Does Bhujia Have Cholesterol? The Surprising Truth About This Popular Snack

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, most varieties of bhujia do not contain any dietary cholesterol, as it is made from plant-based ingredients like gram flour and spices. However, the real concern lies with the cooking oil and the unhealthy fats produced during the deep-frying process, which can negatively affect your body's cholesterol levels.

Quick Summary

Bhujia itself is cholesterol-free, but its preparation can influence your overall cholesterol health. The deep-frying process introduces high levels of saturated and trans fats, which can raise bad (LDL) cholesterol. Moderation, healthier cooking methods, and a balanced diet are key to mitigating these health risks.

Key Points

No Dietary Cholesterol: The core plant-based ingredients of bhujia, like gram flour, naturally contain no cholesterol.
Frying Adds Unhealthy Fats: The deep-frying process is the source of saturated and trans fats, which can negatively impact your blood cholesterol.
Impact on LDL and HDL: Trans fats from frying raise bad (LDL) cholesterol and lower good (HDL) cholesterol, increasing cardiovascular risks.
Moderation is Key: Regular, high-volume consumption of deep-fried bhujia can lead to increased cholesterol levels and other health issues.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Look for baked, air-fried, or homemade versions to significantly reduce fat and sodium content.
High in Sodium and Calories: Beyond cholesterol, bhujia is often high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure, and is calorie-dense.
Read Labels: Always check the nutritional information on packaged snacks to make informed choices about fat, salt, and calorie content.

Does Bhujia Contain Dietary Cholesterol?

At its core, bhujia is a snack made primarily from gram flour (besan) and moth bean flour, along with various spices and condiments. Since these core ingredients are all plant-based, they naturally do not contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found only in animal products, such as meat, eggs, and dairy. A quick glance at the nutritional information for most packaged bhujia confirms a cholesterol count of 0mg per serving.

The Role of Frying in Bhujia's Fat Content

The concern surrounding bhujia and cholesterol stems not from its base ingredients, but from its preparation. Traditionally, and for most commercial versions, bhujia is deep-fried in vegetable oil. While the oil itself might be cholesterol-free, the process significantly impacts the snack's fat profile.

Deep-frying causes the bhujia to absorb a large amount of oil, drastically increasing its overall fat content. Additionally, repeatedly reusing the same oil for frying, a common practice, can lead to the formation of trans fats. Trans fats are particularly harmful as they not only raise bad (LDL) cholesterol levels but also lower good (HDL) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Even saturated fats, which are present in certain vegetable oils like palm oil, can contribute to elevated LDL cholesterol when consumed in excess.

The Impact of Bhujia on Your Cholesterol Levels

Consuming bhujia frequently and in large quantities can indirectly raise your blood cholesterol levels. The high intake of saturated and trans fats from the deep-frying process is a primary driver of this. A high-calorie, fat-laden diet, particularly one rich in deep-fried snacks, directly impacts your lipid profile, leading to an increase in LDL cholesterol. Over time, this buildup of plaque in your arteries can narrow and harden them, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which significantly increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Excessive consumption of deep-fried bhujia introduces unhealthy fats that negatively affect your lipid profile.
High saturated and trans fat content contributes to a rise in "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and a drop in "good" (HDL) cholesterol.
This process can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Healthier Alternatives and Mindful Consumption

Moderation is the key to enjoying bhujia without compromising your health. However, for those looking to make a healthier choice, several alternatives and preparation methods can mitigate the risks associated with deep-frying.

Baked or Roasted Bhujia: Some brands offer baked or air-fried versions of bhujia, which dramatically reduce the fat content by avoiding deep-frying. This process makes it a healthier snack option. Homemade versions can also be air-fried or baked for a similar effect.
Homemade Bhujia: Preparing bhujia at home allows you to control the type and quantity of oil used. You can opt for healthier oils like sunflower or canola oil, and use minimal amounts. Using natural, fresh ingredients also reduces the reliance on artificial preservatives.
Portion Control: Given its calorie density, practicing portion control is essential. Treat bhujia as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, and measure out a small portion rather than eating directly from the packet.

