Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple: Nutritional Analysis

Overview

The Shirley Temple provides a total of 56 calories per serving, largely derived from carbohydrates, which account for 14.17 g. The food has a low fat content, with minimal saturated fat (0.001 g) and negligible sodium (9 mg). The presence of sugars (12.55 g) indicates that this food item may be quite sweet, contributing significantly to its caloric content. In terms of micronutrients, this food item offers very low amounts of vitamins and minerals, with only iron (0.17 mg) and zinc (0.06 mg) providing 1% and 1% of the Daily Value, respectively. Overall, while the Shirley Temple has a sweet flavor profile with low caloric density, it lacks significant nutritional contributions from fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value	Status
Total Carbohydrate	14.17 g	5%	Low
Saturated Fat	0.001 g	0%	Low
Sodium	9 mg	0%	Low
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%	Low
Calcium	4 mg	0%	Low
Magnesium	1 mg	0%	Low
Potassium	4 mg	0%	Low
Riboflavin (B2)	0.001 mg	0%	Low
Selenium	0.1 mcg	0%	Low
Choline	0.1 mg	0%	Low

Potential Benefits

• Calories - The calories provided can serve as a quick source of energy, beneficial for short-term physical activity or as part of a snack.
• Total Sugars - Sugars can provide immediate energy, which may be useful during periods of fatigue or low blood sugar.
• Iron - Iron plays a role in oxygen transport in the body, and even small amounts can contribute to overall iron intake.
• Zinc - Zinc is essential for various biological functions, including immune response, and its presence, albeit low, may contribute to daily requirements.

Potential Concerns

• High sugar - The Shirley Temple contains 12.55 g of total sugars, which may contribute to excessive sugar intake if consumed frequently.
• Low fiber - With only 0.1 g of dietary fiber, this food item does not provide significant support for digestive health.
• Calorie density - Although low in calories, the high sugar content could lead to quick consumption and potential overindulgence without providing substantial nutrition.

Medication Considerations

No major medication-related concerns are apparent from the provided nutrition data alone. Individual responses may vary depending on ingredients, formulation, and medical history.

Allergens & Sensitivities

Ingredient-level allergen risk cannot be confirmed from nutrition data alone.

Verdict

The Shirley Temple is primarily a source of carbohydrates and sugars, offering minimal nutritional benefits beyond its caloric content. While it can provide a quick energy boost, its low levels of fiber and micronutrients may limit its overall dietary usefulness. This food item may be more suitable as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a balanced diet.