Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Cake vs Candy: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Cake is generally healthier

Cake comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 4 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (387 vs 400), more protein (3g vs 0g), more fiber (0.6g vs 0g), less sugar (38g vs 90g), making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Cake

387 kcal

More Protein

Cake

3g

More Fiber

Cake

0.6g

Less Sugar

Cake

38g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Cake
387
Candy
400
Proteinper 100g
Cake
3g
Candy
0g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Cake
47g
Candy
100g
Fatper 100g
Cake
20g
Candy
0g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientCakeCandyDifference
Calories387kcal400kcal-13.0kcal
Protein3g0g+3.0g
Carbohydrates47g100g-53.0g
Fat20g0g+20.0g
Fiber0.6g0g+0.6g
Sugar38g90g-52.0g
Sodium356mg20mg+336.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Cake

Per 100g:387 calories
Per cup (150g):581 calories
Per serving (85g):329 calories

Candy

Per 100g:400 calories
Per cup (150g):600 calories
Per serving (85g):340 calories

Diet Compatibility

Cake

VeganVegetarian

Candy

VeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

When to Choose Cake

  • Lower in calories (387 vs 400)
  • Higher in protein (3g vs 0g)
  • More fiber (0.6g vs 0g)
  • Lower in carbs (47g vs 100g)
  • Less sugar (38g vs 90g)

Common Uses

TreatsCelebrationsComfort foodSocial occasions
View full Cake nutrition →

When to Choose Candy

  • Lower sodium (20mg vs 356mg)

Common Uses

TreatsCelebrationsComfort foodSocial occasions
View full Candy nutrition →

Cake vs Candy: Nutritional Analysis

Candy is more calorie-dense at 400 calories per 100g compared to 387 for Cake, a difference of 13 calories. On the protein front, Cake delivers more with 3g per 100g versus 0g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Cake and Candy tell different nutritional stories. Cake provides 47g of carbohydrates, 20g of fat, and 0.6g of fiber per 100g, while Candy contains 100g carbs, 0g fat, and 0g fiber. The higher fiber content in Cake supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Cake contains 38g while Candy has 90g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Cake is the lower-calorie choice at 387 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Cake provides more protein (3g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Cake offers more fiber (0.6g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Cake or Candy?

Candy has more calories with 400 kcal per 100g, compared to Cake with 387 kcal. That's a difference of 13 calories per 100g serving.

Is Cake healthier than Candy?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Cake is generally the healthier choice, winning in 4 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Cake has 387 calories, 3g protein, and 0.6g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Cake and Candy?

Cake has more protein with 3g per 100g, compared to Candy with 0g. Cake provides 3.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Cake or Candy?

For weight loss, Cake is the better choice with only 387 calories per 100g compared to 400 calories in Candy. Cake also offers 0.6g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Cake or Candy have fewer carbs?

Cake has fewer carbs with 47g per 100g, compared to Candy with 100g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Cake is the better option with 53.0g fewer carbohydrates.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.