How Many Calories Are in an Average Brioche Bun?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard brioche bun contains approximately 150 to 200 calories due to its rich, buttery composition. The exact count depends on the recipe and size of the bun.

Quick Summary

This article explores the calorie content of brioche buns and provides a breakdown of their nutritional value, explaining why they have a higher calorie count compared to standard buns. Included is a comparison of various bun types.

Key Points

Average Calories: A standard-sized brioche bun has roughly 150–200 calories because of its enriched dough.
Rich Ingredients: The high calorie count results from ingredients like butter, eggs, and sugar in the brioche dough.
Size Matters: The bun's size and weight significantly impact the final calorie count; larger buns have more calories.
Check the Label: Always consult the product's nutritional label for the most accurate information, as recipes vary.
Comparison: Brioche buns are generally more calorie-dense than standard white, potato, or whole wheat buns.
Moderation is Key: Due to higher fat and sugar content, brioche is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

What Makes Brioche Buns Higher in Calories?

Brioche buns are a type of bread known for their rich, tender, and fluffy texture. This characteristic comes from the use of an 'enriched' dough, which includes a high concentration of eggs, butter, milk, and sugar. These ingredients significantly increase the fat, sugar, and calorie content.

Butter and Eggs: Brioche dough uses large amounts of butter and eggs. Butter is calorie-dense, and egg yolks add fat and cholesterol.
Sugar: Sugar provides the subtle sweetness of brioche, also contributing to its calorie count.
Flour and Other Ingredients: While flour is the base, it's the added fats and sugars that truly elevate the caloric density compared to a simple flour, water, and yeast bun.

Breaking Down the Nutritional Content

To understand the caloric makeup of a brioche bun, it's helpful to look at its macronutrient breakdown. For an 85-gram brioche bun, a rough breakdown is as follows:

Carbohydrates: Approximately 34 grams, including sugars.
Fats: Around 14 grams, with saturated fat making up a significant portion.
Protein: About 7 grams.

These numbers illustrate that brioche is not just a carbohydrate source but is also rich in fats, making it a more calorie-dense food than other buns.

How Brioche Bun Calories Compare to Other Buns

Knowing how brioche compares to other options is useful when choosing a bun. Here's a comparison table to illustrate the differences. Note that calorie counts can vary by brand and recipe.


Bun Type	Approximate Calorie Range (per bun)	Primary Characteristics	Common Use	Key Nutritional Note
Brioche Bun	150–290+	Rich, soft, sweet, and buttery	Burgers, sandwiches, sliders	High in fat and sugar from enriched dough
Standard White Bun	100–150	Soft, simple, and neutral	Burgers, hot dogs	Lower in fat and sugar, less flavor complexity
Potato Bun	120–160	Soft, slightly sweet, and moist	Burgers, pulled pork sandwiches	Adds moisture and a slightly sweeter flavor profile
Whole Wheat Bun	120–160	Nutty flavor, denser texture	Healthier burgers, sandwiches	Higher in fiber and nutrients
Pretzel Bun	200–250+	Dense, chewy texture, salty exterior	Burgers, bratwurst	Can be higher in sodium; a trendy option

Factors That Influence Brioche Bun Calories

Several factors can influence the final calorie count:

Size and Weight: A larger or heavier bun contains more calories. A small slider bun has a lower count than a large burger bun.
Recipe Variations: Some recipes use more butter, milk, or eggs. Homemade versions can vary greatly from commercially produced brioche.
Brand and Manufacturing Process: Different brands use different formulations. Checking the nutritional label on the specific product is the most accurate way to get calorie information.
Toppings: The addition of toppings like sesame seeds or an egg wash can add a small number of calories, though typically not enough to drastically change the overall count.

Healthier Alternatives and Considerations

While brioche buns are delicious, their higher fat, sugar, and calorie content make them a less healthy choice for regular consumption. Alternatives offer a different experience:

Opt for a Whole-Grain Bun: A whole-grain bun provides more fiber and nutrients and a lower calorie density compared to brioche.
Consider a Lettuce Wrap: Use a large lettuce leaf as a wrapper for your burger or sandwich filling for a lower-calorie option.
Enjoy in Moderation: As an occasional treat, a brioche bun can be satisfying. Pairing it with a leaner protein and plenty of vegetables can help balance the overall nutritional profile of your meal.

Conclusion

An average brioche bun contains between 150 and 290 or more calories, depending on size and ingredients. The enriched dough, full of butter, eggs, and sugar, makes it more calorie-dense than most standard white buns. It is a heavier option nutritionally. For lower-calorie alternatives, whole-grain or potato buns, or even a lettuce wrap, are better choices for regular consumption, reserving the brioche for an occasional treat. Check the product's nutrition label for the most accurate calorie information.

Here is a useful nutritional breakdown from Verywell Fit, Aug 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a brioche bun is typically more fattening than a regular white bun because its recipe includes more butter, eggs, and sugar, increasing its fat and calorie content.

Brioche buns have more calories because they are made from an enriched dough with more fat (from butter) and sugar compared to standard buns primarily made from flour, water, yeast, and salt.

The calorie difference can be significant. A small slider-sized brioche bun might have about 150-200 calories, while a large burger bun can contain 290 or more.

Yes, for lower-calorie and higher-fiber options, whole-grain buns, potato buns, or even a lettuce wrap are healthier alternatives to a brioche bun.

Carbohydrate content varies by size, but a typical brioche bun can contain 25 to 40 grams of carbohydrates, including a notable amount of sugar.

Not necessarily. The calorie count depends entirely on the recipe and ingredients used. A traditional recipe with large amounts of butter and eggs results in a calorie-dense bun.

Look at the serving size and calories per serving. Also, check the fat, saturated fat, and sugar content, as these are elevated in brioche.