How Many Calories Are in a Chinese Takeout Eggroll?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a typical Chinese restaurant eggroll contains around 223 calories per piece, a number that can vary based on size and ingredients. So, how many calories are in a Chinese takeout eggroll, and why does this fluctuate? The answer lies in the preparation method and filling, which heavily influence the final nutritional content.

Quick Summary

A typical Chinese takeout eggroll contains around 223 calories due to its deep-fried nature and specific filling ingredients. This article explores the factors influencing an eggroll's calorie count, compares it to healthier alternatives like spring rolls, and provides tips for reducing calorie intake when enjoying Chinese takeout.

Key Points

Average Calorie Count: A standard deep-fried Chinese takeout eggroll contains approximately 223 calories per piece, but this can vary.
High in Fat and Carbs: The high calorie count is primarily due to the thick, wheat-based wrapper and the oil it absorbs during deep-frying.
Dipping Sauces Add Calories: Accompanying sauces like duck or sweet and sour can add a significant amount of sugar and calories.
Spring Rolls are Lighter: Fresh, non-fried spring rolls, wrapped in thin rice paper, are a considerably lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative.
Healthy Alternatives Exist: For a healthier option, consider making baked or air-fried eggrolls at home using lean protein and more vegetables.
Be Mindful of Portions: Limiting yourself to a single eggroll and balancing your meal with healthier items is a good strategy for calorie management.

Deciphering the Chinese Eggroll: A Calorie Breakdown

Most estimates place a standard Chinese takeout eggroll at approximately 220–250 calories. This deep-fried appetizer is a combination of a thick, doughy wrapper and a savory filling, typically including pork, shrimp, and shredded vegetables like cabbage and carrots. Understanding the calorie breakdown is essential for those monitoring their intake.

The Macronutrient Composition

Based on data from services like Nutritionix, the calorie breakdown for one eggroll is roughly:

44% Carbohydrates: 24g total carbohydrates, largely from the wheat-flour wrapper.
43% Fat: 11g total fat, primarily due to the deep-frying process in oil.
13% Protein: 7g of protein, contributed by the meat and vegetables in the filling.

Why Calorie Counts Fluctuate

Several factors can influence the final calorie count of a Chinese takeout eggroll:

Size: A larger eggroll will naturally contain more calories than a smaller one.
Filling: A filling with a higher proportion of fatty pork will be more calorie-dense than a vegetable-heavy one.
Wrapper: The thickness of the wheat-flour wrapper can significantly change the carb content.
Frying Oil: The type and amount of oil used in deep-frying, and how long the eggroll is fried, impacts its fat and calorie content.
Dipping Sauce: Many diners overlook the additional calories from sauces. A typical duck sauce or sweet and sour sauce can add 25-50 calories or more per serving, often with a high sugar content.

Eggrolls vs. Spring Rolls: A Nutritional Comparison

For those seeking a lighter appetizer, comparing a standard deep-fried eggroll with a fresh spring roll is illuminating. The preparation method is the key differentiator.

Comparison Table: Eggroll vs. Spring Roll


Feature	Chinese Takeout Eggroll	Fresh Vietnamese Spring Roll
Wrapper	Thick, wheat-based wrapper, deep-fried	Thin, translucent rice paper, not fried
Calories	~220-250 per piece (deep-fried)	~100-150 per piece (fresh)
Fat Content	Higher, due to deep-frying (~11g)	Lower, almost no added oil (~2g)
Filling	Typically contains meat (pork/shrimp) and cooked cabbage	Often vegetarian or with shrimp, filled with fresh herbs and raw vegetables
Texture	Crispy, chewy, often with a bumpy exterior	Light, soft, and delicate
Dipping Sauce	Often served with high-sugar sauces (sweet & sour, duck)	Often served with a lighter peanut or fish sauce

Lighter Eggroll Options and Healthy Takeout Habits

Enjoying Chinese takeout doesn't have to mean abandoning your diet. Making smart substitutions and modifications can help significantly reduce calorie counts.

Choose the Alternative: Opt for fresh spring rolls (sometimes called summer rolls) instead of eggrolls when available.
Bake or Air Fry: For homemade eggrolls, baking or using an air fryer can mimic the crispy texture without the excess oil. This can dramatically reduce the fat content.
Modify the Filling: A home-cooked eggroll can be filled with lean protein like chicken or turkey and a higher ratio of vegetables.
Be Mindful of Sauce: Ask for sauces on the side to control how much you use, or create your own healthier, low-sugar versions.
Control Portions: Instead of having multiple eggrolls, limit yourself to one and fill the rest of your plate with healthier options like steamed vegetables or brown rice.

Authoritative Resource on Healthy Cooking

For those interested in making healthier versions of their favorite dishes, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers extensive nutritional information and guidelines.

The Final Bite

While a single Chinese takeout eggroll may not derail your diet, it's a calorie-dense appetizer primarily due to the deep-frying method. Being aware of the nutritional details, opting for healthier alternatives like spring rolls, and controlling your intake of heavy sauces can help you make more informed choices when enjoying your next Chinese takeout meal.

Conclusion

In summary, a deep-fried Chinese takeout eggroll packs an average of 223 calories, with high fat and carb content from the wrapper and frying oil. This is a key factor to consider when managing dietary goals. Small adjustments, like choosing baked options or spring rolls, can significantly reduce the caloric impact while still allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine. Ultimately, moderation and making smart substitutions are the best strategies for a balanced approach to your favorite takeout.

The Calorie and Nutrient Equation

The classic preparation of deep-fried eggrolls is the primary reason for their high calorie content. The interplay between the thick dough wrapper and the oil it absorbs during cooking creates a delicious but calorically significant appetizer. This is why comparing it to a fresh, non-fried spring roll shows such a stark difference. Knowing where the calories come from empowers you to make choices that align with your health goals, whether that's enjoying a treat in moderation or seeking out a lighter version.

Frequently Asked Questions

While eggrolls contain some vegetables, they are not considered a 'healthy' food due to the deep-frying process, which makes them high in fat and calories.

A deep-fried eggroll contains significantly more calories (~220-250) than a fresh spring roll (~100-150), primarily because spring rolls are not fried.

Yes, the type of filling directly affects the calorie count. Eggrolls with fatty ground pork will have more calories than those with a higher ratio of vegetables.

To make a healthier version at home, you can bake or air-fry the eggrolls instead of deep-frying them. You can also use lean ground turkey and a higher proportion of vegetables in the filling.

Yes, many dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, are high in sugar and calories and can increase the total caloric load of your meal.

An average eggroll has a macronutrient breakdown of roughly 44% carbohydrates, 43% fat, and 13% protein, with the fat and carbs coming mostly from the fried wrapper.

Eggroll wrappers are typically thick, wheat-based, and fried, creating a bubbly texture. Spring roll wrappers are thinner, made of rice paper, and can be served fresh or lightly fried.