How Many Calories Are in 100 Grams of Vada?

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for 100 grams of vada is not fixed and can range significantly, with some versions, like Medu Vada, exceeding 300 kcal, while others, like Dahi Vada, are substantially lower. This variation depends heavily on the main ingredients and, most importantly, the cooking process.

Quick Summary

The calories in 100g of vada vary widely by type and preparation, with popular versions like Medu Vada and Sabudana Vada being calorie-dense due to deep-frying.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for 100g of vada is not standard and can range from approximately 217 kcal to over 370 kcal, depending on the type.
Medu Vada: Medu Vada, made from urad dal, typically contains around 309 kcal per 100g due to deep-frying and the lentil base.
Dal Vada: Dal Vada, often made from chana dal, is slightly less calorie-dense, with approximately 230 kcal per 100g.
Sabudana Vada: Sabudana Vada is very high in carbohydrates, leading to a calorie count of around 282-315 kcal per 100g.
Preparation Method is Key: Deep-frying is the main factor increasing vada's calorie count; alternatives like baking or air-frying can significantly reduce oil absorption.
Healthier Alternatives: Baking or air-frying vada can be a lower-calorie option, allowing for mindful consumption.
Dahi Vada: Soaking vada in yogurt reduces the overall calorie density, with a 100g portion around 242 kcal.

The Surprising Calorie Variation in Vada

Many people are curious about the nutritional content of their favorite Indian snacks. When it comes to vada, a single number for its caloric value is misleading because the term refers to a category of savory fritters rather than a single recipe. The primary factors that influence the total calories are the main ingredient, whether it's lentils, semolina, or sago, and the cooking method employed. Deep-frying is particularly impactful, as the vada's batter absorbs a significant amount of oil during cooking, dramatically increasing the fat and calorie content. To understand the true nutritional impact, one must look at the specific type of vada being consumed.

Calorie Count for Different Vada Types

Medu Vada (Urad Dal)

Typically made from a batter of ground urad dal (black gram), Medu Vada is a popular South Indian snack. A 100-gram serving of Medu Vada is generally very calorie-dense due to deep-frying. One source lists Medu Vada at approximately 309 kcal per 100g. These calories come primarily from carbohydrates in the lentils and the oil absorbed during frying. It is also a good source of protein due to the urad dal base.

Dal Vada (Mixed Dal / Chana Dal)

Dal Vada can be made from a variety of lentils, including chana dal (split chickpeas) or a mix of dals. The calorie count for a 100g portion is somewhat lower than Medu Vada. Search results indicate a value around 230 kcal per 100g for Dal Vada. This difference is largely influenced by the type of dal used and the recipe variations, including spices and herbs added to the mix. Despite being deep-fried, the composition of Dal Vada can result in a different nutritional outcome.

Sabudana Vada (Sago)

Popular during fasts, Sabudana Vada is made from soaked tapioca pearls (sago), mashed potatoes, and peanuts. A 100-gram portion is quite high in calories, mostly from the high carbohydrate content of the sago and the fat from deep-frying. A commercial version lists about 315 kcal per 100g, while another source shows a value of 282 kcal. The inclusion of peanuts adds both calories and fat, further contributing to the total energy value.

Dahi Vada (Vada Soaked in Yogurt)

Dahi Vada is a preparation where vadas are soaked in a creamy, spiced yogurt. The vadas themselves are typically made from a lentil batter. The total calorie count for 100 grams is generally lower compared to the standalone deep-fried varieties, sitting at around 242 kcal. The addition of yogurt and sauces modifies the nutritional profile, providing probiotics and a different balance of macronutrients.

Vada Calorie Comparison Table (Per 100g)


Vada Type	Calories (Approx.)	Carbohydrates (Approx.)	Protein (Approx.)	Fat (Approx.)
Medu Vada	309 kcal	25-41g	8-10g	6-8g
Dal Vada	230 kcal	6-31g	2-12g	4-7g
Sabudana Vada	282-315 kcal	32-35g	4g	19-20g
Dahi Vada	242 kcal	7g	2g	4g

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific recipes and preparation methods.

Nutritional Considerations and Healthier Options

For those monitoring their calorie and fat intake, vada is a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. The deep-frying process is the most significant contributor to the high energy count. However, there are ways to make this popular snack healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Lighter Vada Alternatives

Air-fried or Baked Vada: Instead of deep-frying, cooking vada in an air fryer or oven can drastically cut down on the absorbed oil and, consequently, the calories. A baked sabudana cutlet, for instance, contains significantly fewer calories than its deep-fried counterpart.
Pan-fried Vada: Using a non-stick pan with minimal oil can be a good middle-ground solution, providing a crispy texture with less fat.
Use More Vegetables: Incorporating more finely chopped vegetables into the batter can increase fiber and nutrient content while slightly reducing the need for other calorie-dense ingredients.

Other Nutritional Aspects

Despite being calorie-dense, vada, especially those made from lentils, can offer some nutritional benefits. They are often a good source of protein and some minerals from the dal. However, these benefits should be balanced against the high fat and sodium content typically found in the deep-fried versions. For a more complete nutritional profile, vadas are often paired with vegetable-rich sambar or fresh chutney, which adds vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question "How many calories are in 100 grams of vada?" has no single answer. The calorie content is highly dependent on the type of vada, its main ingredients, and how it is prepared. Medu Vada and Sabudana Vada generally exceed 280 kcal per 100g, primarily due to deep-frying. Dal Vada and Dahi Vada tend to be slightly lower. For health-conscious individuals, opting for baked or air-fried versions is an excellent way to enjoy this delicious snack with fewer calories. As with any food, portion control is key to fitting vada into a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vada is not inherently unhealthy, but its traditional preparation method of deep-frying makes it very calorie-dense and high in fat. Choosing healthier cooking methods like baking or air-frying and controlling portion sizes can make it a suitable part of a balanced diet.

The calories in a single medu vada can vary depending on its size and recipe. However, based on available data, one piece of medu vada (around 30-40g) is estimated to contain between 97 and 135 calories.

Among the common preparations, Dahi Vada is generally the lowest in calories, with around 242 kcal per 100g. The soaking in yogurt reduces its fat density compared to its deep-fried counterparts.

To reduce calories in homemade vada, you can use alternative cooking methods such as air-frying or baking instead of deep-frying. This minimizes the amount of oil absorbed by the vada.

While different dals have slightly different nutritional profiles, the primary factor affecting vada calories is the deep-frying process and the amount of oil absorbed, not just the type of lentil used.

The macronutrients in vada typically consist of a high percentage of carbohydrates from the base ingredient (lentils or sago) and a high amount of fat due to deep-frying. It also contains a moderate amount of protein from the dal.

Based on per 100g values, sabudana vada (at around 282-315 kcal) and medu vada (around 309 kcal) are quite similar in overall calories. However, sabudana vada gets more of its calories from carbohydrates, whereas medu vada has a higher protein content.