How many calories are in 30ml of calogen? Explained

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

A 30ml serving of Calogen provides 135 calories, according to Nutricia. This concentrated energy source is important for managing conditions where high energy intake is needed with minimal volume, such as disease-related malnutrition.

Quick Summary

Calogen, a Nutricia supplement, delivers 135 calories per 30ml serving, designed to boost energy intake efficiently. It is a fat emulsion, lacking protein and fiber, to increase caloric content in patient diets.

Key Points

Calorie Content: A 30ml shot of Calogen contains 135 calories, sourced entirely from fat.
High-Energy Density: Calogen is an energy-dense supplement, providing a high calorie count in a small, easy-to-consume volume.
Protein-Free: It is free of protein and fiber, making it suitable for diets with specific protein or residue restrictions.
Medical Supervision: Calogen is a medical food product and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Versatile Use: It can be taken directly, mixed into food, added to drinks, or used to fortify tube feeds.
Not a Sole Nutrition Source: It is intended as a supplement to meet energy needs and is not suitable as a complete, sole source of nutrition.

Understanding the Calogen Calorie Count

Calogen, made by Nutricia, is an oral supplement designed to provide a significant calorie boost for patients requiring increased energy intake with limited volume. It is a fat emulsion based on long-chain triglycerides, which contributes to its high energy density. A concentrated supplement like Calogen can be easier for patients to consume compared to larger volumes of regular nutritional drinks.

The 135 calories in a 30ml serving come solely from fat; Calogen contains no protein or fiber. This makes it suitable for those needing to limit protein or electrolytes. It can be taken directly or added to food or drinks to increase their calorie content.

Nutritional Breakdown of a 30ml Shot

The following details the key components of a 30ml dose:

Energy: Approximately 135 kcal.
Fat: About 15 grams. Since fat provides 9 calories per gram, 15g of fat equals 135 calories.
Protein: 0 grams.
Carbohydrates: Typically less than 1 gram.
Fibre: 0 grams.

It is important to differentiate between standard Calogen and other formulations like Calogen Extra, which may have a different nutritional profile, including added protein and vitamins. Always check the specific product label or consult a healthcare professional to ensure the correct formulation is being used.

Comparing Calogen with Common High-Calorie Alternatives

Calogen is one of several options when a healthcare professional recommends increasing calorie intake. The choice between Calogen and food-based alternatives is often based on the patient's specific nutritional needs, medical condition, and dietary tolerances.


Feature	Calogen (30ml)	Double Cream (30ml / 2 Tbsp)	Condensed Milk (30ml / 2 Tbsp)
Energy	135 kcal	~132 kcal	~97 kcal
Primary Nutrient	Fat	Fat	Carbohydrates and Protein
Protein	0g	0.5g	2.2g
Fibre	0g	0g (Approx)	0g (Approx)
Use Case	Protein/fluid restricted diets, tube feeding enhancement	Food fortification, adding to drinks	Food fortification, adding to drinks

This comparison highlights Calogen's advantage for patients who require a pure energy boost without added protein or volume.

Medical Applications and Considerations

Calogen is classified as a "Food for Special Medical Purposes" and must be used under medical supervision. Its high-fat, low-volume, and protein-free composition makes it useful for several clinical indications.

Indications for Calogen use include:

Disease-related malnutrition: To help patients meet their energy requirements, especially when appetite is poor.
High energy requirements: For individuals who need extra calories to support recovery from illness or other medical conditions.
Fluid or volume restriction: Beneficial for patients who cannot tolerate large volumes of fluid.
Protein or electrolyte restriction: Ideal for patients with conditions like renal disease who must manage their intake of protein and certain minerals.
Enteral tube feeding: Can be used as an energy enhancer for patients receiving tube feeds.

While Calogen offers significant benefits, it is not a sole source of nutrition and should always be used as a supplement to a normal diet. Its use is contraindicated in certain conditions, such as galactosaemia. For some patients, especially young children under 5, dilution may be necessary.

Proper Administration and Usage

Following recommended guidelines for Calogen is essential to maximize effectiveness.

Guidelines for usage:

Shake well before use. As an emulsion, the fat and water components can separate.
Dosage is determined by a healthcare professional. The recommended intake for adults is typically 3 x 30ml shots per day, but this can vary based on the patient's needs.
Mix or take directly. Calogen can be consumed on its own or mixed into foods, drinks, or other supplements. The neutral flavour allows it to be mixed without altering the taste of the food or beverage.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place and refrigerate once opened, using within 14 days.

Conclusion: The Final Calorie Count

A single 30ml serving of Calogen provides 135 calories, serving as a concentrated source of energy for those with specific medical nutritional needs. As a fat emulsion, free of protein and fiber, it supports patients with high energy demands, malnutrition, or restricted fluid and nutrient intake. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine if Calogen is the right nutritional supplement for your specific situation. For more information on the product, you can visit the Nutricia website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calogen is a high-energy nutritional supplement used to provide extra calories to patients who have increased energy requirements, suffer from disease-related malnutrition, or require a high energy intake in a low volume.

Yes, Calogen Neutral is generally suitable for vegans as it is made from vegetable oils and does not contain any milk-derived products.

No, Calogen is not suitable for use as a sole source of nutrition. It is designed to be a supplement that adds energy to a patient's existing diet or other nutritional supplements.

Yes, standard Calogen is a fat-only emulsion, while Calogen Extra is enriched with additional nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Calogen Extra provides a different nutritional profile than standard Calogen.

Yes, Calogen can be mixed into a variety of foods and drinks, including milk, juice, soup, and sauces, to increase their energy density without significantly altering the volume.

Calogen is not suitable for patients with galactosaemia and should be used with caution in children under 6 years of age. As it is a medical food, contraindications should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

While Calogen can be taken undiluted, some patients, particularly children under 5, may need it to be diluted as directed by a healthcare professional.