Comparison of Traditional vs. Healthier Bhujia


Feature	Traditional Deep-Fried Bhujia	Baked or Roasted Bhujia
Preparation Method	Deep-fried in oil (often reused)	Baked or air-fried with minimal oil
Trans Fat Content	Can be high, especially with reused oil	None to very low
Saturated Fat	High	Low to moderate, depending on oil choice
Calorie Count	Calorie-dense, around 500-600 kcal per 100g	Lower calorie count due to less oil
Nutritional Value	Calorie-dense, nutrient-poor	Better retention of nutrients due to lower temperature cooking
Impact on Cholesterol	Can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol	Minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Bhujia and Cholesterol

So, does bhujia have cholesterol? No, the base ingredients do not. However, the deep-frying method used in its production is the primary source of concern for cardiovascular health. This process introduces unhealthy saturated and trans fats that can lead to increased blood cholesterol levels, especially bad (LDL) cholesterol, when consumed regularly and in large amounts.

For those who love this savoury snack, the key is moderation. By limiting intake and opting for healthier alternatives like baked or homemade versions, you can enjoy bhujia without putting your cholesterol levels at risk. While bhujia offers some protein and fiber from its chickpea flour base, its high fat and sodium content should not be overlooked. As with most processed snacks, it's a treat to be enjoyed mindfully as part of a balanced diet, not a staple.

FAQs About Bhujia and Cholesterol

1. Can eating bhujia daily increase my cholesterol? Yes, eating bhujia daily, especially in large quantities, can significantly increase your bad (LDL) cholesterol due to the high saturated and trans fat content from the deep-frying process.

2. Is homemade bhujia better for cholesterol? Homemade bhujia is a healthier option because you can control the type and amount of oil used. Air-frying or baking can reduce fat content dramatically compared to traditional deep-frying.

3. Is there a bhujia that is free of trans fats? Some brands produce bhujia that is certified trans fat-free, while baked or roasted versions naturally have very low to no trans fats. Always check the nutritional label for confirmation.

4. What are some healthier snack alternatives to bhujia? Healthier alternatives include roasted chickpeas, nuts, seeds, air-popped popcorn, or homemade baked snacks that are not deep-fried.

5. Can bhujia cause high blood pressure? Yes, bhujia can contribute to high blood pressure because most commercial versions have a high sodium content, which can cause water retention and hypertension.

6. Is the cholesterol in bhujia from the oil or the ingredients? The base ingredients of bhujia are plant-based and contain no dietary cholesterol. The issue arises from the saturated and trans fats absorbed during the deep-frying process.

7. How can I enjoy bhujia while managing my cholesterol? Practice portion control, choose baked or air-fried versions, pair it with fiber-rich foods, and treat it as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have high cholesterol, it is best to consume bhujia in strict moderation or opt for healthier, baked alternatives to minimize the intake of unhealthy saturated and trans fats from the frying process.

Yes, healthier versions of bhujia are available, including baked or air-fried options that contain less oil and fewer unhealthy fats. Making bhujia at home also allows you to use healthier oil and reduce fat content.

Commercial bhujia is often fried in vegetable oils like cottonseed, corn, or palmolein oil, and sometimes partially hydrogenated fats which contain trans fats. The reuse of these oils can further increase the formation of trans fats.

Trans fats, created during the frying process, are particularly harmful to cholesterol levels. They raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol and lower HDL ("good") cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Not all packaged bhujia is equally unhealthy. While deep-fried varieties should be consumed sparingly due to high fat and sodium, some brands offer healthier, baked, or diabetic-friendly versions with lower fat and sodium content.

Excessive and prolonged consumption of deep-fried bhujia contributes to risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, but it does not cause the disease on its own.

To reduce the health impact, limit your serving size, consume it as an occasional treat, and balance your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.