways are not similar. Mars bars are marketed as the milky way in the US that comes in a brown wrap.

Snickers, on the other hand, are widely known all over the world to be the same. It has many versions that are available worldwide.

In this article, we will discuss the difference between Mars bars and Snickers bars according to their nutritional content, health impacts, diets and weight loss, and variations.

What are the actual differences?

There are many differences which are regional availability, price, taste, and flavor.

Regional availability

Mars bars are available worldwide except in the US. However, the milky way in the US is the same as the Mars bar.

Snickers, on the other hand, are available worldwide, and their popularity is known everywhere. So, these bars are available in different regions.

Price

Mars bars and Snickers have similar prices. However, as varieties of each exist, the prices might be different between those.

Taste and flavor

Although both have a lot of similar ingredients, the main difference between a Mars bar is that it is made of a layer of nougat and caramel and all over coated with milk chocolate.

In comparison, the main difference in Snickers is the extra peanuts added to the nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate layer and a more solid texture.

Nutritional content

The following sections will be discussed according to 100g of each. However, 1 bar of Mars weighs 58g, and 1 bar of Snickers weighs around 53g.

Calories

Mars bars and Snickers have similar amounts of calories.

However, when comparing each bar, Mars has lower calories than Snickers. Mars bar has 475 calories per 100g, while Snickers has 13 calories more.

Glycemic index

Mars bar has a higher glycemic index than Snickers. Mars bar has a glycemic index of 62, whereas Snickers has a glycemic index of 51.

Macronutrients

You can see in the chart below that both bars consist of carbohydrates generally. Mars is higher in carbs than Snickers. On the other hand, Snickers is richer in fats and proteins. You can read more detailed information in the sections below.

Mars bars and Snickers are mostly made of macronutrients, mainly focused on refined sugars and saturated fats.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison

Mars

Snickers

Contains more Carbs +15.2%

Contains more Other +59.7%

Contains more Protein +60.3%

Contains more Fats +26.2%

Contains more Water +162.9%

Mars

Protein: 4.28 g

Fats: 19.32 g

Carbs: 72.4 g

Water: 1.7 g

Other: 2.3 g

Snickers

Protein: 6.86 g

Fats: 24.38 g

Carbs: 62.85 g

Water: 4.47 g

Other: 1.44 g

Contains more Carbs +15.2%

Contains more Other +59.7%

Contains more Protein +60.3%

Contains more Fats +26.2%

Contains more Water +162.9%

Carbs

Mars contains higher amounts of carbs than Snickers. It contains 10g more carbs.

It is important to note that they both contain very high amounts of carbs, which should be a matter of consideration while eating. In addition to that, the source of carbs is nearly totally from refined sugars.

Protein

Snickers contain higher amounts of protein than Mars, mostly from milk and egg, which is from the nougat and chocolate.

Fat

Snickers contain higher amounts of fat than Mars. The fat content of both is nearly 99% from saturated fat sources.

Cholesterol

Both bars contain very low amounts of cholesterol. However, Mars is higher in cholesterol than Snickers.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison

Mars

Snickers

Equal in Saturated Fat - 12.703

Mars

Saturated Fat: 11.651 g

Monounsaturated Fat: 0 g

Polyunsaturated fat: 0 g

Snickers

Saturated Fat: 12.703 g

Monounsaturated Fat: 0 g

Polyunsaturated fat: 0 g

Equal in Saturated Fat - 12.703

Minerals

They don't have rich and versatile mineral profiles; however, they contain significant amounts of calcium equal for both. In addition to that, they contain iron and sodium. Mars is richer in iron, whereas Snickers have higher amounts of sodium.

We can see the difference in their mineral charts in the following diagram.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Mars

Snickers

Contains more Iron +26.5%

Contains less Sodium -28%

Equal in Calcium - 90

Mars

Snickers

Contains more Iron +26.5%

Contains less Sodium -28%

Equal in Calcium - 90

Vitamins

Their vitamin profiles are very poor. Small amounts of vitamin A are present; however, they are not of much significance.

We can see the difference in their vitamin charts in the following diagram.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Mars

Snickers

Contains more Vitamin A +39.2%

Equal in Vitamin C - 0.5

Mars

Snickers

Contains more Vitamin A +39.2%

Equal in Vitamin C - 0.5

Varieties

In the case of Mars bars, there are different varieties. These are what are available in the market. Some may be discontinued in certain regions.

