Fig Newtons can contain a lot of sugar.
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There are more 700 types of figs, and they've been popular since the 19th century. Love of this healthy, sweet fruit has led to the production of many different chutneys, jams and other dessert products. One fig product that is particularly popular is the fig Newton. While fig Newtons are not as healthy as raw figs, they are not a bad snack choice, either.
Fig Newton cookies are a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth than other types of cookies. But they contain a significant amount of sugar, so try not to eat too many.
Fig Newtons were once so popular that they were given their own day: National Fig Newton Day is January 16th. These days, though, fig Newton cookies are just one of many Newtons, including strawberry, blueberry and mixed berry. Despite its competition from other Newtons, fig Newtons are still a very popular cookie choice. They are also fairly healthy.
Figs are well known for having fiber, which helps with digestion, as well as protein and several vitamins and minerals. This means there are quite a few health benefits of fig bars like fig Newtons. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Branded Food Products Database and the makers of fig Newtons, Nabisco, a two-cookie serving of fig Newtons (29 grams) contains 20 milligrams of calcium, 0.72 milligrams of iron and 95 grams of potassium. Each serving also contains a gram of fiber and gram of protein. The main negative of fig Newtons is the sugar content.
Each serving of fig Newtons contains 12 g of sugar, which is quite a lot for just two cookies. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 100 calories (6 teaspoons or 24 milligrams) of added sugar for women and 150 calories (9 teaspoons or 32 mg) for men. This means two fig Newtons will have half of your daily recommended allowance of sugar if you're a woman, and over a third of it if you're a man. If you're not eating much other sugar each day, this might be alright. Otherwise, you may prefer a healthier cookie.
Fig Newtons are produced by Nabisco, which is also well known for its other cookies, including Chips Ahoy!, Nutter Butter, Oreos and Teddy Grahams. Compared to some of these other cookies, fig Newtons remain the winner for your health, but some others may be healthier. In short:
- Compared to Chips Ahoy!, fig Newtons have more sugar — but this is only by a gram per serving. There are 11 grams of sugar in each serving of Chips Ahoy! cookies.
- Compared to Nutter Butter, Nutter Butter is the clear winner. There are only 8 grams of sugar in Nutter Butter cookies compared to fig Newtons' 12 grams. Nutter Butter cookies also have twice as much protein per serving and the same amount of fiber.
- Compared to Teddy Grahams, fig Newtons once again have more sugar. There are only 8 grams of sugar in a serving of Teddy Grahams, the same as Nutter Butter cookies. These cookies also have twice the amount of protein and twice the amount of fiber as fig Newtons.
As you can see, there are healthier alternatives with less sugar and more nutrients. If you really love fig Newtons or simply want to celebrate Fig Newton Day with this tasty treat, try making your own fig bars. There will be many more health benefits to fig bars if you make them with fresh, ripe fruit and less added sugars.
FAQs
Fig Newtons can contain a lot of sugar. There are more 700 types of figs, and they've been popular since the 19th century. Love of this healthy, sweet fruit has led to the production of many different chutneys, jams and other dessert products.
Do Fig Newtons have real figs in them? ›
The label lists flour, figs, sugar, corn syrup, vegetable oil, salt, corn fiber, oat fiber, baking soda, calcium lactate, malic acid, soy lecithin, sodium Benzoate, and sulfur dioxide. There is no dairy in there or any animal based products, so, yes, Fig Newtons are vegan. However, Fig Newtons are not gluten-free.
Do fresh figs taste like Fig Newtons? ›
The first thing to note is that fresh figs taste nothing like Fig Newtons. A fresh fig does not have the extreme sweetness, the chewiness, or the noticeable seeds of a dried fig.
What happens if we eat figs daily? ›
Figs are often recommended to nourish and tone the intestines, they act as a natural laxative because of their high fibre content. The fibre they provide also has prebiotic properties, feeding the gut bacteria and promoting a healthy gut environment which, as a result, improves digestive wellness.
What are the healthiest figs to eat? ›
Calimyrna figs are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are rich in vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and iron, providing ample energy. Additionally, they are easy to digest and a good source of natural fibre.
Are Fig Newtons actually healthy? ›
Fig Newton Cookies
They are also fairly healthy. Figs are well known for having fiber, which helps with digestion, as well as protein and several vitamins and minerals. This means there are quite a few health benefits of fig bars like fig Newtons.
When should you not eat figs? ›
Both fresh and dried figs contain a high level of vitamin K. People taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin need to keep the vitamin K levels in their diet consistent, so they may wish to avoid figs.
Why do I feel sick after eating figs? ›
Figs may cause digestive upset or diarrhea due to their anti-constipation effects. They may also interfere with blood thinners, and some people may be allergic to them.
Are figs good for your liver? ›
Figs contain antioxidants and fiber that may support liver health by aiding digestion and reducing oxidative stress. However, individuals with liver conditions should consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice tailored to their specific health needs and circ*mstances.
Do you eat the skin of a fig? ›
They taste best eaten straight off the tree, ideally still warm from the sun. The entire fig is edible, from the thin skin to the red or purplish flesh and the myriad tiny seeds, but they can be peeled if you wish. Always cut off the stem. Wash the figs and gently pat dry to serve whole.
As you can see, both are the same calorically but figs have a bit more protein, less carbohydrates, more fiber, more iron, more magnesium, and more calcium. Dates have less protein, more carbohydrate, less fiber (but they're still a great source), less iron, less magnesium, and less calcium.
Are figs anti-inflammatory? ›
Figs are rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and provide fiber and smaller amounts of a variety of minerals. They may also support digestive, gut, and menstrual health, improve inflammatory conditions, aid weight management, and offer cancer protection.
What's the difference between fig rolls and Fig Newtons? ›
The main difference between the two is that Fig Newtons are softer and squishier than the biscuity shell of fig rolls. I would almost say that they are slightly damp. That said, sometimes fig rolls can be a bit dry – I usually have mine with a mug of tea or coffee.
Do figs have ficin? ›
Ficain, also called ficin, is an enzyme obtained from figs latex (Ficus sp.). It is a member of the proteases family, also found in papaya latex that acts as an enzyme inhibitor in several fruit juices.
Can you eat Fig Newtons while pregnant? ›
Yes. Figs are one of the world's healthiest foods. It is primarily advised for pregnant women.
How much wasp is in a fig? ›
“There's no fig wasp in there by the time people are eating the fruit,” says Ferguson. The female fig produces an enzyme that completely digests the exoskeleton before hungry humans can take a bite. To be clear: “The crunchy bits are seeds, not wasp parts,” she adds.
