How many calories are in a Philly roll?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

A single, standard 8-piece Philly roll can contain between 260 and 560 calories, depending on the preparation and ingredients used. Understanding how many calories are in a Philly roll is key for making informed dietary choices when enjoying this popular sushi.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Philly roll varies significantly, mainly influenced by its ingredients like cream cheese, avocado, and portion size. While a typical 8-piece serving ranges widely, high-fat components can push the total toward the higher end of the spectrum.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: An 8-piece Philly roll typically contains 260–560 calories, heavily dependent on the restaurant and recipe.
Cream Cheese is a Major Factor: The creamy filling significantly boosts the calorie and fat content, adding approximately 51 calories per tablespoon.
Rice and Add-ins Increase Calories: Sushi rice, avocado, and extra sauces like spicy mayo contribute to the total calorie count, pushing it higher than simpler sushi options.
Compare with Other Rolls: Philly rolls are generally higher in calories than basic veggie or tuna rolls but can be comparable to other specialty rolls with fried ingredients or heavy sauce.
Opt for Lighter Alternatives: Reduce calories by asking for less cream cheese, using a cucumber wrap instead of rice, or incorporating more vegetables.

The Philadelphia roll, a modern American sushi favorite, is famous for its combination of rich smoked salmon, creamy cheese, and refreshing cucumber. Unlike traditional Japanese sushi, its Western-inspired recipe makes it one of the more calorie-dense options on a sushi menu. The exact calorie count is not fixed and can fluctuate based on several factors, including ingredient quantities and preparation style.

The Calorie Breakdown: Understanding the Ingredients

To determine how many calories are in a Philly roll, it's essential to look at its core components. While the total can vary by restaurant and serving size, a breakdown of its key ingredients provides clarity.

Sushi Rice: The foundation of the roll is seasoned white sushi rice, which provides the bulk of the roll's carbohydrates. A typical serving of rice for an 8-piece roll can contain well over 100 calories.
Cream Cheese: This is the primary contributor to the Philly roll's high calorie and fat content. Each tablespoon of cream cheese adds approximately 51 calories, a significant amount that easily accumulates. The more cream cheese a restaurant uses, the higher the final calorie count.
Smoked Salmon: A healthy and protein-rich ingredient, smoked salmon still contributes to the overall calorie total. On average, a typical 1-ounce serving of smoked salmon contains around 33 calories.
Avocado: When included, avocado adds healthy monounsaturated fats. A standard roll might use a small amount, but its fat content adds to the total calories.
Cucumber and Nori: These ingredients are very low in calories, adding minimal impact to the final count while providing texture and nutrients.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Several variables can cause the calorie count of a Philly roll to differ from one establishment to another. Being aware of these can help you better estimate your intake.

Restaurant and Preparation Variation

Every restaurant has its own recipe and serving size. A standardized serving might be 8 pieces, but the amount of each ingredient can differ dramatically. Some restaurants may be more generous with their cream cheese, while others might use more rice. One nutritional analysis found an 8-piece roll to be 391 calories, while another estimated 560 kcal.

Added Sauces and Toppings

Many Americanized sushi rolls are served with extra toppings or sauces that further increase calories. While a classic Philly roll is simple, some versions might include extra spicy mayo, eel sauce, or a larger portion of sesame seeds. These additions can easily add dozens, if not hundreds, of calories to your meal.

Serving Size

A standard Philly roll is typically cut into 8 pieces. However, the size of each piece and the overall weight of the roll can vary. Some establishments might offer a 6-piece roll, which would be lower in calories simply due to the smaller portion size.

Calorie Comparison: Philly Roll vs. Other Sushi

To put the Philly roll's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular sushi rolls, noting that calorie counts can vary by source and restaurant.


Sushi Roll	Estimated Calorie Range (8 pieces)	Primary Calorie Contributors
Philly Roll	260–560 kcal	Cream Cheese, Salmon, Rice
Spicy Tuna Roll	~300 kcal	Tuna, Rice, Spicy Mayo
California Roll	~395 kcal	Imitation Crab, Avocado, Rice, Mayo
Shrimp Tempura Roll	~415–508 kcal	Tempura Shrimp (deep-fried), Rice, Sauce
Dragon Roll	~410–570 kcal	Eel, Avocado, Eel Sauce, Rice
Rainbow Roll	~425–475 kcal	Fish Toppings, Avocado, Rice

Making a Healthier Philly Roll Choice

For those who love the flavor of a Philly roll but are concerned about the calories, several modifications can be made:

Order a cucumber-wrapped roll (Naruto style): Ask for your roll to be wrapped in thin cucumber instead of rice and seaweed to dramatically cut down on carbs and calories.
Request less cream cheese: A simple ask can significantly reduce the amount of added fat and calories.
Choose a roll with more vegetables: Adding more cucumber or other veggies can increase volume and fiber, helping you feel fuller with fewer calories.
Opt for brown rice: While this won't drastically reduce calories, brown rice adds fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and satiety.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a Philly roll is not a single, fixed number but a range that depends on its specific ingredients, portion size, and preparation. The presence of cream cheese and avocado makes it a higher-calorie option than many traditional sushi rolls, typically falling between 260 and 560 calories for a standard 8-piece serving. By being mindful of these factors and asking for modifications, you can still enjoy this creamy, savory roll while managing your dietary intake. For more recipe ideas, check out sources like Tiger-Corporation's guide to making a Philadelphia Roll.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is based on estimates from various food sources and can vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. The Nutritionix data cited is from 2019 and may reflect different portion sizes or preparations than current offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a standard 8-piece Philly roll averaging 391 calories, a single piece would contain approximately 49 calories. However, this can vary significantly depending on the roll's total calorie count.

The main reason is the inclusion of full-fat cream cheese. Unlike many traditional sushi rolls that rely on lean fish and vegetables, the Philly roll's signature creamy component adds a substantial amount of saturated fat and calories.

The largest calorie contributions come from the cream cheese and the sushi rice. If avocado is included, its healthy fats also add a moderate number of calories.

Due to its high calorie and fat content from cream cheese, a standard Philly roll is not the best choice for weight loss. Opt for leaner protein options or veggie rolls if you are counting calories.

Yes, you can request a lower-calorie version by asking for less cream cheese or by having your roll wrapped in cucumber instead of rice, a style known as a Naruto roll.

The total calorie count is directly proportional to the roll's size. A larger roll with more rice and filling will have more calories than a smaller one, so portion size is an important factor.

Yes, a Philly roll with avocado will have slightly more calories than one without it. The healthy fats in avocado add to the total, though generally less than the cream cheese.