How many calories are in a scone? A comprehensive calorie guide

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard scone from a bakery can easily surpass 300 calories before any additions. This wide variation makes determining the exact number of calories in a scone a nuanced matter, depending on size, ingredients, and the presence of toppings such as clotted cream or jam.

Quick Summary

Scone calories vary greatly based on the scone's type, size, and added ingredients. From plain to fruit, and especially with toppings like cream, the nutritional profile can shift significantly. Understand these factors.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: A scone's calorie count changes greatly, based on its size, recipe, and toppings.
Topping Impact: Additions like clotted cream, jam, and butter can substantially increase calories.
Size's Role: Larger scones, particularly from bakeries, have more calories than smaller, homemade versions.
Ingredient Choices: Using ingredients such as oat flour and low-fat spreads can reduce the calorie count.
Smart Substitutions: Swapping clotted cream for lower-fat yogurt and reducing jam portions are effective.
Home Baking: Baking at home gives complete control over fat and sugar content, resulting in a healthier scone.

Understanding the Calorie Content of Scones

The calorie content of a scone is influenced by several factors. These factors include the ingredients used in the recipe, the size of the scone, and any toppings that are added. From the type of flour used, to the addition of fruits or cheeses, each element plays a role in the total calorie count.

The Impact of Scone Size

The size of a scone directly impacts its calorie count. A small, homemade scone (approximately 60g) may have around 218 kcal, while a larger scone can contain double that amount. Commercial scones are often larger, contributing to a higher calorie count per serving.

Ingredients and Their Calorie Contribution

The fundamental ingredients in a scone—flour, fat (like butter), milk, and sugar—are the main sources of calories. The kind of fat used, such as butter or a lower-fat spread, can substantially alter the nutritional value. Adding fruits, chocolate chips, or cheese increases the calorie count beyond that of a basic plain scone. For instance, a fruit scone generally has more calories than a plain one of the same size. Richer scones, with extra butter and sugar, will have a higher energy value.

The Calorie Impact of Toppings

Toppings significantly increase the total calories of a scone. A simple cream tea, with a scone, jam, and clotted cream, can add hundreds of calories. A generous serving of clotted cream can contribute over 200 calories on its own. For a large scone with toppings, the total can exceed 600 calories.

Scone Calorie Comparison: A Detailed Breakdown

Here is a comparison of the approximate calories for different scone types and serving sizes, based on nutritional data:


Scone Type	Approximate Weight	Approximate Calories (kcal)	Key Differences
Plain Scone	120g	384	Contains basic ingredients, resulting in a lower starting point for calorie count.
Fruit Scone	132g	414	Includes added sugar and fruit content, increasing the calorie count.
Cheese Scone	70g	267	A savory option that is still high in fat.
Scone with Cream Tea	Large scone + cream + jam	400 - 670+	Toppings like cream and jam significantly boost the total calorie count.

Exploring Different Scone Varieties

Each type of scone offers a different nutritional composition, influencing the calorie count.

Plain Scones

Plain scones, without any additions, serve as a baseline for comparison. They typically include flour, fat, and milk. The fat and sugar content can still differ significantly between recipes, which can affect the calorie count per 100g.

Fruit Scones

Fruit scones include dried fruit, such as raisins or sultanas, and often contain more sugar than plain scones. The added fruit increases the calorie content and provides more fiber. However, the calorie increase can be substantial depending on the amount of fruit used.

Cheese Scones

Cheese scones incorporate cheese, which is high in fat. A cheese scone can have a similar calorie count to a sweet scone, with substantial amounts of saturated fat. They are often enjoyed plain or with butter, which also adds to the total calories. Additional cheese or bacon bits will increase the caloric load.

Strategies for Reducing Calorie Intake When Enjoying Scones

For those who enjoy scones but want to reduce their calorie intake, certain adjustments can help.

Practical Tips for Healthier Scones

Choose smaller sizes: Opt for smaller, individual-sized scones instead of large ones from bakeries.
Modify your toppings: Substitute clotted cream with a lighter alternative, like fat-free Greek yogurt. Use a reduced-sugar jam or a smaller quantity to reduce added sugars.
Bake at home: Baking at home allows control over ingredients. You can use low-fat milk, reduce the butter amount, or substitute sugar with a calorie-free sweetener.
Add healthy mix-ins: Incorporate berries instead of chocolate chips for added nutrients and fiber. Fresh berries can add sweetness without excessive sugar.

Conclusion

The calorie content of a scone varies based on the size, ingredients, and the amount of fat and sugar. A plain scone will have fewer calories compared to a large scone with clotted cream and jam. By being aware of portion sizes and opting for healthier toppings or homemade alternatives, you can enjoy this treat while meeting your nutritional goals. For specific information, check the nutritional information on pre-packaged options or modify your baking methods with calorie-conscious adjustments.

Here's a resource that provides additional information about scone calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medium plain scone can have approximately 300 calories, while a larger one might exceed 380 calories before any toppings are added.

Not necessarily. Fruit scones may have more fiber from the fruit but typically contain more sugar and calories than a plain scone.

A traditional cream tea with a large scone, clotted cream, and jam can range from 400 to over 670 calories, with toppings being the main contributor.

Use healthier ingredient substitutes, such as low-fat milk or yogurt, reduce the amount of butter, and use low-sugar sweeteners. Baking smaller scones also helps manage portion size.

A generous serving of clotted cream can add over 200 calories. A more modest serving might add about 140 calories.

A cheese scone can contain a similar number of calories to a sweet scone, often between 200-400 kcal, depending on size, and is high in saturated fat.

Consider toppings such as fat-free Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or a thin spread of reduced-sugar jam instead of high-calorie clotted cream and butter for a healthier choice.