How Many Calories Are in a Vegan Meatball?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count of vegan meatballs is highly variable, ranging from approximately 35 to 100 calories per meatball depending on the brand, size, and ingredients. This wide range highlights that not all plant-based alternatives are created equal in terms of nutritional value.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of vegan meatballs varies significantly based on ingredients like soy, vegetables, and lentils, as well as brand and preparation method. Understanding these factors helps make informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: Vegan meatballs can range significantly in calories, with store-bought options from brands like Impossible or Beyond often having higher fat content than homemade lentil or chickpea-based versions.
Ingredient Impact: The base ingredients, such as soy protein, pea protein, or whole foods like lentils, are the primary drivers of the overall caloric density.
Cooking Method Matters: Baking or air-frying vegan meatballs is generally lower in calories than pan-frying, as it requires less added oil.
Fat and Sodium: Many processed vegan meatballs use fats like coconut oil to achieve a meat-like texture and taste, which increases the calorie count. They can also have high sodium content.
Read the Label: Serving sizes and nutritional information vary widely between brands, so checking the product label is essential for accurate calorie information.
Homemade Advantage: Creating vegan meatballs at home provides full control over ingredients, allowing for a lower-calorie, higher-fiber option using wholesome plant-based sources.

A Comprehensive Look at Vegan Meatball Calories

Many factors contribute to the total number of calories in a vegan meatball, making it difficult to give a single definitive answer. From the core ingredients to the oil used for cooking, every element plays a role in the final nutritional profile. Whether you are tracking calories for weight management or simply curious about the health aspects of your plant-based diet, understanding these variables is key.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Primary Ingredients: Different protein bases have varying caloric densities. Soy-based products, such as those from Impossible and Beyond, can be higher in calories due to added fats designed to mimic meat's texture and flavor. Homemade versions, often using whole foods like lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms, can be lower in calories but may vary based on binding agents and additional ingredients.
Fat Content: Commercially produced vegan meatballs often contain fats like coconut or sunflower oil to improve texture and taste. The amount and type of fat significantly impact the calorie count, as fat provides 9 calories per gram compared to protein and carbohydrates, which provide 4 calories per gram.
Added Sugars and Carbohydrates: Some store-bought varieties may include added sugars or refined carbohydrates to enhance flavor or structure. These can increase the overall calorie load compared to whole-food alternatives. The presence of breadcrumbs or flour as a binder in homemade recipes also contributes to the carbohydrate total.
Cooking Method: How a vegan meatball is prepared greatly affects its final calorie count. Baking or air-frying requires less oil than pan-frying or deep-frying, which can substantially increase fat and calorie intake.
Serving Size and Portion: The size of the meatball and the recommended serving size on the packaging can differ widely between brands. Always check the nutrition label for the specific calorie count per serving to get an accurate assessment.

Calorie Comparison: Popular Vegan Meatball Brands

To illustrate the variance in calories, here is a comparison table of several popular vegan meatball brands. Note that these are average values, and specific products may vary.


Brand	Calories Per Serving (Approx.)	Serving Size	Main Ingredients	Key Calorie Driver
Impossible	~210 kcal	3 meatballs (85g)	Soy Protein, Coconut Oil	High Fat Content
Beyond Meat	~290 kcal	5 meatballs	Pea Protein, Rice, Coconut Oil	High Fat Content
Gardein	~150 kcal	4 meatballs	Soy Protein, Wheat Gluten, Canola Oil	Balanced Macros
Meatless Farm	~233 kcal	100g	Soy Protein, Wheat Gluten, Rapeseed Oil	High Fat Content
Birds Eye	~193 kcal	150g	Soy Protein, Wheat, Canola Oil	Balanced Macros

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Vegan Meatballs

Making vegan meatballs at home offers maximum control over ingredients and preparation, allowing for a lower-calorie option if desired. Homemade recipes often use nutritious, whole-food ingredients that can contribute to a lower calorie count and higher fiber content.

Ingredients for lower-calorie homemade meatballs often include:

Lentils (red or green)
Chickpeas or other beans
Mushrooms
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
Oats or whole-wheat breadcrumbs as a binder
Herbs and spices for flavor

By contrast, store-bought options are formulated for convenience and texture mimicry, which can sometimes result in higher fat and sodium levels. However, many commercial brands are also fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, making them nutritionally beneficial.

Tips for a Healthier Vegan Meatball Dish

Choose Lower-Calorie Ingredients: When making homemade meatballs, opt for bases like lentils or TVP over heavily processed meat alternatives. Use whole-grain binders like oats instead of white breadcrumbs.
Control Cooking Fat: For both homemade and store-bought meatballs, baking or air-frying is the healthier cooking method. If you must pan-fry, use a minimal amount of a neutral, heart-healthy oil like canola oil.
Focus on Portion Size: Pay attention to the serving size on the label. Pairing a smaller portion of meatballs with a large serving of vegetables or whole-grain pasta can create a filling and balanced meal.
Watch the Sauce and Toppings: The calories from the meatballs can be quickly overshadowed by a high-calorie sauce or toppings. Opt for a simple, low-sugar marinara sauce and light toppings like fresh herbs instead of heavy, creamy sauces.

Conclusion

There is no single answer to how many calories are in a vegan meatball. The calorie content is a direct reflection of its ingredients, brand, size, and preparation. On average, a commercially available vegan meatball can range from 35 to 100 calories or more per piece. However, by understanding the variables involved and making conscious choices about ingredients and cooking methods, you can easily control and reduce the caloric impact of your vegan meatball dishes.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values can vary. Always check the product label or recipe for the most accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While some vegan recipes use low-calorie whole-food ingredients, many commercial vegan meatballs are formulated with added fats to mimic the taste and texture of meat, which can result in a similar or even higher calorie count than some leaner meat versions.

The calorie count of homemade vegan meatballs depends on the base ingredients (e.g., lentils vs. soy protein), the type and amount of binder (e.g., oats vs. breadcrumbs), and the oil used for cooking. Choosing wholesome ingredients and baking instead of frying can reduce calories.

No, there is a wide variation in calories among store-bought vegan meatballs. Brands like Beyond and Impossible tend to have higher calories due to fats like coconut oil, while others may be lower. Always check the nutrition label for specifics.

Yes, the cooking method has a significant impact. Baking or air-frying adds minimal calories, whereas pan-frying or deep-frying can substantially increase the fat and overall calorie content.

Ingredients that contribute to higher calories include added fats and oils (e.g., coconut oil, sunflower oil), refined carbohydrates used as binders, and flavor enhancers.

Yes, vegan meatballs can absolutely fit into a low-calorie diet. Opt for homemade versions using ingredients like lentils or TVP, or choose store-bought brands with lower fat content. Pair them with plenty of vegetables and a light sauce.

No. While calories are important, it is also wise to consider the protein, fiber, and sodium content. Many plant-based meatballs offer fiber, which is absent in traditional meat, but can sometimes be high in sodium.