How many calories are in 1 sukha bhel?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a typical plate of sukha bhel can range from approximately 120 to over 200 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size. Understanding how many calories are in 1 sukha bhel requires looking at the components, from puffed rice to sev and chutneys.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single serving of sukha bhel varies significantly based on ingredients and portion size. This guide details the nutritional breakdown, factors influencing the calorie count, and offers tips for preparing a healthier version.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A typical plate of sukha bhel contains between 120 and 204 calories, but this can vary significantly based on ingredients and portion size.
Ingredient Impact: The calorie count is most affected by fried elements like sev and papdi; a homemade version with more vegetables and less oil is healthier.
Lighter Chaat Option: Compared to other popular chaats like sev puri or dahi puri, sukha bhel is generally a lower-calorie choice due to minimal use of wet chutneys and yogurt.
Homemade is Healthier: Making sukha bhel at home gives you control over ingredients, allowing you to increase veggies and reduce fried components to lower the overall calorie count.
Add Nutrients, Not Just Calories: Boost fiber and protein by adding healthy components like sprouts or roasted chana to make the snack more filling without drastically increasing the calorie load.
Manage Portions: Since serving sizes can differ, be mindful of your portion size to accurately track the calorie intake.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Sukha Bhel

Sukha bhel, a popular Indian street food, is known for its dry, crunchy texture and spicy, tangy flavors. Unlike its saucier counterpart, bhel puri, sukha bhel uses minimal wet chutneys, which significantly impacts its calorie profile. However, the exact number of calories can fluctuate widely. Various sources provide different estimates, primarily because serving sizes and ingredient proportions differ. For instance, a 100-gram serving might contain around 114 calories, while a larger, standard plate could easily reach 204 calories. This discrepancy highlights the importance of considering the specific recipe when tracking your intake.

Core Ingredients and Their Calorie Contributions

The calorie content of sukha bhel is a sum of its parts. By understanding the nutritional value of each component, you can better estimate the total. The base is typically puffed rice (murmura), which is relatively low in calories and fat. However, the total can be significantly increased by the addition of higher-calorie ingredients such as:

Sev: The crispy, fried chickpea flour noodles add a considerable amount of fat and calories.
Papdi: Fried flour discs, similar to sev, boost the calorie count and provide a satisfying crunch.
Roasted Peanuts: While a good source of healthy fats and protein, peanuts are also calorie-dense.
Boiled Potatoes: Often added for texture and bulk, potatoes contribute carbohydrates and some calories.
Chutneys and Spices: Although used sparingly in sukha bhel, the oil used in some dry chutneys can add extra calories.

Factors That Influence the Final Calorie Count

Several factors can swing the calorie count of your sukha bhel from a light snack to a more substantial meal. Knowing these variables allows for better control over your portion and intake.

Portion Size: This is the most significant factor. A small bowl from a vendor might be less than 150 calories, while a large homemade serving could exceed 250 calories.
Added Sev and Papdi: The more fried elements included, the higher the fat and calorie content. Opting for less sev or skipping the papdi can make a big difference.
Inclusion of Chana: Adding roasted chana (chickpeas) can increase protein and fiber, but also contributes to the total calories.
Homemade vs. Store-bought Mix: Ready-made bhel mixes often contain more fried components and preservatives. A homemade version allows you to control all ingredients and reduce oil.
Choice of Vegetables: Adding extra onions, tomatoes, and herbs adds bulk and nutrients with minimal calories, making the dish more filling and healthy.

A Calorie Comparison: Sukha Bhel vs. Other Chaats

Comparing sukha bhel to other popular chaat items can help put its calorie count into perspective, especially for those watching their weight. Here is a general comparison based on typical servings.


Chaat Item	Typical Calorie Range (per serving)	Primary Calorie Contributors
Sukha Bhel	120-204 calories	Puffed rice, sev, papdi, peanuts
Sev Puri	150-250 calories	Fried puris, sev, chutneys
Pani Puri	100-150 calories	Fried puris, spiced water, potatoes
Dahi Puri	200-300 calories	Fried puris, yogurt, chutneys

As the table shows, sukha bhel is often one of the lighter chaat options, primarily because it omits or minimizes the high-calorie chutneys and yogurt found in other varieties.

How to Make a Healthier Sukha Bhel

For those who love the flavors but want to cut down on calories, a healthier sukha bhel is an achievable goal. By making a few simple modifications, you can enjoy this snack guilt-free.

Reduce the oil-heavy elements. Use less sev or opt for the baked, not fried, variety. Skip the papdi entirely.
Increase the fresh vegetables. Load up on chopped onions, tomatoes, raw mango, and fresh coriander. This boosts fiber and volume without adding many calories.
Add protein and fiber. Incorporate roasted chana, sprouts, or boiled moong dal for extra nutrients that help keep you full.
Use a lighter dry chutney. Create a dry masala mix with spices like roasted cumin powder, chili powder, and black salt instead of relying on heavy pre-packaged chutneys.
Control the portion size. Serve in a small bowl to manage how much you consume in one sitting.

Conclusion: Enjoying Sukha Bhel Mindfully

So, how many calories are in 1 sukha bhel? The answer is not a single number but a range, typically between 120 and 204 kcal for an average portion, depending heavily on the ingredients and serving size. While traditionally a fairly light snack compared to other chaats, its caloric value is influenced by the amount of fried sev and papdi included. For the most calorie-conscious option, prepare a homemade version, emphasize fresh vegetables, and go light on the deep-fried additions. By controlling these factors, you can enjoy the delicious, crunchy, and tangy flavors of sukha bhel as a part of a balanced diet.

Visit Tarla Dalal for detailed nutritional information on many Indian recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, sukha bhel can be a relatively healthy snack for weight loss, especially if prepared with fewer fried components like sev and papdi, and more fresh vegetables. Puffed rice is low in calories, and adding sprouts can boost protein and fiber.

Sukha bhel is typically lower in calories than regular bhel puri because it uses minimal wet chutneys, which often contain oil and sugar. Regular bhel puri includes sweet and tangy chutneys that increase the overall calorie and sugar content.

To reduce calories, use less sev and skip the papdi. Increase the quantity of low-calorie ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and coriander. You can also add sprouts and roasted chana for a protein and fiber boost.

Adding a moderate amount of boiled potato adds some calories and carbohydrates, but it also makes the snack more substantial and filling. The calorie impact is less than adding more fried items like sev or papdi.

Yes, traditional sukha bhel is already vegan as it contains no animal products. Its ingredients are plant-based, including puffed rice, vegetables, spices, and a dry chutney.

According to some sources, a 100-gram serving of sukha bhel contains approximately 114 kcal. However, this can vary based on the specific recipe and the ratio of puffed rice to other ingredients.

A medium bowl (around 30g) of sukha bhel can be as low as 49 kcal, as indicated by some recipes focusing on low-fat ingredients. However, a standard-sized plate is more likely to be in the 120-204 calorie range.