How many calories are in 4 fishcakes?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Four standard store-bought fishcakes typically contain approximately 411 calories. However, the exact number of calories in 4 fishcakes can vary widely depending on their size, ingredients, and preparation method.

Quick Summary

A serving of 4 fishcakes varies significantly in caloric content. Factors such as ingredients, preparation method, and size determine the total energy.

Key Points

Significant Variation: The calories in 4 fishcakes range from approximately 280 to over 800.
Cooking Method is Key: Frying fishcakes can double or triple the calorie count compared to baking or grilling due to oil absorption.
Ingredient Matters: Fishcakes made with lean white fish and less potato/breading are lower in calories.
Read Labels: Store-bought nutrition labels provide the most accurate count; a 4-pack can contain around 411 calories.
Healthy Alternatives: Baking, using an air fryer, and incorporating vegetables can significantly reduce the caloric value of fishcakes.

Understanding precisely how many calories are in 4 fishcakes requires looking beyond a single number. Fishcakes are a popular dish globally, but their composition can differ dramatically, impacting their nutritional profile. A serving of four fishcakes might contain anywhere from 280 to over 800 calories, primarily influenced by whether they are baked or fried, the type of fish used, and the other ingredients included, such as potato, breadcrumbs, or sauces.

The Caloric Range of Fishcakes

The calorie count for fishcakes is not static. A single, typical fishcake can contain between 70 and 241 calories, depending on its ingredients and preparation.

Factors Influencing Calorie Content

Several key factors determine the final calorie count for a serving of fishcakes:

Cooking Method: Frying fishcakes in oil significantly increases the fat and calorie content compared to baking, grilling, or air-frying. Oil absorption is a major contributor to calories.
Ingredients: Ingredients like mashed potato, breadcrumbs, and binders add carbohydrates. The type of fish (lean vs. fatty) and additions like cheese or creamy sauces also play a role.
Size and Weight: Naturally, four larger fishcakes will have more calories than four smaller ones. Serving sizes can range from 50g to over 100g per cake.
Type: Traditional British fishcakes (fish and potato in batter) differ from Asian fishcakes (minced fish paste, often low-fat like Kamaboko) or Thai fishcakes (mixed with spices and sometimes fried).

Comparison Table: Calories in 4 Fishcakes (Estimated)

The following table provides estimated calorie ranges for a serving of four fishcakes based on common types and preparation methods. These values are approximate and can vary by brand and recipe.


Type of Fishcake	Preparation Method	Estimated Calories (per single fishcake)	Estimated Calories (per 4 fishcakes)
Store-bought, Breaded/Fried	Fried (or oven-baked with oil)	160 - 220	640 - 880
Store-bought, Lean Fish	Oven-baked/Grilled	90 - 130	360 - 520
Homemade (Potato & Cod)	Baked with minimal oil	100 - 150	400 - 600
Thai Fishcakes (Tod Mun Pla)	Fried	150 - 200	600 - 800
Japanese Fish Cake (Kamaboko)	Steamed/Processed (low fat)	30 - 50	120 - 200

Nutritional Breakdown of a Four-Fishcake Serving

Beyond calories, fishcakes offer valuable nutrients, primarily protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, depending on the fish. A typical serving of four fishcakes (approximately 340-400g) might contain:

Total Fat: 8g - 25g (Higher if fried)
Protein: 20g - 30g
Carbohydrates: 30g - 50g (From potato and breading)
Sodium: Can be high, often over 1000mg in four fishcakes.

Tips for Making Lower-Calorie Fishcakes

For those managing calorie intake, consider these methods to reduce the energy density of fishcakes:

Choose Lean Fish: Opt for white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock over fattier varieties, although fatty fish provides beneficial Omega-3s.
Reduce Potato: Replace some potato with lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower mash or zucchini.
Bake or Air-Fry: Avoid deep-frying. Baking with a light spray of oil or using an air fryer yields a crispy texture with significantly fewer calories.
Light Binders: Use minimal breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed high-fiber cereal or oats.

Conclusion

To determine precisely how many calories are in 4 fishcakes, you must consider the specific type and preparation. While a general estimate for a standard serving is around 400-600 calories, variations exist. Homemade and baked fishcakes are generally lower in calories than their store-bought, fried counterparts, making them a healthier option for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Four fried fishcakes, especially store-bought or chip-shop style, can contain between 600 and 900 calories due to the high oil absorption during the frying process.

Four homemade fishcakes, when baked or grilled and made with lean fish and limited binders, typically contain between 300 and 500 calories.

Fishcakes can be a healthy option, particularly if they are baked and contain a high ratio of fish to potato. They provide protein and essential nutrients, but watch out for high sodium and fat in commercial versions.

A single fishcake can range widely from 70 calories (for a small, lean, steamed fishcake) to over 240 calories (for a large, fried, breaded fishcake).

Thai fishcakes (Tod Mun Pla) can be high in calories if fried, often similar to or higher than British fishcakes depending on the recipe, as they sometimes contain sugar and curry paste in addition to fish paste.

You can reduce calories by baking instead of frying, using more fish and fewer potatoes, and choosing wholemeal breadcrumbs or oats for binding instead of white flour.

The main sources of calories in most fishcakes are carbohydrates from potatoes and breadcrumbs, and fats from cooking oil or added sauces/binders. The fish itself is usually a leaner protein source.