How many calories are in Kerala banana chips?

December 10, 2025 •

2 min read

According to nutritional data, a 100-gram serving of deep-fried Kerala banana chips contains approximately 510-530 calories, with variations depending on the brand and preparation method. This makes the popular Indian snack calorie-dense, primarily due to the oil used in frying, influencing its overall nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

A 100g serving of deep-fried Kerala banana chips packs over 500 calories, a figure driven largely by the high fat content from the frying process. While they offer nutritional benefits like potassium and fiber, portion control is vital due to their caloric density. Preparation methods greatly influence the final nutritional value.

Key Points

High Calorie Count: A 100g serving of deep-fried Kerala banana chips contains approximately 510-530 calories, making them calorie-dense.
Fat from Frying: The high fat content, largely from being deep-fried in oil, is the primary reason for their high calorie count.
Nutrient-Rich Source: Despite being fried, they contain beneficial nutrients like potassium and dietary fiber from the unripe Nendran banana.
Moderation is Key: Due to their high calorie density, they should be consumed in moderation, especially if weight management is a concern.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Baked or air-fried versions offer a lower-calorie and lower-fat option while retaining much of the original's flavor and nutrients.
Digestive Health: The fiber content aids in digestion and can help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods.

The Calorie Breakdown of Kerala Banana Chips

Authentic Kerala banana chips are made from thinly sliced, unripe Nendran bananas, traditionally deep-fried in coconut oil. This process significantly increases the calorie count. A typical 100-gram serving of these chips contains between 510 and 530 kilocalories. A smaller portion, such as one ounce (about 28 grams), has around 150 to 160 calories.

Nutritional Profile: Beyond the Calories

Beyond calories, Kerala banana chips contain fat, carbohydrates, and fiber. A 100g serving typically offers:

Energy: 510-522 kcal
Fat: 26-28g
Saturated Fat: 11-12g
Carbohydrates: 61-66g
Dietary Fiber: 4-7g
Protein: 2-4g
Potassium: 536mg
Magnesium: Present in notable amounts

Baked or air-fried versions can be lower in fat and calories while retaining the fiber and nutrients.

The Health Implications of Snacking

The deep-frying makes Kerala banana chips calorie-dense and high in fat. However, the fiber content can aid digestion and promote fullness. The potassium from the Nendran banana supports heart health. Moderation is essential, especially for weight management, as overconsumption can lead to excessive calorie and saturated fat intake.

Comparison: Kerala Banana Chips vs. Common Snacks

Here's how a 100g serving of traditional deep-fried Kerala banana chips compares to other popular snacks:


Nutritional Aspect	Kerala Banana Chips (100g)	Potato Chips (100g, approx)	Roasted Almonds (100g)
Calories	~510-530 kcal	~530-550 kcal	~579 kcal
Total Fat	~26-28g	~35g	~50g
Fiber	~4-7g	~3g	~12g
Potassium	~536mg	~1300mg	~733mg
Saturated Fat	~11-12g	~10g	~4g

This table shows Kerala banana chips are comparable in calories to potato chips. While higher in total fat and calories, almonds offer more fiber, potassium, and unsaturated fats. Mindful portion control is crucial for all these snacks.

The Traditional Method of Preparation

The unique taste and texture come from the traditional preparation process:

Unripe Nendran bananas are used, sliced thinly, and soaked in turmeric and salt water for color and seasoning.
They are deep-fried in coconut oil until crispy.
A salt solution is sometimes added to the oil at the end for even seasoning.

Healthier Preparation Alternatives

Baked or air-fried banana chips use less oil, significantly reducing calories and fat while preserving nutrients. These healthier versions are available commercially or can be made at home.

TrulyKerala offers authentic Kerala banana chips and provides some nutritional insights on their website.

Conclusion

A 100g serving of deep-fried Kerala banana chips contains 510-530 kcal, with high calorie and fat content due to frying. However, they also offer potassium and fiber. Portion control and considering healthier preparations like baking are key to enjoying this snack as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kerala banana chips contain beneficial nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber from the Nendran banana. However, the traditional deep-frying method makes them high in calories and fat, so they are best enjoyed in moderation.

A 100g serving of Kerala banana chips has a similar calorie range (510-530 kcal) to potato chips. Both are calorie-dense due to deep-frying, but banana chips offer more fiber and potassium.

To manage calorie intake, a moderate serving size of around one ounce (28 grams) is recommended. This amount contains approximately 150-160 calories and allows for mindful snacking.

No, Kerala banana chips are not a low-calorie snack and are not conducive to weight loss if consumed in large quantities. While a small, controlled portion can be part of a balanced diet, excessive intake can lead to weight gain due to the high calorie and fat content.

Authentic Kerala banana chips are made using the Nendran variety of unripe, green plantains. This specific banana variety provides the ideal firm texture and distinct taste.

Yes, healthier alternatives to deep-frying include baking or air-frying the banana slices. This significantly reduces the fat and calorie content while preserving the fruit's nutritional benefits.

The signature golden-yellow color comes from the traditional practice of soaking the thinly sliced bananas in a salt and turmeric water solution before frying.