Peda is a beloved Indian milk-based sweet made from khoya (thickened milk solids), sugar, and various flavourings. Because of its rich ingredients, it is a calorie-dense treat. While it's impossible to give a single, definitive figure, the caloric content of a two-piece serving can be estimated by looking at the nutritional information of different peda types.
Factors Influencing the Calorie Count
Several key factors determine the final calorie count of a peda, meaning that two pedas can differ in calories depending on their preparation.
- Size and Weight: This is the most obvious factor. A larger, denser peda will naturally have more calories than a smaller, lighter one. For example, a small 20g peda is around 80 calories, whereas a 30g doodh peda is 109 calories.
- Type of Milk: Pedas made with full-fat milk solids (khoya) contain more calories than those made with low-fat versions. Some recipes may also use condensed milk, which adds more sugar and calories.
- Ghee vs. Oil: The type and amount of fat used during preparation, typically ghee, play a significant role. Adding extra ghee to the mixture increases the fat and, therefore, the calorie content.
- Sugar Content: The amount of sugar added is a primary contributor to calories. Some recipes call for a high sugar concentration, while others use less or substitute it with healthier options like dates.
- Added Flavourings and Toppings: Ingredients like pistachios, almonds, or saffron threads add minimal calories but can contribute to the overall energy count.
Caloric Breakdown of Common Peda Varieties (2-Piece Serving)
To understand the caloric range for a two-piece serving, it is useful to look at the individual nutritional data for common peda variations.
- Classic Doodh Peda: Based on a 30g piece at 109 kcal, a 2-piece serving would be approximately 218 kcal.
- Malai Peda: A rich, creamy peda. According to Tarla Dalal, one piece is around 94 kcal. A 2-piece serving would be 188 kcal.
- Mathura Peda: This dark, caramelised variety is slightly different. Fatsecret data suggests one piece is about 67 kcal. Two pieces would be 134 kcal.
- Kesar Peda: Flavoured with saffron, this can be similar to the classic milk peda. Tarla Dalal notes one kesar peda is 93 kcal, making a 2-piece serving 186 kcal.
Comparison of Peda Varieties (Per Piece)
| Peda Type | Estimated Calories (Per Piece) | Key Ingredients | Calorie Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doodh Peda | 109 kcal | Khoya, Sugar, Cardamom | Standard milk solids, balanced fat and sugar. |
| Malai Peda | 94 kcal | Khoya, Cream, Saffron | Creaminess adds richness, often slightly smaller. |
| Mathura Peda | 67 kcal | Khoya, Caramelised Sugar | Browned sugar and specific preparation method result in lower calories for a similar size. |
| Kesar Peda | 93 kcal | Khoya, Sugar, Saffron | Similar to Malai Peda, saffron is a flavouring. |
Creating Lower-Calorie Peda
For those who want to enjoy this traditional treat while managing their calorie intake, several modifications can be made during preparation. The overall calorie reduction depends on the ingredients used.
Use Low-Fat Ingredients
- Low-fat milk: Replace full-fat milk with low-fat or skimmed milk to reduce the overall fat content of the
khoya. As noted by Vege Home Cooking, this requires simmering for a longer time or adding a small amount of heavy cream for texture, but the calorie reduction is significant. - Reduced-fat condensed milk: If using a condensed milk-based recipe, opt for a reduced-fat version to lower sugar and fat.
Reduce Sugar
- Natural Sweeteners: Substitute refined sugar with natural alternatives. A YouTube recipe shows a peda made with dates and milk, which naturally sweetens the dessert without processed sugar.
- Non-Caloric Sweeteners: For a truly low-calorie version, non-caloric sweeteners can be used, although this may alter the taste and texture.
Control Portion Sizes
- Smaller Servings: Even without altering the recipe, simply making smaller pedas is an effective way to manage calories. Serving one small peda instead of two is an immediate reduction.
Burn Off the Calories
- A single peda (around 95 kcal) can be burned off with approximately 40 minutes of walking, 11 minutes of jogging, or 16 minutes of swimming. Eating two pedas would double this exercise requirement. While this varies greatly depending on the individual, it helps provide perspective on the energy density of the sweet.
Conclusion
In summary, the number of calories in a 2 piece peda is not a fixed figure but ranges typically between 160 and 266 kcal, with common averages for popular varieties like doodh peda or malai peda often falling around 180-220 kcal. This variation is driven by factors such as the size, the richness of the khoya (milk solids), and the amount of sugar and ghee used. For calorie-conscious individuals, opting for smaller sizes or homemade versions with lower-fat milk and natural sweeteners offers a way to enjoy this sweet treat in moderation. When planning for dessert, considering the specific type of peda and its preparation method can provide a more accurate estimate of the calorie impact.