How Many Calories Are in an Eggroll from a Chinese Restaurant?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single 89-gram egg roll from a Chinese restaurant contains approximately 220 to 223 calories. This caloric figure can fluctuate based on the specific ingredients, size, and cooking method, making it essential for health-conscious diners to understand the contributing factors when considering how many calories are in an eggroll from a Chinese restaurant.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a Chinese restaurant egg roll typically ranges between 220 and 250, primarily influenced by its deep-fried preparation and rich filling. Key determinants include the type of meat, quantity of oil used, and size of the roll. The associated dipping sauce also adds extra sugar and calories.

Key Points

Average Calories: An average-sized, deep-fried egg roll from a Chinese restaurant contains approximately 220 to 223 calories.
Deep-Frying is Key: The high calorie and fat content primarily stem from the deep-frying process, which causes the wrapper to absorb a significant amount of oil.
Filling and Size Matter: Variations in fillings (pork vs. vegetable) and the physical size of the egg roll can cause the calorie count to fluctuate.
Sauce Adds Extra Calories: The popular dipping sauces often served with egg rolls, like sweet and sour sauce, can add extra calories and sugar.
Spring Rolls are Lighter: A fresh, uncooked spring roll typically has fewer calories than a deep-fried egg roll due to its thinner wrapper and lighter filling.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For a lower-calorie option, consider baking egg rolls at home or asking if the restaurant offers non-fried versions.

A typical egg roll from a Chinese restaurant is a deep-fried appetizer, which means its calorie content is significantly impacted by the cooking oil and the thick, dense wrapper. While the vegetable and meat fillings contribute some nutritional value, the frying process and choice of ingredients are the main drivers of the total calorie count.

The Average Calorie Count and Macronutrient Breakdown

For an average 89-gram (approximately 3.1 oz) egg roll, the nutritional breakdown is fairly consistent across many restaurant sources. These figures represent a single, standard-sized egg roll, not including any accompanying sauces.

Calories: 220–223 kcal.
Total Fat: Around 11 grams, with about 2 grams being saturated fat. The deep-frying method significantly increases the fat content.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 24 grams. This includes the carbs from the wrapper and the vegetables in the filling.
Protein: Roughly 7 to 8 grams. The protein content varies depending on whether the egg roll contains meat, and the amount used.
Sodium: Can be quite high, with some rolls containing over 400 mg of sodium.

What are egg rolls made of?

The primary ingredients of a traditional American-Chinese egg roll contribute directly to its caloric load. Fillings often include:

Shredded cabbage and other vegetables like carrots.
Shredded meat, most commonly pork, but sometimes chicken or shrimp.
Flavorings such as soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
A thick, wheat flour-based wrapper.

Factors that Influence Eggroll Calories

The overall calorie count is not a fixed number and can be influenced by a number of variables. Here are the key factors that can either increase or decrease the final calorie total:

Size of the egg roll: Larger egg rolls simply have more filling and more wrapper, and they absorb more oil during frying. It is not uncommon for restaurant egg rolls to be larger than the standard 89-gram size used for general nutrition data.
Filling composition: An egg roll filled primarily with vegetables will be lower in calories than one with a generous portion of fatty pork. Some variations may also include shrimp or different types of cabbage that can affect the final tally.
Cooking method: A deep-fried egg roll will have a significantly higher fat and calorie content compared to one that is baked or air-fried. Some restaurants may offer these healthier alternatives, but deep-frying is the traditional method.
Sauces: Dipping sauces can add a substantial number of additional calories and a lot of sugar. For instance, sweet and sour sauce or duck sauce can easily contribute 50-100 calories per serving.
Frying oil: The type and amount of oil used for frying will impact the final fat and calorie count. Egg rolls absorb a considerable amount of oil during cooking.

Egg Roll vs. Spring Roll Calorie Comparison

It's easy to confuse these two popular appetizers, but their nutritional profiles are quite different. This is mainly due to the differences in wrapper and preparation methods. Here's a quick comparison:


Feature	Egg Roll	Spring Roll (Fried)	Spring Roll (Fresh)
Wrapper	Thicker, dough-based, often with egg.	Thin, delicate flour or rice paper wrapper.	Very thin rice paper wrapper.
Preparation	Almost always deep-fried.	Often fried, but can be baked.	Not cooked, served fresh.
Calories (approx.)	220-250 kcal (per roll).	Around 220 kcal (per roll).	~140-180 kcal (per roll).
Fillings	Typically cabbage and meat (pork or chicken).	Usually lighter vegetable filling.	Fresh vegetables, herbs, sometimes shrimp.

Making a Healthier Choice

For those who love egg rolls but are watching their calorie intake, there are a few strategies to consider:

Ask about options: Some modern restaurants might offer baked or air-fried versions of egg rolls. Don't be afraid to ask your server if there are any lighter preparation methods available.
DIY at home: Preparing your own egg rolls allows for complete control over ingredients and cooking method. By baking or air-frying them at home, you can dramatically reduce the calorie count. You can also use leaner meats or add more vegetables to the filling.
Use sauces sparingly: If you must have a dipping sauce, use it in moderation or opt for a low-sugar alternative. Soy sauce, for example, is a lower-calorie option than sweet and sour sauce.

Conclusion

While a deep-fried egg roll from a Chinese restaurant can add over 220 calories to your meal, the total amount can vary. The final calorie count is a product of the cooking method, size, filling, and any sauces served alongside it. By being aware of these factors, you can make more informed choices to enjoy this popular appetizer as part of a balanced diet. If you are looking for a lighter alternative, consider opting for fresh spring rolls or making a baked version at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Egg rolls from Chinese restaurants are almost always deep-fried, which gives them their characteristic crispy, bubbly texture. This is the main reason for their high calorie and fat content.

A vegetable-filled egg roll will generally have slightly fewer calories than a pork-filled one, but the difference is often not significant. The deep-fried wrapper accounts for a large portion of the calories regardless of the filling.

The healthiest way to consume egg rolls is to make them at home and bake or air-fry them instead of deep-frying. You can also use leaner meats or increase the proportion of vegetables in the filling.

Egg rolls are generally higher in calories than spring rolls. A deep-fried spring roll might have around 220 calories, while a fresh, uncooked spring roll is much lighter, often below 180 calories.

Since a single egg roll can contain over 200 calories, it's wise to limit yourself to one as a treat if you're on a calorie-controlled diet. Be mindful of the high fat and sodium content as well.

Yes, dipping sauces add extra calories and sugar. Sweet and sour sauce can easily add 50-100 additional calories or more, so it's best to use it sparingly or choose a lower-calorie sauce option.

Egg rolls contain high amounts of sodium from ingredients like soy sauce, flavorings, and the fillings themselves. A single egg roll can contain over 400 mg of sodium.