How Many Calories Does an Average Macaron Have?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

An authentic French macaron often contains around 80 calories, positioning it as a relatively light treat compared to many other pastries. However, the answer to how many calories does an average macaron have is not a single number, as the total varies significantly based on its filling and size.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a macaron ranges from approximately 50 to over 160 calories depending primarily on its filling. The choice between a ganache and a heavier buttercream can more than double the caloric value of this delicate French confection.

Key Points

Average Calorie Count: An authentic, ganache-filled French macaron typically contains around 80 calories.
Filling is Key: The calorie count heavily depends on the filling, with light ganache being lower than rich buttercream.
Buttercream Raises Calories: Buttercream-filled macarons can contain 160 or more calories, potentially double that of a ganache-filled one.
Macaron vs. Macaroon: Do not confuse macarons with coconut macaroons, which are generally denser and higher in calories.
Size Matters: Larger macarons or those with extra components will naturally have a higher calorie total.
A Lighter Treat: Compared to heavier desserts like cupcakes or cookies, a ganache macaron can be a lighter option.

The Calorie Range of an Average Macaron

While often viewed as a low-calorie indulgence, the number of calories in a macaron is not universal. The classic, authentic French macaron, typically filled with a light ganache, averages around 80 calories. This number can fluctuate, with some bakeries citing a range of 70 to 100 calories for their standard-sized macarons with traditional fillings. The relatively low count for an authentic macaron is due to its simple ingredients: almond flour, sugar, and egg whites for the shells, paired with a modest amount of filling. The total calorie count is a sum of all its components, and variations in recipe or portion size will change the final tally.

The Impact of Macaron Fillings on Calorie Count

The filling is the single largest variable determining the final calorie count of a macaron. It's the primary factor differentiating a guilt-free pleasure from a more decadent dessert.

Ganache vs. Buttercream: The difference between these two popular fillings is substantial. A light ganache, made from chocolate and cream, contributes fewer calories than a buttercream, which is made from butter and powdered sugar. Some sources suggest that a buttercream-filled macaron could have double the calories of a ganache-filled one, pushing the count to 160 or more.
Fruit Jams and Preserves: Fillings made from fruit jams or preserves can offer a slightly lower-calorie option than heavy buttercreams, although their sugar content remains high.
Salted Caramel and Chocolate: More indulgent fillings like salted caramel or rich chocolate can significantly increase the total calories and fat content of the final product.

Factors Influencing Macaron Calories Beyond the Filling

Several other factors besides the filling can affect the final calorie count:

Size Variations: Not all macarons are created equal. While many are bite-sized (around 1.5 inches), some bakeries offer larger versions. Naturally, a larger macaron will contain more calories due to a higher quantity of ingredients.
Manufacturer and Recipe Differences: Homemade macarons and those from different bakeries will have varying recipes. Ingredients might be swapped or adjusted, leading to different nutritional profiles. For instance, different brands of ingredients or slight recipe variations can alter the final calorie count.
Additional Components: Extra flavorings or decorations, such as drizzled chocolate, extra nuts, or caramel inclusions, add to the calorie total.

Macaron vs. Macaroon: A Critical Calorie Clarification

A common point of confusion arises from the similar names of two very different desserts: macarons and macaroons. It is essential to distinguish between them for an accurate calorie assessment. While a French macaron is a meringue-based sandwich cookie made with almond flour, a macaroon is a chewy, dense coconut cookie. Macaroons, particularly those with condensed milk, are often significantly higher in fat and calories than their delicate French counterparts. For example, a single macaroon can contain around 90-100 calories, but mass-produced versions can vary. This difference highlights why knowing the specific dessert is crucial for tracking calorie intake accurately.

Calorie Comparison: Macarons and Other Desserts

To put a macaron's calorie count into perspective, consider how it stacks up against other popular treats. For those looking for a small, portion-controlled dessert, a macaron is often a solid choice.


Dessert	Avg. Calories	Key Differences
Macaron (Ganache)	~80 kcal	Lighter, almond-based cookie sandwich.
Macaron (Buttercream)	~160 kcal	Heavier, richer filling adds significant calories.
Small Cupcake	~180-250 kcal	Heavier cake and frosting base, larger size.
Standard Chocolate Chip Cookie	~150-200 kcal	Denser, higher in butter and sugar content.
Coconut Macaroon	~100-170+ kcal	Chewy coconut base, often with condensed milk.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Calorie Balance

The question of how many calories does an average macaron have is best answered with a range, not a single figure. For a classic ganache-filled macaron, the average is around 80 calories. However, a heavier buttercream filling can double this amount. To stay mindful of calorie intake, consider the filling type and size of the macaron. Opting for a classic flavor with a ganache or fruit jam filling is your best bet for a lighter, portion-controlled treat. The next time you indulge, you'll be armed with the knowledge to choose wisely.

For more specific nutrition information, you can always check the nutritional data provided by the baker or manufacturer, or consult resources like the Pastreez Blog on Macaron Calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

A French macaron is a meringue-based almond cookie, typically around 80 calories for a standard size with ganache filling. A macaroon is a denser coconut cookie that can contain 90-100+ calories and is often higher in fat.

Compared to many other decadent pastries like large cookies or cupcakes, a standard ganache-filled macaron is relatively low in calories. However, the calorie count can increase significantly with heavier fillings like buttercream.

The calories in a chocolate macaron depend on the filling. A light chocolate ganache filling will result in a macaron with fewer calories (around 80-100), while a rich, thick chocolate buttercream will increase the calorie count significantly.

Yes, macaron size directly affects the calorie count. A standard 1.5-inch macaron has a certain number of calories, but larger, customized, or oversized versions will contain more ingredients and therefore more calories.

Not necessarily. Homemade macaron recipes can vary widely in ingredients and proportions. The final calorie count will depend entirely on the specific recipe, the filling used, and the size of the macarons being made.

Lighter fillings like fruit jams or pure ganache (as opposed to buttercream) generally result in a lower-calorie macaron. Heavy, buttery, or creamy fillings will add more fat and sugar.

For accurate information, check the nutritional information provided by the bakery or manufacturer if it's a commercially sold product. For homemade versions, you can calculate the total calories based on your recipe ingredients and portion size.