S&B Curry Roux: Calorie and Macronutrient Breakdown
To understand how many calories are in S&B curry, it's essential to look at the different product types available. The most common is the Golden Curry roux, which comes in a block and various spice levels like mild, medium hot, and extra hot. A standard 1/12 package (18g) serving of the Golden Curry mix contains approximately 90 calories. The macronutrient profile of the mix is predominantly fat and carbohydrates, with relatively low protein content. This is because the roux is made with vegetable oils and wheat flour to create a rich, thick sauce base.
It's important to remember that this calorie count is for the roux mix only and does not account for any other ingredients. For instance, the Golden Curry with Vegetables, a prepared version, has a higher calorie count of around 240-260 calories per serving (230g), reflecting the addition of vegetables and sauce.
Comparing Different S&B Curry Types
S&B offers more than just the Golden Curry roux. They also produce instant, ready-to-eat versions and plain curry powders. The nutritional content of these products can differ significantly, which is important for those monitoring their caloric intake.
- Golden Curry Sauce Mix: A standard 1/12 pack serving (18g) contains approximately 90-110 kcal, depending on the spice level. The calories mainly come from vegetable oils and flour.
- Golden Curry Sauce with Vegetables: A single-serve (230g) pouch can contain around 240-260 kcal, as it is a complete, prepared dish. This includes the sauce and vegetables, but not the rice.
- Oriental Curry Powder: This is a pure spice mix, so its caloric value is very low. A small serving of 2g contains only about 10 kcal and no fat or protein. It provides flavor without significant calories, but requires other ingredients to form a complete meal.
Factors That Influence Your Final Curry Dish's Calories
The total number of calories in your S&B curry meal is not determined solely by the roux mix. Several other components contribute significantly to the final nutritional content:
- Added Protein: The type and quantity of protein you add, such as chicken, pork, or tofu, will largely affect the calorie count. For example, a katsu curry with deep-fried pork cutlets will be much more caloric than a dish with boiled chicken breast.
- Rice and other Carbohydrates: Japanese curry is traditionally served with a generous portion of white rice. A single cup of cooked white rice can add approximately 200 calories to your meal. Using a smaller portion of rice or opting for brown rice can help manage this.
- Vegetables: While vegetables are lower in calories, the amount and how you cook them can add up. Frying them in oil for flavor, as suggested on some package instructions, increases the fat and calorie content.
- Cooking Method and Oil: The amount of oil used to sauté ingredients before adding the roux will add to the total fat and calories. Using less oil or a non-stick pan can help reduce this.
Creating a Healthier S&B Curry Meal
To make a more diet-friendly S&B curry, consider these healthier preparation tips. You can still enjoy the great taste while making some smart substitutions.
- Leaner Protein: Use lean cuts of chicken breast, fish, or tofu instead of fatty pork or beef. Poach or bake the protein instead of frying it for an even lighter version.
- Extra Vegetables: Bulk up your meal with more low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and broccoli. This adds volume and nutrients without dramatically increasing calories.
- Control the Roux: While the roux is essential for flavor, using slightly less than the package recommendation and adding more water or low-sodium broth can create a lighter sauce.
- Portion Control: The easiest way to manage calories is to be mindful of your serving size. Use a food scale to portion out your rice and protein.
Here is a comparison table to illustrate how different preparations of S&B Golden Curry (Medium Hot) impact the final calorie count:
| Meal Combination | Estimated Calories per Serving | Key Calorie Sources |
|---|---|---|
| S&B Golden Curry Roux Only | ~90-100 kcal | Roux mix (oil, flour) |
| Curry with Rice (1 cup) | ~300 kcal | Roux, plus white rice |
| Chicken Curry with Rice | ~450-550+ kcal | Roux, rice, lean chicken breast |
| Katsu Curry with Rice | ~600-800+ kcal | Roux, rice, fried pork cutlet, cooking oil |
| Vegetable Curry (with less roux) | ~250-350 kcal | Roux, rice, mixed vegetables, minimal oil |
Conclusion
In short, the number of calories in S&B curry depends heavily on how you prepare it. While the roux mix itself is relatively moderate, the added ingredients like meat and rice are the primary drivers of the total calorie count. By being mindful of your additions and choosing leaner proteins, more vegetables, and smaller portions of rice, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying S&B curry that fits your dietary goals. For specific product nutrition facts, always check the S&B website.
