Mars vs. Snickers — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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.

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

Snickers

3

Protein: 6.86 g

Fats: 24.38 g

Carbs: 62.85 g

Water: 4.47 g

Other: 1.44 g

Mars

2

Protein: 4.28 g

Fats: 19.32 g

Carbs: 72.4 g

Water: 1.7 g

Other: 2.3 g

Contains more ProteinProtein	+60.3%
Contains more FatsFats	+26.2%
Contains more WaterWater	+162.9%

Contains more CarbsCarbs	+15.2%
Contains more OtherOther	+59.7%

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

Snickers

0

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 12.703 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0 g

Mars

1

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 11.651 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0 g

~equal in Saturated Fat ~11.651g

~equal in Monounsaturated Fat ~g

~equal in Polyunsaturated fat ~g

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.

Snickers

0

Mars

2

Contains more IronIron	+26.5%
Contains less SodiumSodium	-28%

~equal in Magnesium ~mg

~equal in Calcium ~90mg

~equal in Potassium ~mg

~equal in Copper ~mg

~equal in Zinc ~mg

~equal in Phosphorus ~mg

~equal in Manganese ~mg

~equal in Selenium ~µg

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.

Snickers

0

Mars

1

Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A

+39.2%

~equal in Vitamin C ~0.5mg

~equal in Vitamin E ~mg

~equal in Vitamin D ~µg

~equal in Vitamin B1 ~mg

~equal in Vitamin B2 ~mg

~equal in Vitamin B3 ~mg

~equal in Vitamin B5 ~mg

~equal in Vitamin B6 ~mg

~equal in Vitamin B12 ~µg

~equal in Vitamin K ~µg

~equal in Folate ~µg

~equal in Choline ~mg

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.

Cardiovascular health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan

When comparing Mars and Snickers bars in terms of cardiovascular health, both are similar in terms of their nutritional profiles. They are both high in sugar, saturated fat, and calories, which are not favorable for cardiovascular health when consumed in excess (1).

If consumed regularly, the saturated fat content in these bars can raise LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels in the blood, which is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

In terms of specific differences, Snickers bars contain peanuts and caramel, which may provide a slightly higher amount of protein and fiber compared to Mars bars. However, these nutritional differences are minimal and do not significantly impact their overall cardiovascular health.

For a heart-healthy diet, it's best to limit the consumption of candy bars like Mars and Snickers and opt for healthier snacks such as fresh fruit, nuts, or yogurt. If you're craving something sweet, consider indulging in a small portion of dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants and may have some heart-healthy benefits when consumed in moderation.

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).