How many calories are in 1 khasta?

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

One khasta kachori can contain anywhere from 110 to over 200 calories, a wide range that depends heavily on its size, ingredients, and cooking method. Given this variability, understanding the factors that influence the calorie count is essential for anyone tracking their dietary intake. To find out how many calories are in 1 khasta, you must first identify the specific type and preparation method.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single khasta varies significantly depending on whether it's a kachori or mathri, and how it is prepared. Deep-frying substantially increases fat and calories, while baking or using different flour can reduce them. Portion control and healthier cooking alternatives are key for those managing their calorie intake.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in 1 khasta can vary widely (e.g., 40-200+ kcal) depending on the specific type, size, and preparation method.
Kachori is Higher in Calories: A deep-fried khasta kachori is significantly more calorie-dense (150-200 kcal) than a mini khasta namkeen mathri (40-50 kcal) due to its larger size and filling.
Frying vs. Baking: The cooking method is a primary determinant of calories. Deep-frying causes heavy oil absorption, while baking or air-frying can drastically lower the fat and calorie content.
Homemade Offers Control: Making khasta at home allows for better control over ingredients, enabling healthier choices like whole wheat flour and less oil, unlike many commercial versions.
Moderation is Key: Because khasta snacks are typically high in refined carbs and unhealthy fats from frying, they are best enjoyed in moderation, especially for weight management.
Healthy Alternatives Exist: For a similar crunchy fix with fewer calories, consider opting for roasted makhana (fox nuts) or whole wheat khakhra.

What is Khasta?

"Khasta" is a term used in Indian cuisine that means flaky or crispy. It commonly refers to two popular snacks: khasta kachori and khasta namkeen mathri. The calorie count for one khasta varies drastically depending on which snack it is and how it was made. Khasta kachori is a deep-fried, stuffed pastry, whereas khasta namkeen mathri is a flaky, cracker-like snack, and both have very different nutritional profiles.

Calorie Breakdown by Khasta Type

The most significant factor in determining the calorie content is the type of khasta. A single khasta kachori, which is a larger, dough-covered and filled item, will have a much higher calorie count than a single, smaller namkeen mathri.

Khasta Kachori

Deep-fried khasta kachori: A single, medium-sized khasta kachori (40-50 grams) is reported to have between 110 and 200 calories or more. The final number is influenced by the type of flour used (refined flour is common) and the amount of oil absorbed during deep-frying. A larger, street-style kachori can be even higher in calories.
Baked khasta kachori: To reduce the calorie count, some recipes opt for baking instead of deep-frying. This can significantly decrease the fat and overall calories per kachori. For example, a baked version could have around 140-150 calories for the same size.

Khasta Namkeen Mathri

Deep-fried mathri: For the smaller, cracker-like khasta mathri, the calorie count is much lower per piece. Estimates place a single mini mathri at around 40-50 calories. However, since these are eaten in multiples, the calories can add up quickly.
Homemade vs. store-bought: The type and quality of oil, as well as ingredients, vary between homemade and commercial products. Some commercial mathris are made with hydrogenated vegetable oil, adding unhealthy trans fats. Homemade versions allow for healthier oil choices.

How Ingredients and Preparation Affect Calories

The total calories in a single khasta are determined by several key components:

Flour: Refined flour (maida) is the traditional choice for its flaky texture but offers minimal fiber. Switching to whole wheat flour can increase fiber content and slightly change the calorie profile.
Fat (Oil/Ghee): This is the largest calorie contributor. Deep-frying causes the pastry to absorb a significant amount of oil. Using ghee can also affect the final count. Air-frying or baking dramatically reduces the amount of fat and calories per serving.
Stuffing: For kachoris, the filling matters. A moong dal or besan (gram flour) stuffing is common. The proportion of the filling to the pastry shell affects the nutritional balance and total calories.
Portion Size: A small, mini mathri has far fewer calories than a large, street-food style khasta kachori. Awareness of your portion size is crucial for calorie management.

Comparing Khasta to Other Indian Snacks

To put the calorie count of a khasta into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other popular Indian snacks. This comparison highlights why fried snacks like kachori should be consumed in moderation, especially for weight management.


Snack Item	Average Calories (per piece/serving)	Key Calorie Driver	Healthier Alternative?
Khasta Kachori (medium)	~150-200 kcal	Deep-frying oil, refined flour	Baked khasta, roasted chana
Khasta Namkeen Mathri (mini)	~40-50 kcal	Deep-frying oil, refined flour	Roasted makhana, whole wheat khakhra
Samosa (medium)	~150-200 kcal	Deep-frying oil, potato filling	Steamed momos, baked samosa
Paneer Pakora (100g)	~300 kcal	Deep-frying oil, gram flour batter	Air-fried paneer cubes
Dhokla (100g)	~160 kcal	Gram flour, oil tempering	Low-calorie, steamed snack
Whole Wheat Khakhra (1 piece)	~35-40 kcal	Whole wheat, low oil roasting	N/A (already healthy)

Healthier Khasta Alternatives

For those who love the crispy texture but want a healthier option, several alternatives exist:

Baking or Air-Frying: The simplest way to reduce calories is to avoid deep-frying. Baking khasta kachoris or mathris with a brush of oil can cut fat significantly.
Whole Wheat Flour: Swapping refined flour with whole wheat flour adds fiber, which improves satiety and digestion. Baked khakhra is a great example of this.
Nutrient-Dense Snacks: Replace khasta with naturally crispy and healthy snacks like roasted makhana (fox nuts), roasted chana (chickpeas), or homemade savory popcorn. These alternatives offer crunch without the heavy calories from frying.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in 1 khasta? The answer depends on what you mean by "khasta." For a standard khasta kachori, expect around 150-200 calories, while a single mini khasta mathri will be closer to 40-50 calories. The deep-frying process is the main culprit behind the high calorie count, making healthier alternatives like baking or choosing different snacks an excellent strategy for mindful eating. By understanding the composition and preparation methods, you can make informed choices to enjoy these traditional snacks in moderation.

Optional Outbound Link

To learn more about the nutritional value of Indian food and for healthy alternatives, consult resources like Tarla Dalal's website, which offers detailed nutritional breakdowns for many dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medium-sized khasta kachori and a medium samosa have a very similar calorie count, generally falling within the 150-200 kcal range. Both are deep-fried snacks, and their calorie content largely depends on size, filling, and how they are prepared.

A single mini khasta mathri is relatively low in calories, around 40-50 kcal. However, they are often consumed in larger quantities, which can cause the calorie count to add up quickly. Portions should be carefully monitored.

The deep-frying process is the main contributor to the high-calorie count in khasta, as the pastry absorbs a significant amount of oil during cooking. Using refined flour also contributes to the calorie density.

Yes, you can make a healthier khasta by baking or air-frying it instead of deep-frying. This reduces the amount of absorbed oil. Using whole wheat flour and controlling oil quantity are other effective strategies.

Yes, the type and amount of filling can affect the calorie count. A filling primarily made of moong dal and spices, without excessive oil, can be lighter than a potato-heavy filling. However, the deep-fried outer shell remains the largest source of calories.

Genuinely healthy alternatives include roasted chana (chickpeas), roasted makhana (fox nuts), and baked whole wheat khakhra. These options provide a satisfying crunch with much lower fat and more nutrients.

To reduce calories, try using whole wheat flour instead of refined flour, baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying, and using minimal oil for kneading the dough. Experiment with different spices to maintain flavor without added fat.