How Many Calories Are in Agua Panela? A Comprehensive Nutritional Guide

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

A standard cup (240 ml) of traditional Agua panela contains approximately 192 calories, with its primary caloric source coming from the dissolved panela sugar. The exact nutritional content, however, can vary based on preparation method and added ingredients. If you're wondering how many calories are in Agua panela, it is important to consider these factors.

Quick Summary

A standard 240 ml serving of Agua panela typically contains around 192 calories, derived almost entirely from carbohydrates and sugars. This traditional sugarcane drink is free of fat and protein. The final calorie count is highly dependent on the panela-to-water ratio and any additional ingredients added during preparation.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A 240ml cup of traditional Agua panela contains approximately 192 calories.
Source of Calories: The calories primarily come from the panela, which is an unrefined sugarcane block composed almost entirely of simple carbohydrates.
Variable Content: The exact number of calories varies depending on the panela-to-water ratio and any additional ingredients, such as milk or lime.
Tips for Reduction: You can lower the calorie count by using less panela, adding more water, or incorporating low-calorie flavorings like lime or ginger.
No Fat or Protein: Traditional Agua panela contains virtually no fat or protein, making it a beverage that is pure sugar energy.

What is Agua Panela?

Agua panela, also known as Aguapanela, is a traditional and popular drink in Colombia and other parts of Latin America. It is made by dissolving panela in hot water. Panela is unrefined whole cane sugar, produced by boiling and evaporating sugarcane juice. Because it is less processed than white sugar, panela retains more of the natural molasses, which gives it a distinctive caramel-like flavor and color, along with trace minerals like iron and calcium. The final beverage can be served hot or cold, with additional flavors like lime juice, milk, or ginger.

The Role of Panela in the Calorie Count

The high caloric content of Agua panela comes directly from the sugar in the panela. Panela is a concentrated source of simple carbohydrates, primarily sucrose. A 100g serving of panela can contain around 360-390 calories. The amount of panela used directly determines the final calorie count of the drink. A traditional recipe might call for a high concentration of panela, resulting in a calorie-dense drink. For example, a recipe using 2 cups of panela for 5 cups of water yields a significantly higher calorie count per serving than a more diluted version.

Factors That Affect the Calorie Count

The final calorie count for Agua panela is not a fixed number and can change depending on how it's prepared and what is added. Understanding these variations can help you control your intake.

Preparation Method

Standard Preparation: The most common method involves dissolving panela in water, with the calorie count directly proportional to the amount of panela used. This simple, two-ingredient approach forms the baseline for all variations.
With Milk (Aguapanela con Leche): Some recipes include milk, which significantly increases the calorie count. The addition of milk adds fat and protein, making the beverage much richer and more substantial. Whole milk will add more calories than skim milk.
With Lime Juice (Agua Panela con Limón): Adding lime juice does not contribute a significant number of calories but can alter the flavor profile, adding a tartness that balances the sweetness. A fresh squeeze of lime juice adds flavor without impacting the calorie count much.
Other Additions: Ingredients like ginger, herbs, or cheese (a common pairing in Colombia) will all add their own caloric and nutritional contributions.

Comparison: Agua Panela vs. Other Popular Drinks

This table illustrates how the calorie count of a standard cup (240ml) of Agua panela compares to other common beverages.


Drink (240 ml)	Approximate Calories	Main Caloric Source	Considerations
Agua Panela	~192	Sugarcane (Panela)	High in sugar; can contain trace minerals.
Coca-Cola	~100 [Based on 355ml can]	High-fructose corn syrup	Highly processed sugars; no nutritional value.
Orange Juice	~112 [Based on 240ml]	Natural fruit sugars	Contains Vitamin C, but can be high in sugar.
Black Coffee	<5	None	Virtually zero calories; contains caffeine.
Sweet Tea	~80-100	Refined sugar	Calories vary widely based on sugar added.

Tips for a Lower-Calorie Agua Panela

If you want to enjoy Agua panela but are watching your calorie intake, there are several ways to reduce the sugar content without sacrificing the delicious taste.

Adjust the Ratio: Use less panela and more water when preparing the drink. This is the most direct way to cut calories while keeping the authentic flavor.
Serve it Cold: When served cold with plenty of ice and a squeeze of lime, it can be just as refreshing and satisfying, allowing you to use less panela.
Add Flavor, Not Sugar: Use calorie-free flavor enhancers like fresh mint leaves, ginger slices, or a cinnamon stick to add complexity to the drink without adding extra calories.
Use as a Base: Consider using a small amount of Agua panela as a natural sweetener in other beverages, such as unsweetened iced tea, instead of drinking it straight.

Conclusion

In summary, a standard cup of Agua panela has a significant calorie count, primarily from its unrefined panela sugar content. While it is a high-sugar drink, its less-processed nature means it retains some minerals compared to refined sugar. The number of calories can be easily adjusted by controlling the amount of panela used and by opting for flavor enhancers like lime or ginger. For those who need to monitor their sugar intake, Agua panela should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than a daily hydration source. By understanding its nutritional profile, you can enjoy this traditional Colombian beverage mindfully within a balanced diet.

For an authentic recipe and further preparation tips, you can explore the traditional method on the blog My Colombian Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Panela is an unrefined, solid block of whole cane sugar derived from the boiling and evaporation of sugarcane juice. Unlike refined sugar, it retains more of the natural molasses and some trace minerals.

While Agua panela is still high in sugar, it is considered a more natural alternative to processed sodas because it is less refined and contains trace minerals. However, due to its high sugar content, it should still be consumed in moderation.

To reduce the calorie count, use a smaller amount of panela when preparing the drink. You can also add more water and use non-caloric flavorings like lime juice, mint, or ginger for taste.

Serving Agua panela cold does not change the inherent calorie content. However, the addition of ice can dilute the drink, and the refreshing flavor may allow you to enjoy it with less panela overall.

Adding milk to Agua panela will increase the calorie count significantly. A version with whole milk will have a higher calorie count than a version with skim milk, and both will be more caloric than the simple water and panela mixture.

Beyond its natural sugar providing a quick energy boost, the main benefit comes from the trace minerals present in panela, such as iron and calcium. However, these are in very small amounts, and the high sugar content should be the primary consideration.

Panela is not the same as standard brown sugar. Panela is unrefined, whereas most brown sugar sold in stores is refined white sugar with molasses added back in. Panela has a richer, more complex flavor profile as a result.