Numbers Game: Answer

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a regular Blow Pop rather than a 2.2 ounce (standard vending machine size) bag of Skittles and save 182 calories.

A regular Blow Pop -- and all other similarly sized lollipops for that matter -- clocks in at 68 calories, while the Skittles bag provides 250!

What's most interesting is that it takes more time to savor and finish those 68 calories than to simply "follow the rainbow" and munch away.

Lollipops are not oranges, apples, or bananas, but they are a decent replacement for anyone with a sweet tooth looking to cut back on calories and stay way from sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners.

NOTE: Sadly, many lollipops -- including Blow Pops -- contain high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring.

So, even if they are a lower-calorie (and longer-lasting) sweet treat, I don't feel entirely okay downright "recommending" them.

Luckily, a more "back to basics" version has been developed by YummyEarth -- their lollipops are available at Whole Foods as well as Amazon.com.