Almond bars
Midnight
Lite
Bisc &
Gold
Triple chocolate
Mix
Lava
Maple
Planets
Dark and light
Rocks
Miniatures
100% caramel
Honeycomb
Delight
XXX
Frozen dessert bar
Midnight ice cream bars
Mini eggs
World cup
Red
Fling
Vanilla
Chill
Loaded

In the case of snickers, there are also many varieties, for example:

Original
Almond
Brownie
Protein bar
White
Creamy peanut butter
Crisp
Hazelnut
Crisp duo
Peanut butter
Minis
Bites
Mix
Duo bar
Candy tree
Yard

As we can see from the list, there are different varieties for each; there are ice cream versions that also have varieties. Protein bars are available for each, which have a different macronutrient profile and are more expensive.

There are deep-fried versions of Mars and Snickers. A breading over the bar is done before frying. This is highly filled with refined sugars, fats, and trans fats.

Weight loss and diets

Mars bars and Snickers are mostly composed of high amounts of refined sugars and saturated fats; thus, they are not an option to be part of a diet during a weight loss program. It can be called "unnecessary calories"; thus, it is better to avoid them. However, some days when you are extra tired and nothing is accessible as quickly as a Snickers or Mars bar, they serve as a great energy booster and help maintain sugar levels in case of hypoglycemia.

Keto

Mars and Snickers bars are forbidden to be consumed on a keto diet. They are packed with refined sugars and have very high carb levels. Thus avoid it at all costs.

Vegan

Mars and Snickers contain milk and egg products; thus, they should be avoided during the vegan diet. However, they are considered vegetarian. It is important to take into consideration their high amounts of sugars and fats.

Health impacts

Cardiovascular health

Refined sugars and high amounts of saturated fats are some of the main risks of increased cardiovascular diseases. As mentioned above in the macromolecular section, both Mars bar and Snickers contain high amounts of saturated fats and refined sugars. These are one of the main factors of increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (1).

Diabetes

Diabetes and metabolic disorders are some of the main reasons for high mortality among populations. High caloric intake, high amounts of saturated fats, and refined sugars are the main reasons to increase risks of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (2). Mars bar and Snickers bar fit the category of high saturated fat and high sugar foods.

Cancer

Mars and Snickers contain high amounts of sugars which are directly indicative of increased risks of cancer. The increased risk of cancer development is between 23% and 200%, which is highly significant (3).

Guidelines

Overall, guidelines indicate that to maintain good cardiovascular health regarding diet restrictions and control, there has to be a reduction of saturated fat and reduced intake of refined sugars. The saturated fat intake shouldn't surpass 10% of the total caloric intake (4).

References

Author name: Jack Yacoubian

Education: Haigazian Medical University

Last updated: July 20, 2023

Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan

Infographic

Infographic link

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.


Lower in Sugar
Lower in Cholesterol
Lower in Glycemic Index
Lower in Sodium
Lower in Saturated Fat
Lower in price	Equal
Rich in minerals	Equal
Rich in vitamins	Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient			Opinion
Net carbs	70.4g	60.95g
Protein	4.28g	6.86g
Fats	19.32g	24.38g
Carbs	72.4g	62.85g
Calories	475kcal	488kcal
Sugar	58.94g	46.54g
Fiber	2g	1.9g
Calcium	90mg	90mg
Iron	0.86mg	0.68mg
Sodium	136mg	189mg
Vitamin A	167IU	120IU
Vitamin C	0.5mg	0.5mg
Cholesterol	12mg	9mg
Trans Fat	0.131g	0.394g
Saturated Fat	11.651g	12.703g

Which food is preferable for your diet?

Low Fats diet

Low Carbs diet

Low Calories diet

Low Glycemic Index diet

is better in case of low diet


Low Fats diet
Low Carbs diet
Low Calories diet
Low Glycemic Index diet

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Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).

Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score

Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?

Snickers is lower in Sugar (difference - 12.4g)

Which food is lower in Cholesterol?

Snickers is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 3mg)

Which food is lower in glycemic index?

Snickers is lower in glycemic index (difference - 11)

Which food contains less Sodium?

Mars contains less Sodium (difference - 53mg)

Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?

Mars is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 1.052g)

Which food is cheaper?

The foods are relatively equal in price ($2)

Which food is richer in minerals?

It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

Which food is richer in vitamins?

It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.