How many calories are in a hazelnut croissant?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

A single medium-sized, filled chocolate hazelnut croissant can contain between 300 and 480 calories, depending on the ingredients and size. The exact number of calories in a hazelnut croissant is influenced by several factors, including the recipe, portion size, and the amount of hazelnut filling used. This popular breakfast and snack item, known for its flaky texture and creamy center, is a delightful indulgence but a dense source of energy.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a hazelnut croissant varies, typically falling between 300 and 480 calories based on size and filling type. It is a calorie-dense food high in fats and carbohydrates, with the buttery pastry and sweet hazelnut filling being the main contributors. Nutritional values can differ significantly between brands, from gourmet bakeries to store-bought options.

Key Points

Variable Caloric Range: A hazelnut croissant's calorie count typically ranges from 300 to 480 calories, depending on size, recipe, and filling quantity.
High in Fat and Sugar: Due to the buttery laminated dough and a sweet hazelnut-chocolate filling, this pastry is calorie-dense and high in fat and sugar.
Macronutrient Breakdown: The calories are primarily from fat (often over 50%) and carbohydrates, with a lower percentage of protein.
Different Products, Different Values: Nutritional information varies significantly across brands, from artisan bakeries to large retail chains like McDonald's or Starbucks.
Treat in Moderation: Given its high-calorie profile, a hazelnut croissant is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular breakfast item.
Homemade Alternatives: For a lighter option, try making your own at home using reduced-fat alternatives and healthier sweeteners to control the caloric content.
Ingredient Impact: Pay attention to the ingredient list; versions made with real hazelnuts offer more nutritional value than those with high sugar and palm oil fillings.

A Detailed Calorie and Macronutrient Breakdown

Determining exactly how many calories are in a hazelnut croissant can be challenging because there is no standardized recipe. The final calorie count is heavily dependent on the ingredients and preparation method. Artisanal versions from local bakeries will differ from mass-produced versions sold in supermarkets or coffee shop chains like Starbucks. The dense layering of butter in the classic croissant dough, combined with a generous amount of a sugary, hazelnut-flavored filling, makes it a high-calorie pastry.

The Anatomy of a Hazelnut Croissant

At its core, a hazelnut croissant is composed of two main parts: the flaky pastry exterior and the rich, creamy interior. Each component contributes significantly to the overall nutritional profile.

The Croissant Dough: The flaky layers are achieved by laminating dough with copious amounts of butter. A plain, un-filled butter croissant contains approximately 230–350 calories on its own. Most of these calories come from fat and carbohydrates.
The Hazelnut Filling: This is often where the calorie count skyrockets. Fillings frequently consist of a chocolate hazelnut spread, sometimes referred to generically as Nutella, which is high in sugar, palm oil, and cocoa. Even a small amount of this filling can add 50-150 calories or more to the pastry.

Comparing Caloric Content by Manufacturer

To illustrate the variation in calories, here is a comparison of different hazelnut croissant products based on available nutritional data.


Source	Croissant Type	Approx. Calories	Approx. Fat (g)	Approx. Sugar (g)
Pret A Manger	Chocolate Hazelnut Croissant	400	22	14
Waitrose	Chocolate & Hazelnut Croissant	337	17.1	11.5
McDonald's	Hazelnut Croissant	381	21	15
Van Houtte	Nutella Croissant	480	28	21
Sprouts Farmers Market	Hazelnut Croissant	320	18	12

Understanding the Macronutrient Breakdown

Beyond just calories, it is useful to look at the macronutrient profile to understand the croissant's impact on your diet. For instance, the Sprouts Farmers Market version breaks down as 42% carbs, 52% fat, and 6% protein. The high percentage of fat is typical for pastries made with laminated butter dough. Many hazelnut croissants also contain a high amount of saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The sugar content is also considerable, especially in products with a sweet filling.

Health Considerations and Portion Control

Given the high caloric density, a hazelnut croissant is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a daily breakfast option. The high fat and sugar content can contribute to weight gain if not balanced with other dietary choices and physical activity. Health experts often advise limiting intake of foods that are high in saturated and trans fats. For those aiming to manage weight or improve heart health, being mindful of portion sizes is critical.

Tips for a Lighter Indulgence

If you love the taste but want a healthier option, consider making a homemade version. Here are a few ideas:

Use a reduced-fat butter alternative or substitute some of the fat with a lighter ingredient like Greek yogurt.
Make a homemade hazelnut filling with roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of a pre-packaged high-sugar spread.
Prepare smaller croissants to control portion size. This allows you to enjoy the flavor without overindulging.
Pair your hazelnut croissant with a nutrient-dense food like a handful of berries or a side of protein to create a more balanced meal.

The Role of Ingredients

Not all hazelnuts are created equal in terms of nutritional impact. A filling made with real, mashed hazelnuts will offer more dietary fiber and nutrients than one based primarily on sugar and palm oil. Always check the ingredient list if you are concerned about nutritional content. Some producers may use palm oil, while others use richer butter and chocolate for a more decadent, but more caloric, result. The choice of ingredients can dramatically alter the calorie content and overall nutritional value of the final product. Even the size of the croissant can be misleading, as some are simply larger with more filling than others, causing calorie counts to differ.

Conclusion: A Delightful Treat, but a Calorie-Dense One

So, how many calories are in a hazelnut croissant? The answer is not a single number but a range, typically between 300 and 480 calories, depending on the specific product. The flaky, buttery pastry combined with a rich, sugary hazelnut filling makes it a high-calorie food that is best enjoyed in moderation. By understanding the factors that influence its nutritional value—from ingredients to portion size—you can make a more informed choice. Whether you opt for a store-bought version or try a healthier homemade recipe, the hazelnut croissant remains a delicious treat to be savored rather than a daily dietary staple. For further reading on nutritional values of other pastries, visit the Diet Detective website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary sources of calories are the butter in the flaky pastry dough and the sugar and palm oil found in the hazelnut-chocolate filling.

No, there is significant variation in nutritional value. Calorie counts, fat, and sugar content differ widely between brands, sizes, and recipes, so it is important to check specific product information.

A hazelnut croissant is almost always higher in calories than a plain one. A plain butter croissant has around 230–350 calories, while the added filling in a hazelnut version can push the total to over 400 calories.

It can be, but only in moderation. Due to its high content of fat and sugar, it should be considered an occasional indulgence and balanced with other healthier, nutrient-dense food choices.

Yes, because it is made with a large amount of butter, a hazelnut croissant is typically high in saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends limiting intake of saturated fats.

You can use a reduced-fat butter alternative, a healthier homemade filling with natural sweeteners, and reduce the overall portion size to lower the caloric count.

Yes, if the filling includes chocolate, the calorie count will generally be higher. The fat and sugar content from the chocolate further increases the total energy density of the pastry.