How Many Calories Are In One Parotta? The Ultimate Guide

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

A single plain whole wheat parotta typically contains around 150 to 200 calories, but this can differ significantly based on ingredients and cooking methods. Knowing how many calories are in one parotta is crucial for those monitoring their dietary intake or aiming for healthier eating habits.

Quick Summary

Parotta calories fluctuate greatly based on ingredients and preparation, from 100-150 for an oil-free whole wheat type to over 300 for filled or deep-fried versions. Factors like flour and filling strongly affect the total calorie count.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count depends on the flour, oil, and fillings used.
Whole Wheat is Lower: A plain whole wheat parotta contains fewer calories (approx. 150-200) than its maida counterpart.
Oil Adds Significant Calories: Cooking with generous oil or ghee drastically increases the total caloric value.
Fillings Increase Count: Stuffed parottas like aloo or paneer have a higher calorie content due to the added ingredients.
Moderation is Key: To manage your calorie intake, control portion sizes and opt for healthier preparation methods.
Roasting Reduces Calories: Roasting a parotta with minimal oil is a better option than pan-frying.

A parotta, also known as a paratha, is a favored layered flatbread across South Asia; however, its calorie count varies. The total caloric value is influenced by flour type, the use of oil or ghee during preparation, and any added fillings. This guide explores these variables to help determine the number of calories in one parotta and how to make healthier choices.

Factors Influencing Parotta Calories

Flour Type: Maida vs. Whole Wheat

One of the most significant factors determining a parotta's calorie count is the flour used. Traditional Malabar parottas are often made with maida (refined all-purpose flour), while Northern Indian-style parathas are typically made with atta (whole wheat flour). Whole wheat flour offers more fiber and nutrients, resulting in a slightly lower caloric density per serving compared to maida.

Maida (Refined Flour) Parotta: Lacks fiber and can cause quicker blood sugar spikes. Typically, a plain maida parotta contains approximately 220–250 calories.
Whole Wheat (Atta) Parotta: Contains higher fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. A plain whole wheat parotta generally ranges from 150–200 calories.

Cooking Method: Oil vs. Oil-Free

The amount of oil or ghee used for cooking is another major calorie contributor. A parotta can be roasted with minimal oil on a tawa (griddle) or shallow-fried with a more generous amount. The more fat added during cooking, the higher the final calorie count will be. For instance, a plain whole wheat parotta cooked without oil can be around 100–150 calories, while the same parotta fried with a tablespoon of oil could reach 200 calories or more.

Fillings and Accompaniments

Adding fillings to a parotta is a delicious way to enhance flavor, but it also increases the calorie count. Popular fillings like aloo (potato) or paneer (cottage cheese) can add significant calories and fat. The richness of the filling and any additional spices or fats used will directly impact the total. Pairing parottas with rich, creamy curries or extra dollops of butter further elevates the caloric intake.

A Comprehensive Parotta Calorie Comparison Table

This table provides approximate calorie ranges for a standard-sized parotta (around 80g), illustrating how different ingredients and preparation methods affect the total.


Type of Parotta	Approximate Calories	Key Ingredients/Method
Plain Whole Wheat (Roasted)	150-200 kcal	Whole wheat flour, minimal to no oil
Plain Maida (Fried)	220-250 kcal	Refined maida flour, generous oil or ghee
Malabar Parotta	~246 kcal	Maida flour, generous oil, layered
Aloo Paratha (Stuffed)	250-350 kcal	Whole wheat flour, spiced potato filling, oil
Paneer Paratha (Stuffed)	250-300 kcal	Whole wheat flour, spiced paneer filling, oil
Cabbage Paratha (Stuffed)	~211 kcal	Whole wheat flour, spiced cabbage filling, oil

The Healthier Parotta: Tips for Reduced Calorie Intake

If you want to enjoy parotta while managing your weight or health, you can make smarter choices during preparation and consumption.

Smart Preparation Choices

Choose Whole Wheat Flour: Prioritize whole wheat (atta) over refined maida for higher fiber content and lower caloric impact.
Use Minimal Oil: Opt for roasting your parotta on a tawa with just a brush of oil instead of shallow or deep frying.
Incorporate Nutritious Fillings: Choose healthy, high-fiber fillings such as leafy greens, lentils, or lean protein like paneer to make the meal more balanced and satiating.
Avoid Excess Butter: Skip the extra butter or ghee on top of the cooked parotta to save a significant number of calories.

Mindful Consumption Practices

Practice Portion Control: Limiting yourself to one or two parottas per meal can help keep your total caloric intake in check.
Pair with Healthy Sides: Serve parotta with protein-rich dishes like dal, or a large vegetable salad, rather than heavy, creamy curries.
Eat Earlier: Consuming parottas earlier in the day, such as for breakfast, gives your body more time to burn off the calories.

Parotta vs. Roti: A Nutritional Showdown

For those comparing calorie counts, the parotta is often pitted against the simpler roti. A plain roti is typically made with whole wheat flour and cooked without oil, making it significantly lower in calories. A standard roti contains around 70 calories, compared to a parotta's 200+ calories when prepared with oil. This makes roti a more frequent and calorie-friendly option for daily consumption, while parotta is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Conclusion: Enjoying Parotta in Moderation

While the answer to "how many calories are in one parotta?" varies widely, the main takeaway is that parotta can still be a part of a healthy and balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. By being mindful of your flour choice (opt for whole wheat), minimizing the use of oil, and choosing healthier fillings, you can reduce the overall caloric impact. Ultimately, understanding these factors empowers you to make informed decisions and enjoy this delicious dish responsibly.

Learn more about healthier alternatives to maida parotta from this source: Maida Parotta vs Wheat Parotta - Finding a Healthy Alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

A plain whole wheat parotta typically has about 150–180 calories, while a maida parotta can have 220–250 calories or more, primarily due to the lack of fiber and cooking oil.

To reduce calories, use whole wheat flour instead of maida, cook with minimal oil or dry roast it, and add low-calorie, vegetable-based fillings.

Parotta can be high in calories, especially when made with refined flour and excess oil. However, a whole wheat version, prepared with minimal oil and consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced weight loss diet.

A plain parotta made with whole wheat flour and cooked without oil or ghee can contain as few as 100 to 150 calories.

Yes, fillings add calories. A plain parotta has fewer calories than a stuffed version like aloo or paneer paratha, which can have 250-350 calories or more.

Generally, a parotta has significantly more calories than a roti. One roti typically contains around 70 calories, while a parotta is over 200 calories when prepared with oil.

A single medium-sized Malabar parotta contains approximately 246 calories, along with about 46g of carbohydrates and 4g of fat.

Some believe that since parotta is high in carbs and fat, eating it for breakfast gives the body more time to burn off the energy throughout the day. Moderation, however, remains key regardless of the time of day.