Egg-xorbitant sugar levels found in Easter favourites

easter chocolate

Whether you like mini or mega-size, chocolate bunnies, eggs or blocks – Cancer Council Queensland is warning people to avoid the chocolate binge this Easter!

Most Easter treats contain alarming amounts of sugar, making their effects on health and well-being not-so-sweet.

An average 250g milk chocolate bunny contains around 36 teaspoons of sugar, a hollow 110g egg contains nearly 16 teaspoons of sugar, and a 39g cream egg contains over six teaspoons.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said consuming treats with a high sugar content could contribute to weight gain unless burnt off.

“It may be surprising but if you eat one 250g milk chocolate bunny with 36 grams of sugar in it, you would need to run nearly 7km to burn it off,” Ms McMillan said.

“After consuming a medium hollow 110g egg with 16 teaspoons of sugar, you would need to run around 3km to burn it off.

“Read the labels and choose the healthiest option possible with the lowest sugar content. Balance portion sizes and remember that discretionary foods should only be occasional foods.”

Ms McMillan said Queenslanders should consume no more than six teaspoons of sugar a day for optimum health.

“Excess sugar consumption is a major cause of weight gain, and is a major risk factor for some cancers, including bowel cancer,” Ms McMillan said.

“The long weekend is a time to relax and enjoy with friends and family – we want Queenslanders to do that as healthily and happily as possible.

“Many parents wouldn’t be aware that treating their kids to a large Easter bunny could mean treating them to an average of 36 teaspoons of sugar in one hit!

“Instead of putting the focus on chocolate this Easter, spend time getting active as a family by heading outdoors, going for a walk or a bike ride, or playing a team sport.”

For more information about Cancer Council Queensland and healthy eating, phone 13 11 20 or visit cancerqld.org.au.


For more information or interviews, please contact:
Laura McKoy,
Media Manager,
Cancer Council Queensland
Phone: (07) 3634 5345
Mobile: 0409 001 171