How Many Calories Are in a French Macaron?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

While often viewed as an elegant and dainty treat, the number of calories in a French macaron can vary significantly depending on its size, filling, and preparation. On average, an authentic French macaron contains approximately 70 to 100 calories, making it a surprisingly modest indulgence compared to many other desserts. However, rich fillings like buttercream can easily double that count, so paying attention to the details is key.

Quick Summary

A typical French macaron ranges from 70 to 100 calories, with the precise amount fluctuating based on ingredients and filling type. Richer fillings, like buttercream, result in a higher calorie count compared to lighter ones such as fruit ganache. The final calorie total is also influenced by whether it is commercially produced or homemade.

Key Points

70-100 Calories Per Macaron: An authentic French macaron typically contains 70 to 100 calories, but this can vary.
Fillings Dictate Calorie Count: The filling, more than the shell, determines the total calories, with buttercream adding more than ganache or jam.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Calories can differ between homemade and store-bought macarons, often due to size and ingredient quality.
Macaron vs. Macaroon: The French macaron is distinct from the denser, higher-calorie coconut macaroon, which is an important distinction for nutritional purposes.
Make Healthier Choices: To lower the calorie intake, opt for macarons with fruit-based fillings rather than heavy, butter-based fillings.
Mindful Indulgence: Given their smaller size and diverse flavors, macarons can be a more controlled and mindful dessert option compared to larger pastries.

Macaron Calorie Breakdown: What's in a Bite?

Understanding the calorie count of a French macaron involves looking at its core components. A macaron is essentially composed of two almond-meringue shells sandwiched around a filling. The shells themselves, made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, contribute a consistent portion of the calories. The filling, however, is the main variable and can cause the total calorie count to swing widely.

The Shells: A Foundation of Almonds and Sugar

The delicate shell of a French macaron is made from two primary calorie sources: almond flour and sugar. The almonds provide a base of healthy fats and protein, while the sugar is the main source of carbohydrates. While individual recipes vary, the shell alone generally accounts for less than half of the total calories in a finished macaron. Some boutique bakeries use higher-quality almond flour or alternative sugars, which can subtly alter the nutritional profile, but the overall calorie impact remains relatively standard across most authentic recipes.

The Filling: Where the Calories Accumulate

The greatest impact on how many calories are in a French macaron comes from its filling. Traditional fillings like fruit jams and simple ganaches are on the lower end of the calorie spectrum. Conversely, fillings made with rich ingredients like buttercream or heavy cream will significantly increase the final calorie count.

Simple Ganache: Made from chocolate and cream, a ganache-filled macaron can keep the calorie count moderate. High-quality dark chocolate might even contribute antioxidants.
Buttercream: This rich filling, made with butter, powdered sugar, and flavorings, can push the calorie count of a single macaron to 150 calories or more.
Jams and Fruit Curds: These offer a lighter, fruit-forward filling. While they still contain sugar, they are typically less calorie-dense than buttercream.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Macarons: The Calorie Difference

The origin of your macaron—whether it’s from a small bakery or a large manufacturer—can also affect its calorie count. A small, handcrafted macaron from a local patisserie might have a simpler ingredient list, while mass-produced versions can contain preservatives and stabilizers that alter the nutritional breakdown.

Comparison of Calorie Counts


Macaron Type	Typical Calorie Range	Key Factors Affecting Calories
Authentic Parisian Macaron	70–90 calories	Smaller size, less filling, often filled with ganache or jam.
American-Style Macaron	100–160+ calories	Often larger and filled with rich buttercream, adding significant fat and sugar.
Assorted Store-Bought	50–133+ calories	Wide range due to variations in size and filling, from small light ones to larger, richer options.
Homemade Macarons	Varies widely	Depends entirely on the recipe and ingredients used. A classic recipe can be around 80 calories, but richer fillings can increase this.

Making a Health-Conscious Macaron Choice

For those watching their caloric intake, opting for a macaron with a fruit-based filling is a smart choice. If you're buying from a bakery, asking about the specific filling can provide insight. For home bakers, controlling the amount of sugar and fat in the filling is the easiest way to manage calories. Using a lighter ganache or fresh fruit purée instead of a heavy buttercream can satisfy your sweet tooth without the added guilt.

The Real Difference: Macaron vs. Macaroon

It's important to clarify the difference between a French macaron and its cousin, the coconut macaroon. A coconut macaroon is a dense, chewy drop cookie made from shredded coconut, egg whites, and sweetened condensed milk. Due to the high-fat content of coconut and the heavy sugar from condensed milk, macaroons are significantly higher in calories. While a French macaron may be around 80 calories, a typical coconut macaroon is over 100 calories and often substantially larger.

Conclusion: Savor with Consideration

In summary, how many calories are in a French macaron is not a fixed number but a range influenced by its composition. For a single, standard-sized French macaron, the calorie count typically falls between 70 and 100. By understanding how the filling and preparation style impact the total, you can make an informed and delicious decision. Whether a small bakery or an at-home recipe, the macaron remains a delightful and portion-controlled indulgence.

Optional Link

For more in-depth nutritional information on different types of food, including macarons, you can visit the comprehensive database provided by Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, traditional French macarons are naturally gluten-free as they are made with almond flour instead of wheat flour.

A macaron is a delicate, meringue-based sandwich cookie made with almond flour, while a macaroon is a denser, chewy mound-shaped cookie made primarily with shredded coconut.

To reduce calories, use a lighter filling like a fruit purée or simple ganache instead of a heavy buttercream. You can also slightly reduce the amount of sugar in the shells, but be careful not to compromise the meringue structure.

Yes, flavors can affect the calorie count due to the filling. For example, a chocolate or salted caramel macaron with a rich filling will have more calories than a raspberry or lemon macaron with a lighter, fruit-based filling.

Macarons should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best enjoyed within a few days. For the best taste and texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

While generally lower in calories than larger pastries, macarons are still a sugar-rich dessert. They contain a significant amount of sugar in both the shell and the filling.

Making significant substitutions in a classic macaron recipe is challenging, as the ingredients are crucial to its structure. However, controlling the filling and using high-quality ingredients can provide a healthier overall profile.