How many calories in 100 grams of Kaju Barfi?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie content of Kaju Barfi can vary significantly, with figures ranging from 420 to over 500 kcal per 100 grams, depending on the ingredients and preparation method. This rich Indian sweet, made from cashews and sugar, is a dense source of energy, making it a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Quick Summary

A standard serving of 100 grams of Kaju Barfi can contain between 420 and 550 calories. The exact nutritional breakdown is influenced by factors like the amount of sugar and fat used, as well as preparation techniques.

Key Points

High Calorie Range: 100 grams of Kaju Barfi typically contains 420–550 calories due to its dense composition of cashews and sugar.
Significant Macronutrients: It is a rich source of carbohydrates (from sugar) and fats (from cashews), with a moderate amount of protein.
Variations Influence Calories: The exact calorie count is heavily dependent on the recipe, with homemade versions allowing for better control over sugar and fat content compared to store-bought ones.
Moderation is Key: Given its high caloric and sugar density, Kaju Barfi should be consumed in moderation, particularly for individuals managing weight or blood sugar levels.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Options like Kaju Barfi made with honey or jaggery, or other dry fruit barfis using natural sweeteners, provide a less sugar-heavy treat.
Exercise and Portion Control are Important: Enjoying this sweet requires balancing indulgence with an active lifestyle and mindful portioning to mitigate its high energy content.

The Calorie Breakdown of Kaju Barfi

Understanding the calorie content of Kaju Barfi starts with its core ingredients. This beloved sweet is primarily made from cashew nut paste and sugar syrup, sometimes with the addition of ghee or milk solids (khoya). Since recipes vary, particularly between homemade and store-bought versions, the final calorie count per 100 grams is an estimate. Generally, a 100-gram portion of Kaju Barfi contains a high number of calories, predominantly from carbohydrates (sugar) and fats derived from the cashews themselves.

Cashews are naturally rich in energy, providing healthy fats, protein, and dietary minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. However, the inclusion of refined sugar is the primary driver of the high caloric density. Some variations might also use different sweeteners or include milk solids, which further impact the overall nutritional profile.

For example, some store-bought brands might list around 430–475 calories per 100 grams, whereas traditional or richer homemade recipes could push the calorie count towards the higher end of the 500-550 kcal range. For this reason, a single piece of Kaju Barfi can contain anywhere from 60 to 100 calories, depending on its size and density.

Nutritional Information per 100g

To provide a clearer picture, here is an approximate nutritional breakdown based on averaged data from several sources:

Calories: 420-550 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams (mostly from sugar)
Total Fat: 20-35 grams
Protein: 5-15 grams
Sugar: Highly variable, but typically high due to added sugar

It is important to note that these values can change based on the specific recipe. The presence of milk solids, saffron, or alternative sweeteners will all affect the final nutritional composition. Homemade versions, for instance, often use less processed ingredients and can offer a slightly healthier profile, though they can still be high in calories if not carefully portioned.

Comparison: Kaju Barfi vs. Other Indian Sweets

When considering calorie intake, it is helpful to compare Kaju Barfi with other popular Indian desserts. The following table provides a general comparison based on a 100-gram serving, though specific values can vary.


Indian Sweet	Approximate Calories (per 100g)	Main Ingredients	Key Calorie Source
Kaju Barfi	420-550 kcal	Cashews, sugar, water	Cashews (fat) & sugar
Gulab Jamun	300-350 kcal	Khoya, sugar syrup, oil	Khoya, sugar, oil (frying)
Rasgulla	150-180 kcal	Chenna, sugar syrup	Sugar syrup
Jalebi	350-400 kcal	Maida, sugar syrup, ghee	Maida, sugar, ghee (frying)
Besan Ladoo	450-500 kcal	Besan, ghee, sugar	Besan, ghee, sugar

This comparison shows that Kaju Barfi is a high-calorie sweet, primarily due to its cashew and sugar content. However, other fried or heavily syrup-laden desserts can have comparable or even higher caloric densities.

Health Considerations and Moderation

While Kaju Barfi is a delicious treat, its high sugar and fat content means it should be consumed in moderation, especially for those watching their weight or managing conditions like diabetes. Overindulgence can lead to high calorie intake, which may contribute to weight gain over time. Nutritionists often advise consuming sweets like Kaju Barfi during the day when metabolism is more active, rather than after supper.

For those seeking a healthier version, homemade options offer better control over ingredients. Reducing the amount of refined sugar or substituting it with natural sweeteners like honey or dates can significantly lower the calorie count while maintaining flavor. Alternatives like date and fig barfi (Anjeer Khajoor Barfi) or barfi made with palm jaggery are excellent, lower-glycemic options.

Making Healthier Choices

Control portion sizes: Even a small piece can satisfy a craving without a significant calorie hit.
Choose alternatives: Explore recipes using natural sweeteners or other dry fruits with lower overall calories.
Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water can help manage appetite and reduce the desire for sugary treats.
Time your treat: Enjoying Kaju Barfi during festive seasons or as an occasional daytime indulgence is a better strategy than regular, unrestricted consumption.
Exercise: Pairing sweet treats with an active lifestyle is key to balancing calorie intake with energy expenditure.

Conclusion

In summary, 100 grams of Kaju Barfi can contain between 420 and 550 calories, with variations depending on the recipe and preparation. The high calorie content comes from its rich cashew base and added sugar. While it can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation, being mindful of portion sizes and exploring healthier, homemade alternatives is recommended. For a more detailed look into cashew nutrition, see the information provided on their health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average calorie count for 100 grams of Kaju Barfi typically falls between 420 and 550 kcal, although this can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

Kaju Barfi is high in calories due to its main ingredients: cashews, which are naturally high in fat and energy, and added sugar, which significantly increases the total caloric density.

The calorie count for one piece of Kaju Barfi varies by size, but it can range from approximately 65 to over 100 calories per piece.

While often used interchangeably, Kaju Katli is typically thinner, smoother, and made with just cashews and sugar, whereas Kaju Barfi can be thicker and sometimes includes milk solids (khoya), giving it a slightly different texture.

Yes, healthier versions can be made at home by reducing the amount of refined sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey, dates, or palm jaggery.

Due to its high calorie and sugar content, Kaju Barfi should be consumed sparingly and in moderation during a weight-loss diet. Mindful portion control is essential.

Store-bought versions may have a more standardized, and often higher, calorie count due to consistent recipes and added ingredients. Homemade Kaju Barfi allows for more control over sugar and fat, potentially making it a slightly lower-calorie option if prepared mindfully.