How Many Calories Are in 1 Kachori? A Complete Nutritional Guide

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

A single deep-fried moong dal kachori can contain around 195 calories, with over half of that energy coming from fat and carbohydrates. This illustrates why understanding exactly how many calories are in 1 kachori is essential for mindful eating, as the total can vary based on its ingredients and preparation method.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a kachori depends heavily on its filling, size, and whether it is deep-fried or prepared using a healthier method. Different variations, from spicy lentil-filled to sweet, possess distinct nutritional profiles.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A single kachori's calorie count can range from under 100 to over 300 kcal, depending significantly on its size, filling, and cooking method.
Deep-Frying Impact: Deep-frying is the primary reason for a kachori's high calorie count, as the pastry absorbs a large amount of oil.
Filling Matters: The choice of filling directly impacts calories; vegetable or lentil fillings are typically less calorific than potato-based ones.
Healthy Alternatives: Baking or air-frying kachoris significantly reduces the absorbed oil and fat content, resulting in a much healthier version.
Ingredient Swaps: Using whole wheat flour instead of refined maida and adding vegetable fillings increases the fiber and nutrient density.
Moderation is Key: Even with healthier modifications, practicing portion control is essential due to the inherent calorie density of kachoris.

Understanding the Calorie Count in a Kachori

Determining the precise calorie count for a single kachori is not straightforward because it depends on multiple variables, from the type of filling to the cooking method. The primary driver of a high-calorie count in traditional kachoris is deep-frying, which causes the pastry to absorb a substantial amount of oil. However, the choice of ingredients for both the crust and the filling also plays a crucial role.

Traditionally, a kachori is made with a crust of refined flour (maida) and filled with spiced lentils, potatoes, or onions. Maida itself is a refined carbohydrate with little fiber, contributing to the calorie density. The filling further influences the calorie count; while moong dal (split yellow lentils) provides some protein, a potato-based filling adds more carbohydrates. Street-food versions, in particular, are often larger and fried in oil that is reused multiple times, adding to both the calorie and unhealthy fat content. Packaged varieties, such as those from Haldiram's, have a standardized calorie count but can still be high due to preservation methods and ingredient choices.

The Calorie Breakdown of Different Kachori Types

The table below provides an approximation of the calories and macronutrients you can expect from different types of kachoris. Note that these are average figures and can change based on size and exact preparation.


Kachori Type	Approximate Calories per Piece	Key Nutritional Factors
Moong Dal Kachori	195 kcal	Contains protein from lentils; high fat due to deep-frying.
Khasta Kachori	164 kcal (50g)	Flaky crust often absorbs more oil; uses maida and spices.
Haldiram's Dal Kachori	260 kcal	Higher calorie count, potentially due to oil absorption and additives.
Standard Small Kachori	~83-154 kcal	Smaller size and varied fillings result in a lower range.
Raj Kachori (Loaded)	200-300 kcal+	The large size and multiple toppings like yogurt, chutneys, and sev contribute to a very high calorie count.

Beyond the Calories: A Closer Look at Macronutrients

While calories provide a general picture, examining the macronutrient breakdown offers deeper insight into a kachori's nutritional profile. A typical moong dal kachori, for instance, breaks down roughly into 11.46g fat, 18.8g carbohydrates, and 4.1g protein. This shows a high proportion of fat relative to protein, which is common for deep-fried snacks. Refined flour-based versions are generally high in carbohydrates and low in fiber, leading to a quick spike in blood sugar levels. Healthier versions using whole wheat flour and vegetable fillings improve the fiber content, contributing to a more balanced nutrient profile.

Healthier Kachori Preparation: Ways to Reduce Calories

If you enjoy kachori but are concerned about the high-calorie count, there are several simple and effective ways to make them healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Swap the Flour: Ditch the maida (all-purpose flour) for whole wheat flour (atta) or a mix of whole wheat and semolina (suji). This increases the fiber content, keeps you full longer, and reduces the glycemic index.
Embrace Healthier Fillings: While moong dal is a decent choice, you can boost the nutrient density by adding more vegetables. Incorporate fillings with carrots, peas, spinach, or paneer to increase vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Choose a Smarter Cooking Method: The easiest way to cut a significant number of calories is to avoid deep-frying. Baking or air-frying kachoris requires only a fraction of the oil and can still achieve a wonderfully crispy texture.
Mind the Toppings: For chaat-style kachoris, be mindful of high-sugar chutneys. Opt for fresh chutneys like pudina (mint) chutney over sweet tamarind chutney, and go for fresh vegetables and sprouts over excessive sev and sugary curd.
Practice Portion Control: Regardless of how healthily you prepare your kachoris, they remain a calorie-dense snack. Stick to one or two pieces to enjoy the taste without overindulging.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of how many calories are in 1 kachori has a complex answer, with estimates ranging from less than 100 to over 300 kcal depending on preparation. Traditional deep-fried kachoris, especially larger street-food or packaged varieties, are high in fat and calories. For those looking to enjoy this popular Indian snack guilt-free, simple modifications—such as air-frying, using healthier flour, and incorporating more vegetable fillings—are excellent strategies. Ultimately, enjoying kachori in moderation is key to balancing flavor and nutrition in your diet. For more ideas on making healthier versions, check out advice from reputable sources like NDTV Food.

A list of Healthy Kachori Fillings and their Benefits

Moong Dal: Provides a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
Green Peas (Mattar): Adds fiber and vitamins, along with a pleasant texture and natural sweetness.
Mixed Vegetables: Combining carrots, peas, and spinach significantly boosts the nutritional profile with extra vitamins and antioxidants.
Paneer (Cottage Cheese): Offers a protein-rich filling that makes the snack more substantial and reduces reliance on refined carbohydrates.
Sprouts: The addition of sprouts to chaat-style kachori provides fiber and a host of vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard deep-fried moong dal kachori typically contains around 195 calories, with most of these coming from fat and carbohydrates.

Calories can vary significantly. A smaller, plain kachori might have around 80-100 calories, while a large, loaded Raj Kachori could exceed 300 calories.

Yes, healthier versions can be made by baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying. Using whole wheat flour and low-fat fillings also helps reduce the calorie and fat content.

Deep-frying drastically increases a kachori's calorie count because the pastry dough absorbs a large amount of oil during the frying process.

The filling significantly impacts the calories. Lentil-based fillings are generally better than heavy, starchy potato fillings. Adding vegetables like peas or spinach can increase fiber and vitamins.

Packaged kachoris, like those from Haldiram's, have consistent nutrition information but are not necessarily lower in calories. For instance, a Haldiram's Dal Kachori contains 260 calories per piece, a high number for a small snack.

For a healthier homemade kachori, use whole wheat flour, stuff it with high-fiber ingredients like moong dal or mixed vegetables, and bake or air-fry it instead of deep-frying.