How Many Calories Are in a Starbucks Danish Pastry?

November 24, 2025 •

2 min read

A single Cheese Danish from Starbucks contains roughly 290 calories. For those wondering exactly how many calories are in Starbucks Danish pastry, this article provides a detailed look at its nutritional composition and what that means for your diet.

Quick Summary

A typical Starbucks Danish pastry has about 290 calories, with carbohydrates, fats, and protein. The nutritional values, including fat and sugar, may vary slightly by region and ingredients.

Key Points

290 Calories: A standard Starbucks Cheese Danish contains approximately 290 calories per serving.
High Saturated Fat: With 9 grams of saturated fat, it accounts for nearly half of the daily recommended intake.
11 Grams of Sugar: The Cheese Danish includes 11 grams of sugar, contributing to its overall calorie content.
Regional Variations Exist: Calorie counts can differ slightly by country, so it's best to check local Starbucks nutrition info for accuracy.
Comparison with Other Pastries: Other Starbucks baked goods, like the Almond Croissant, contain even more calories, making the danish a middle-ground choice.
Mindful Consumption: It's best to consume the danish as an occasional indulgence and pair it with a healthier beverage option.

Starbucks Danish: A Detailed Calorie and Nutritional Overview

When you enjoy a Starbucks Danish, it's natural to wonder about its nutritional impact. The Cheese Danish's calorie count is key for many customers. The values can vary slightly, but official figures offer a comparison benchmark.

The Standard Starbucks Cheese Danish Breakdown

The Starbucks Cheese Danish is a consistent menu item. Based on information from Starbucks' U.S. website, here is the typical nutritional information for one serving:

Calories: 290
Total Fat: 14g (18% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 9g (45% Daily Value)
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 45mg (15% Daily Value)
Sodium: 400mg (17% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 33g (12% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
- Sugars: 11g
Protein: 7g

The high saturated fat content, at 45% of the daily recommended value, is significant. The 11 grams of sugar also affect the overall calorie load.

Regional and Seasonal Variations

Starbucks sometimes offers other Danish flavors or types, or the recipe might differ slightly by country. A version of the Cheese Danish listed on Starbucks' Canadian site showed 310 calories. Checking local nutrition information is important if you track your intake. For instance, seasonal offerings, such as the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, had a different profile with more calories and sugar.

Past offerings and other pastry comparisons:
- Raisin Danish (archived): Starbucks offered a Raisin Danish with approximately 309 calories per serving.
- Almond Croissant: A Starbucks Almond Croissant contains 420 calories, higher than the cheese danish.
- Blueberry Muffin: A classic Blueberry Muffin from Starbucks is also higher in calories, typically at 370.

Comparison Table: Danish vs. Other Starbucks Pastries


Pastry Item	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Cheese Danish	290	14	9	11	7
Almond Croissant	420	25	16	19	9
Blueberry Muffin	370	15	3.5	30	5
Plain Croissant	260	13	8	5	5
Pumpkin Scone (discontinued)	420	18	10	33	5

This comparison shows that the Cheese Danish is not the highest-calorie pastry, nor the lightest. Its calorie count is in the middle, and its fat content is high because of the layers and cheese filling.

Mindful Consumption of Starbucks Baked Goods

Enjoying a Starbucks Danish can fit into a balanced diet, but moderation is key. Here are some tips for enjoying your pastry mindfully:

Consider sharing: Sharing cuts the calorie intake in half.
Pair with a low-calorie drink: Complement your danish with a lower-calorie beverage, like black coffee or unsweetened tea, instead of a high-calorie Frappuccino.
Balance your day: Balance your other meals by choosing lighter, healthier choices throughout the day.
Prioritize other nutrients: Since the danish is low in fiber and vitamins, make sure the rest of your diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Conclusion

The Starbucks Danish pastry is a treat, but it has a calorie count of around 290 for the Cheese Danish. While its macro profile includes protein, it is high in fat, and sugar. Understanding these facts helps you make informed decisions about your dietary goals. Enjoying a danish as an occasional treat is a great option, especially with a low-calorie beverage.

For a complete listing of nutrition information for all Starbucks menu items, refer to the official site.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common Danish at Starbucks is the Cheese Danish, which features a flaky pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling.

A standard Starbucks Cheese Danish contains 11 grams of sugar per serving.

The Danish offers some protein and carbohydrates, but its high fat, saturated fat, and sugar content mean it is not the healthiest breakfast option and is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Availability varies, but in the past, Starbucks has offered other flavors like a Raisin Danish and seasonal versions. The Cheese Danish is the most consistently available option.

The Cheese Danish (290 calories) has a lower calorie count than the Almond Croissant (420 calories), but it is slightly higher than a plain croissant (260 calories).

Yes, Starbucks often provides regional-specific nutritional information on their country-specific websites, as demonstrated by the slight difference between the U.S. and Canadian Cheese Danish calorie counts.

A single serving of the Cheese Danish contains 14 grams of total fat, including 9 grams of saturated fat.