How many calories are in mata kucing?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Malaysian Food Composition Database, 100 grams of mata kucing fruit contains approximately 70 calories. This tropical fruit, a close relative of the longan, is known for being a sweet and refreshing, low-calorie snack, particularly popular in Southeast Asia.

Quick Summary

Mata kucing fruit contains about 70 calories per 100g serving, making it a low-calorie option with hydrating properties and a notable amount of vitamin C.

Key Points

Calorie Count: 100g of fresh mata kucing contains roughly 70 kilocalories, making it a low-calorie fruit.
Nutrient-Dense: The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, essential for immune health, and contains notable amounts of potassium.
Low in Fat and Protein: Mata kucing has a minimal amount of fat (0.3g per 100g) and protein (0.8g per 100g), with carbohydrates providing most of its energy.
High in Water: Composed of 82% water, it is an excellent choice for staying hydrated, especially in tropical climates.
Part of the Longan Family: Mata kucing is a regional variety of the longan fruit, sharing a similar appearance and nutritional profile.
Moderation for Processed Forms: While the fresh fruit is low-calorie, processed versions like sweetened drinks have a much higher caloric content.
Beneficial Antioxidants: The fruit provides antioxidants that help fight free radicals and support overall health.

Understanding the Caloric Content of Mata Kucing

Mata kucing, literally translating to "cat's eye" in Malay, is a popular tropical fruit often enjoyed fresh or in beverages. Its name is inspired by the fruit's translucent flesh and dark seed, which resembles an eye. For those monitoring their dietary intake, understanding the caloric and nutritional value of this delicious fruit is key. A 100-gram serving of mata kucing provides a modest 70 kilocalories, sourced primarily from its carbohydrate content. This makes it a light and guilt-free addition to a balanced diet.

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown (per 100g)

Beyond just the caloric count, a 100g serving of mata kucing offers a range of other nutrients essential for a healthy body:

Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 0.8g
Fat: 0.3g
Fibre: 0.3g
Water: 82g
Vitamin C: 72.1mg
Potassium: 234mg
Calcium: 14mg
Iron: 0.4mg

Notably, the fruit's high water content and significant dose of vitamin C are its stand-out features. The vitamin C content in particular is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.

Mata Kucing vs. Common Longan: A Comparison

While often conflated, mata kucing is generally considered a regional variety of longan (Dimocarpus longan). There are subtle differences in taste, texture, and size that distinguish them.


Feature	Mata Kucing	Common Longan	Source
Appearance	Smaller, round fruits with a slightly warty surface.	Larger, smoother-skinned fruits.
Flesh	Sweeter and firmer flesh.	Juicier and generally sweeter than cultivated varieties.
Skin	Thinner skin.	Thicker, smoother skin.
Caloric Value (per 100g)	~70 kcal	~60 kcal

The slightly higher caloric count for mata kucing in some databases may be due to regional variations or differences in maturity, but overall, both fruits remain low-calorie options.

Culinary Uses and Preparation

There are several ways to enjoy mata kucing, which can affect its nutritional profile and calorie count, particularly when other ingredients are added. Here are some popular methods:

Fresh: Eaten raw after peeling the thin outer skin. This is the simplest and healthiest method, preserving all natural nutrients and keeping the calorie count low.
Drinks: Often used to make a refreshing, cooling herbal beverage called 'Air Mata Kucing' in Malaysia. These drinks often include other ingredients like dried longan, monk fruit, or rock sugar, which will significantly increase the total calorie and sugar content.
Desserts: Incorporated into various desserts, like fruit salads or sweet soups. When added to sugar-heavy desserts, the overall caloric intake increases significantly.
Dried: Like longan, mata kucing can be dried. This process removes most of the water, concentrating the sugars and increasing the calorie density per gram. Dried fruits are much higher in calories than their fresh counterparts, so they should be consumed in moderation.

Is Mata Kucing a Healthy Choice?

Yes, when consumed fresh and in moderation, mata kucing is a healthy dietary choice. It is a source of quick energy from natural sugars but is also packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Its low-fat, low-protein composition, combined with its high water content, makes it an excellent hydrating snack, especially in hot climates. For those managing weight, sticking to the fresh fruit is the best option to avoid extra calories from added sugars in processed drinks or desserts. The vitamin C content is a significant plus, offering powerful antioxidant benefits that fight free radicals and support overall wellness.

Conclusion

In summary, fresh mata kucing is a low-calorie, nutritious fruit, providing approximately 70 kcal per 100-gram serving. It is a regional variant of longan, distinguished by its firmer, sweeter flesh and slightly smaller size. While it can be enjoyed in refreshing beverages, consuming it fresh is the best way to reap its health benefits without added sugars. As a source of vitamin C, potassium, and hydration, mata kucing is a delightful and healthy addition to your diet. For precise nutritional data, consulting an official food composition database is recommended.

For more detailed nutritional information on mata kucing, refer to the Malaysian Food Composition Database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 100-gram serving of fresh mata kucing contains approximately 70 calories. The exact count may vary slightly depending on ripeness and size.

Yes, with only 70 kcal per 100g, mata kucing is considered a low-calorie fruit, comparable to other hydrating fruits like watermelon or citrus.

Yes, drying the fruit removes water and concentrates the sugars, significantly increasing its calorie density per serving. Dried fruits should be eaten in smaller portions.

Mata kucing (70 kcal/100g) has a slightly higher calorie count than some common longan varieties (60 kcal/100g), but both are relatively low-calorie options.

The calories in mata kucing come almost entirely from its carbohydrate content, which includes natural sugars.

The calories in 'Air Mata Kucing' can be high, as the beverage often contains added sugars from ingredients like rock sugar. The fresh fruit itself is low-calorie, but the drink's total can be much higher.

No, or almost none. A 100g serving of mata kucing contains a negligible amount of fat, only 0.3g.