How many calories are in a jam pastry?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

A single homemade jam tart can contain around 114 calories, while larger commercial varieties or different pastry types can be significantly higher. The precise number of calories in a jam pastry depends heavily on its size, type of pastry, and preparation method, whether homemade or store-bought.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a jam pastry varies based on its pastry type, size, and whether it's homemade or store-bought. Puff pastry versions are often more caloric than shortcrust tarts. Key factors include the fat and sugar content of the ingredients.

Key Points

Varying Calorie Counts: Calorie content can range significantly, with small jam tarts starting around 114 kcal and larger turnovers exceeding 250 kcal.
Puff vs. Shortcrust: Puff pastry pastries generally have more calories than those made with shortcrust due to a higher fat content.
Homemade Advantage: Baking at home gives you control over ingredients, allowing you to reduce fat and sugar to lower the calorie count.
Store-Bought Consistency: Retail pastries have standardized calorie information, but can still be high in sugar and fat.
Macronutrient Focus: The calories primarily come from carbohydrates and fats, with minimal protein and fiber.
Portion Size Matters: The size of the pastry is a critical factor; a smaller tart has fewer calories than a large turnover.

Understanding the Calories in a Jam Pastry

The calorie content of a jam pastry is not a single, fixed number but rather a range influenced by several factors. The main components—the type of pastry, the amount of butter or fat used, the sugar content of the jam, and the overall portion size—all play a significant role. A small, delicate jam tart made with shortcrust pastry will have a much lower calorie count than a large, flaky puff pastry turnover loaded with jam and potentially icing.

The Calorie Breakdown by Pastry Type

One of the most significant variables affecting the calorie count is the type of pastry used. Puff pastry, known for its light and flaky texture, achieves this through multiple layers of butter and dough. Shortcrust pastry, while still containing fat, is generally denser and uses a different technique. For instance, a homemade jam tart made with shortcrust pastry might contain approximately 381 calories per 100 grams, with a smaller 30g tart having about 114 calories. In contrast, a puff pastry jam turnover can range from 165 to over 200 calories for a standard serving, depending on the recipe and size. A jam Danish, also made with a type of layered pastry, can be around 381 calories per 100g, highlighting the high caloric density of many puff pastry-based items.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Pastries

There is a notable difference in the nutritional information between homemade and store-bought jam pastries. With a homemade version, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to make healthier choices. You can reduce the amount of sugar in the jam or use less butter in the pastry to lower the overall calories. Commercial, mass-produced pastries often contain standardized, and sometimes higher, levels of fat and sugar to ensure a consistent taste and extend shelf life. For example, a retail jam tart can be around 155 calories for a 40g piece, while a name-brand variety might be 142 calories for a 35g tart. Comparing this to a small homemade tart, the calorie density per gram is often similar or even higher in store-bought options due to the ingredients used.

Macronutrient Profile

The calories in a jam pastry are primarily derived from carbohydrates and fats. The fat content comes from the butter or shortening in the pastry, while the carbohydrates are from the flour and the high sugar content of the jam. Protein and fiber are present in minimal amounts. For a typical homemade jam tart, the macronutrient breakdown per 100g might be around 62g carbs, 15g fat, and 3g protein. It is a calorie-dense treat with little nutritional value beyond a quick energy boost from the sugar.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Type of Pastry: Puff pastry has more fat and therefore more calories than shortcrust. Danish pastries and other laminated doughs also have a high fat content.
Portion Size: A larger pastry naturally has more calories. A standard jam tart is much smaller than a jam turnover or Danish.
Ingredient Quality: The type of butter or shortening used can alter the fat content. High-sugar jams will increase the overall calorie and sugar count.
Preparation Method: Homemade pastries offer more control over the recipe, enabling healthier substitutions. Store-bought products have fixed nutritional information.
Added Extras: Any additional sugar glaze, cream, or icing will further increase the calorie count.

Calorie Comparison: Different Jam Pastries


Pastry Type (approx. 100g)	Est. Calories	Est. Fat (g)	Est. Carbs (g)	Source
Homemade Jam Tart (shortcrust)	381 kcal	15.0	61.9	Fitatu
Retail Jam Tart (shortcrust)	387 kcal	N/A	N/A	Fitatu
Jam Puff Pastry Puffs (homemade)	393 kcal	23.0	41.0	Rasa Malaysia
Retail Jam Danish Pastry	381 kcal	19.1	50.0	Morrisons
Name-Brand Jam Tart (35g)	142 kcal	4.6	23.7	Mr Kipling UK

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count of a jam pastry is a flexible figure influenced by its specific composition. A small, standard jam tart will typically have between 110 and 200 calories, while larger or flakier versions like turnovers and Danish pastries can easily contain 250 to 400 calories or more. For those conscious of their caloric intake, opting for a smaller portion or making a homemade version with controlled ingredients can be a way to enjoy the treat. To make informed dietary decisions, it is always recommended to check the specific nutritional information provided by manufacturers or calculate it based on your homemade recipe. For more information on food nutrition, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central database.

USDA FoodData Central

Frequently Asked Questions

Jam pastries are typically considered a high-calorie, low-nutrient treat due to their high content of refined carbohydrates and added sugars. They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To reduce calories, you can use less sugar in the jam, opt for a pastry recipe with less fat (e.g., swapping some butter for yogurt), and control the portion sizes. Baking a shortcrust tart instead of a puff pastry item can also help.

A jam turnover, typically made with flaky puff pastry, often has more calories per serving than a standard jam tart made with shortcrust, mainly because of the higher fat content in the pastry.

Yes, different jams can slightly alter the calorie count. Jams with lower added sugar or fruit preserves can have fewer calories than those with high sugar content. Making your own jam allows for more control over the sugar level.

The calorie count for supermarket jam tarts varies by brand and size. Many fall into the range of 120-155 calories per tart, which is often around 30-40 grams.

The total calories are calculated based on the macronutrient content of the ingredients, namely fat (9 calories per gram) and carbohydrates (4 calories per gram). The proportions of flour, butter, and jam are used to determine the final number.

While high in calories, a jam pastry can be included in a weight-loss diet if accounted for within your daily calorie budget. Limiting portion size and frequency is key, along with a balanced, healthy overall diet.