How many calories are in 200 grams of baby potatoes?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Baby potatoes, also known as new potatoes, typically contain fewer calories and starch compared to their larger, more mature counterparts. A 200-gram serving of these small, waxy spuds can be a nutritious and filling addition to a meal, with the exact calorie count varying depending on the preparation method.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content of 200 grams of baby potatoes and the factors influencing it, such as cooking method. It delves into the overall nutritional value, comparing baby potatoes to regular potatoes and providing healthy preparation tips to maximize their benefits.

Key Points

Moderate Calories: 200 grams of plain, boiled baby potatoes contain approximately 150-160 calories.
Preparation Matters: Cooking methods like boiling or steaming retain low calorie counts, while frying drastically increases them.
Nutrient-Dense Skin: The skin of baby potatoes is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so it's best to eat them unpeeled.
Resistant Starch Benefits: Cooking and cooling potatoes increases their resistant starch content, which supports gut health.
Weight Management Aid: Baby potatoes have a high satiety index, helping you feel full and potentially aiding in weight management.
Rich in Potassium: They are an excellent source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Naturally Gluten-Free: A safe carbohydrate option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Baby potatoes are often underestimated in a healthy diet, but they offer a wealth of nutrients and a moderate caloric intake. Knowing how many calories are in 200 grams of baby potatoes is a fundamental part of mindful eating, and understanding how cooking affects this number is key to making informed dietary choices.

Caloric and Nutritional Breakdown of Baby Potatoes

A 200-gram portion of plain, unadorned baby potatoes is a surprisingly low-calorie option for a starchy vegetable. The nutritional profile is primarily composed of carbohydrates, with minimal fat, and provides a decent amount of protein. However, the real value lies in their rich content of vitamins and minerals. The thin skin of baby potatoes is particularly packed with nutrients, making it beneficial to consume them unpeeled.

The Impact of Cooking Method on Calories

Preparation plays a crucial role in determining the final calorie count and nutritional value of your baby potatoes. Frying adds significant fat and calories, while baking, steaming, or boiling keeps the calorie count low.

Boiling or Steaming: This is the healthiest method, as it doesn't require added fats. Some water-soluble nutrients might be lost, but much of the goodness is retained, especially when cooked with the skin on.
Baking or Roasting: A light coating of oil, such as avocado or olive oil, can add flavor while keeping the dish relatively healthy. This method also helps to retain resistant starch, which benefits gut health and blood sugar control.
Frying: Deep-frying dramatically increases the calorie and fat content, as the potatoes absorb the cooking oil. This method should be used sparingly if weight management is a goal.

Baby Potatoes vs. Regular Potatoes: A Nutritional Comparison

Many people wonder how baby potatoes stack up against their full-sized counterparts. The truth is, while they are similar nutritionally, there are a few key differences worth noting.


Feature	Baby Potatoes (New Potatoes)	Regular Potatoes (Mature)
Starch Content	Lower starch content, contributing to a waxy texture.	Higher starch content, resulting in a fluffier texture when cooked.
Calories	Often slightly fewer calories per serving, especially when considering the higher moisture content.	Higher in calories and carbohydrates per equal weight compared to new potatoes.
Moisture Content	Higher moisture content due to being harvested earlier.	Lower moisture content due to being fully matured.
Vitamins & Minerals	Excellent source of Vitamin C and potassium, particularly in the skin.	Good source of B vitamins, magnesium, and iron.
Culinary Use	Ideal for boiling, steaming, or roasting, holding their shape well.	Best for mashing, baking, and frying due to their starchy nature.

Health Benefits Beyond the Calorie Count

Beyond their caloric value, baby potatoes offer several health benefits.

Rich in Nutrients: They are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, and antioxidants, which are crucial for overall health.
Digestive Health: Potatoes contain resistant starch, particularly when cooked and cooled, which acts as a prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Regulates Blood Pressure: The high potassium content helps to regulate blood pressure and counter the effects of sodium.
Weight Management: Their filling nature, known as a high satiety index, can help you feel full for longer, which can be beneficial for weight management.
Gluten-Free: Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them a safe and healthy carbohydrate option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Baby Potatoes into a Healthy Diet

Integrating baby potatoes into your diet is easy and delicious. Here are a few ideas:

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Herbs: Toss 200g of baby potatoes with a small amount of olive oil, rosemary, and thyme. Roast until golden and crispy for a flavorful side dish.
Potato Salad (Healthy Version): Use boiled and cooled baby potatoes in a salad with a light vinaigrette dressing instead of a heavy, mayonnaise-based one.
Pan-Fried with Garlic and Sesame: Sauté boiled baby potatoes with garlic and sesame seeds for a quick and flavorful side dish.
Simple Steamed Side: A simple side of steamed baby potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh chives is an elegant and healthy option for any meal.

Conclusion

In summary, 200 grams of plain, cooked baby potatoes is a nutritious and low-calorie food choice, averaging around 150-160 calories. However, the preparation method is a major factor that can significantly alter the calorie and fat content. By opting for healthier cooking methods like boiling, steaming, or light roasting, and enjoying them with the skin on, you can maximize their nutritional benefits. Baby potatoes are not just a simple starch; they are a versatile vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and resistant starch, making them a valuable part of a balanced diet.

Check out more healthy recipes and tips at Healthline

Frequently Asked Questions

Baby potatoes, also called new potatoes, are harvested earlier and contain more moisture and less starch than mature potatoes, often resulting in slightly fewer calories per serving. However, both varieties offer a range of essential nutrients, and the main determinant of healthiness is the cooking method and what is added to them.

Boiling can cause some water-soluble nutrients, such as Vitamin C, to leach into the water. However, boiling with the skin on and not for an excessively long time can help mitigate these losses. For most nutrient retention, steaming or baking is a slightly better option.

Yes, when prepared correctly, baby potatoes can be part of a healthy weight loss diet. They are filling due to their high satiety index, helping to curb hunger. To keep the calorie count low, opt for boiling, steaming, or roasting with minimal added oil, and avoid deep-frying.

Resistant starch is a type of starch that is not fully digested in the small intestine. Instead, it travels to the large intestine where it feeds beneficial gut bacteria. It has been linked to improved blood sugar control, better digestive health, and can be increased by cooking and then cooling potatoes.

Roasted baby potatoes are typically higher in calories than boiled ones because they are usually prepared with added oil. The amount of oil used directly correlates to the increase in calories. Boiling or steaming adds no extra fat.

Baby potatoes are a good source of several micronutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and potassium. They also contain smaller amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals, many of which are concentrated in the skin.

To maximize nutritional benefits, steam or boil them with the skin on. A light roast with a heart-healthy oil like olive or avocado oil is also a great option. Pair them with fresh herbs, garlic, or a light vinaigrette to enhance flavor without adding excessive calories.