How many calories does a chocolate macaron have?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count of a standard chocolate macaron typically ranges from 70 to 110 calories, depending heavily on its size and filling. However, this number can fluctuate significantly based on preparation methods, ingredient choices, and whether the macaron is a simple ganache-filled version or something more decadent.

Quick Summary

This article explores the average calorie count for a chocolate macaron, explaining how factors like filling, size, and brand affect nutritional information. It also provides a comparison table and tips for making lower-calorie versions.

Key Points

Average Calorie Range: A single, standard-sized chocolate macaron typically contains between 80 and 110 calories.
Filling Is Key: The filling, especially whether it's a lighter ganache or a heavy buttercream, is the biggest determinant of calorie count.
Size Matters: Larger or double-stuffed macarons can have a significantly higher calorie count compared to their standard counterparts.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Recipes vary widely, so homemade versions allow for calorie control, while brand-name macarons have specific nutritional information.
Enjoy in Moderation: Given their small size, macarons can be a perfect portion-controlled dessert, best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Understanding Chocolate Macaron Calories

The delightful and delicate chocolate macaron is a beloved confection, but its small size can be deceiving when it comes to caloric content. While it's not a high-calorie bomb, understanding the range and factors that influence its nutritional value can help you make more informed decisions.

What Influences a Chocolate Macaron's Calorie Count?

Several factors contribute to the final calorie count of a chocolate macaron. The primary components are the shells and the filling, and variations in these areas can create a wide caloric range.

Filling Type: The filling, or ganache, is a major calorie contributor. A simple chocolate ganache made with cream and chocolate will be less calorie-dense than one made with added butter or sugar. Some fillings might also include caramel, peanut butter, or other high-calorie ingredients, pushing the total higher.
Size: This is perhaps the most obvious factor. A standard, small macaron will have fewer calories than a larger, jumbo-sized one. For instance, a small, 70-calorie macaron is a very different treat from a large, double-stuffed one that could reach 150 calories or more.
Recipe Variations: Homemade macarons and those from different bakeries can have vastly different recipes. Some might use more sugar in the meringue, while others might be more generous with the cream in their filling. These small differences add up.
Added Ingredients: Extra elements, such as a drizzle of melted chocolate, chocolate chips, or sprinkles on the shell, will increase the total calorie count.

Comparison of Macaron Variations


Feature	Standard Chocolate Macaron	Coconut Chocolate Macaroon	Jumbo Bakery Macaron
Approximate Calories	80-110 calories	150-200+ calories	150-250+ calories
Main Ingredients	Almond flour, egg whites, sugar, chocolate ganache	Shredded coconut, condensed milk, egg whites, chocolate	Almond flour, egg whites, sugar, rich buttercream or ganache filling
Filling Density	Lighter, often chocolate ganache	Moist, dense coconut mixture	Heavy, often butter-based, very sweet filling
Texture	Crisp, airy shell with a smooth, chewy center	Dense, chewy, and moist interior	Thick, chewy shell with a creamy, rich center

Nutritional Information Breakdown

Beyond calories, it's helpful to look at the macronutrient breakdown of a typical chocolate macaron. While recipes vary, most will contain:

Carbohydrates: Primarily from the sugar in the shells and filling, as well as almond flour. Expect a significant portion of the calories to come from carbs.
Fats: Sourced from the chocolate and cream used in the ganache filling, as well as the almond flour. Creamier, butter-heavy fillings will have a higher fat content.
Protein: A small amount of protein is present from the egg whites and almond flour, but it's not a significant source.

Tips for Enjoying Chocolate Macarons Responsibly

If you're watching your caloric intake but still want to enjoy these delicious treats, there are a few strategies you can employ:

Portion Control: The most straightforward approach is simply enjoying just one macaron. Their small size makes them a perfect portion-controlled indulgence.
Consider Fillings: Choose macarons with simpler, ganache-based fillings over those with richer, buttercream-based centers, as the latter will almost certainly be higher in fat and sugar.
Balance with a Healthy Diet: Treat macarons as a special indulgence rather than a regular snack. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can easily accommodate an occasional treat.
Make Your Own: When you bake your own macarons at home, you have full control over the ingredients. You can experiment with lower-sugar recipes or use a light fruit filling instead of a heavy chocolate ganache to reduce the total calories.
Read Labels: If purchasing from a specific brand or bakery, look for nutritional information. Many producers offer this data, either online or in-store, which removes the guesswork.

Conclusion

While a definitive answer to "how many calories does a chocolate macaron have?" is impossible without knowing the exact recipe and size, a reasonable estimate places a standard, small one between 80 and 110 calories. By being mindful of the filling type, portion size, and overall dietary balance, you can enjoy this decadent French dessert without compromising your health goals. The key is moderation and informed choices, ensuring that each bite remains a special and guilt-free treat. For more nutritional information on a wide range of foods, you can explore resources like the FatSecret database for detailed breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macarons are a dessert and should be consumed in moderation. While their small size helps with portion control, they are high in sugar and fat. They can be a healthier alternative to a large slice of cake, but they are not a health food.

A macaron is a French sandwich cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, with a smooth, crisp shell and a chewy interior. A macaroon is a dense, chewy drop cookie made from shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk.

To reduce calories, you can make your own macarons using less sugar or a lighter filling, such as a fruit-based jam or a simple cocoa powder mixed with a small amount of liquid.

This depends entirely on your daily calorie goals. If you're following a strict diet, one macaron might fit within your daily limits. For a more balanced approach, consider it a rare treat rather than a regular snack.

Yes, different flavors will have varying calorie counts based on their fillings. A fruit-flavored macaron with a jam filling is likely to have fewer calories than a caramel or chocolate fudge-filled one.

A classic chocolate macaron is made from ground almond flour, egg whites, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for the shells, with a chocolate ganache filling made from chocolate and heavy cream.

For the most accurate information, check the nutritional facts provided by the specific brand or bakery where you bought the macaron. Many companies list this information on their websites or packaging.