How many calories are in a Hawaiian hot dog bun?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for a single Hawaiian sweet hot dog bun can range from 130 to 140 calories, depending on the brand and size. While known for their fluffy texture and touch of sweetness, this value can vary slightly, so checking the nutritional label is always the best practice.

Quick Summary

This article details the specific calorie content of Hawaiian hot dog buns, including variations by brand. It breaks down the macronutrient composition and compares it to traditional buns. The guide also offers strategies for incorporating these buns into a balanced diet and lists different options available on the market.

Key Points

Typical Calorie Count: A Hawaiian hot dog bun generally has 130-140 calories per bun, depending on the brand and specific recipe.
Higher in Sugar: Due to their sweet flavor, these buns contain more sugar than traditional white or whole-grain hot dog buns.
Brand Variations: King's Hawaiian buns usually contain around 130 calories, while other brands like Lewis Bake Shop might have up to 140 calories per bun.
Nutrient Comparison: Compared to other buns, Hawaiian varieties are richer in sugar and often lower in fiber, though calorie counts can be similar.
Moderation is Key: Enjoy Hawaiian buns in moderation and balance your meal with high-fiber, low-calorie toppings and leaner proteins to mitigate their nutritional impact.
DIY Control: For full control over ingredients and calorie content, consider making your own Hawaiian-style buns at home.

Hawaiian Hot Dog Bun Calorie Breakdown by Brand

When you're counting calories, it's important to recognize that not all Hawaiian hot dog buns are created equal. The exact number can differ depending on the brand, serving size, and specific recipe. While the famous King's Hawaiian brand is a benchmark, other companies produce their own versions with slightly different nutritional profiles.

King's Hawaiian Brand

For many, King's Hawaiian is the most recognizable name in sweet bread. The standard Original Hawaiian Sweet Hot Dog Bun from King's Hawaiian typically contains 130 calories per bun. This calorie count is derived from its macronutrient breakdown, which includes carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Key nutritional information includes approximately 22g of carbohydrates, 3g of fat, and 4g of protein per bun. This gives the bun its distinctive flavor and soft texture.

Lewis Bake Shop Brand

Another prominent brand, Lewis Bake Shop, offers a slightly different take. Their Hawaiian Half Pack Hot Dog Buns have a calorie count of 140 per bun. While this is a modest difference, it shows how varying recipes can affect the final nutritional value. The ingredient list often differs, leading to small adjustments in total carbohydrates and fats.

Comparison with Traditional Hot Dog Buns

To put these numbers in perspective, it's useful to compare Hawaiian hot dog buns with their traditional counterparts. Standard white hot dog buns typically fall in a similar calorie range, but they lack the distinct sweetness and richness that comes from added sugar, eggs, and butter in the Hawaiian versions. Whole-grain buns offer more fiber and potentially a lower glycemic index, though their calorie counts can vary. Here is a comparison table for a clearer picture:


Feature	King's Hawaiian Hot Dog Bun	Standard White Hot Dog Bun	Whole-Grain Hot Dog Bun
Approximate Calories	130-140	130-150	110-140
Carbohydrates	Higher (often >20g)	Similar to Hawaiian (approx. 26g)	Variable, often lower net carbs
Sugar	Higher (7-8g)	Lower (approx. 3-4g)	Lower (approx. 3g)
Fiber	Lower (less than 1g)	Lower (approx. 1g)	Higher (2-4g)
Fat	Moderate (1.5-3.5g)	Lower (approx. 2g)	Lower (approx. 2g)
Taste Profile	Sweet, rich, fluffy	Neutral, less sweet	Nutty, denser

Incorporating Hawaiian Buns into a Balanced Diet

While Hawaiian hot dog buns are generally higher in sugar and calories than other options, they can still be part of a healthy and balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The key lies in strategic pairing and portion control. Here are some ways to enjoy them responsibly:

Load up on veggies: Instead of just a hot dog, add plenty of low-calorie toppings like onions, tomatoes, relish, and sauerkraut to fill up your meal with nutrients and fiber.
Choose leaner meats: Pair your Hawaiian bun with a leaner protein option, such as a chicken or turkey sausage, instead of a traditional fatty hot dog.
Portion control: Be mindful of not over-indulging. Stick to one bun per meal and balance the rest of your plate with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Consider homemade: Making your own Hawaiian buns from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, potentially reducing the sugar and fat content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Hawaiian hot dog bun contains approximately 130 to 140 calories, which is slightly higher in sugar and fat than a standard white hot dog bun. The exact amount depends on the brand, with King's Hawaiian being a popular choice at around 130 calories per bun. While not the lowest-calorie option on the market, their delicious, sweet flavor and fluffy texture can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. By paying attention to portion sizes and pairing them with healthier fillings, you can enjoy this tasty treat without derailing your nutritional goals. Always double-check the nutrition label for the most accurate information on the specific product you purchase.

Useful Resources

The USDA Food Composition Database: A comprehensive resource for nutritional information on a wide variety of food items.
MyFitnessPal: A popular app for tracking calories and macronutrients.

References

Lewis Bake Shop Hawaiian Half Pack Hot Dog Buns. Tonys Fresh Market. King's Hawaiian Hot Dog Buns, Hawaiian Sweet. Publix. 3 Ways to Calculate Food Calories. wikiHow. How to Calculate Calories in Homemade Food? Mealawe. Hawaiian Sweet Hot Dog Buns - King's Hawaiian Calories. Fitia.app. Hawaiian Sweet Hot Dog Buns. Nutritionix. FOODSERVICE HOT DOG sell sheet. kingshawaiianfoodservice.com. Kings Hawaiian Hot Dog Buns, Hawaiian Sweet 8 Ea | Bakery. Living Fresh Market. Lewis Bake Shop Hawaiian Half Pack Hot Dog Buns. Tonys Fresh Market. King's Hawaiian bread, is it healthy? Can I eat if I'm trying to... Quora. Hot Dog Buns, Whole Grain White, 6" (#471) - USDA Nutrition. usdanutrition.com. Calories in Hot Dog Bun. Nutritionix. Hawaiian sweet rolls (Recipes and Nutritional information). Wisdom Library. Hawaiian rolls (Recipes and Nutritional information). Wisdom Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Hawaiian hot dog bun is made with a sweeter, enriched dough containing ingredients like sugar, eggs, and butter, which gives it a softer texture and a slightly sweet flavor profile. A regular hot dog bun is typically a more neutral, less sweet white bread.

Generally, no. A Hawaiian bun is often higher in sugar and calories than a regular bun due to the enriched dough recipe. For a healthier option, a whole-grain hot dog bun is usually a better choice as it offers more fiber.

Yes, King's Hawaiian buns are relatively high in sugar compared to standard buns, containing around 7-8 grams of sugar per bun to achieve their signature sweet flavor.

A single King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Hot Dog Bun contains approximately 130 calories.

To reduce overall calories, you can pair the bun with a leaner protein like a chicken or turkey sausage, load up on low-calorie vegetable toppings, and be mindful of high-calorie condiments.

Yes, you can still enjoy a Hawaiian hot dog bun while on a diet by practicing moderation and balancing your overall calorie intake. The key is to account for its calories and sugar content within your daily limits.

While less common, some brands may offer whole-grain alternatives or you could find recipes to make them at home. However, the signature sweetness and fluffy texture are typically found in the refined flour versions.

Hawaiian buns have a similar sweet, fluffy profile to Hawaiian sweet rolls used for sliders, but the hot dog buns are specifically shaped for a standard hot dog. The nutritional content is comparable on a per-bun basis.