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How many calories in a 2 piece peda?

4 min read

While the average single peda contains approximately 80 to 100 calories, this can fluctuate significantly based on its size and specific ingredients. Understanding how many calories in a 2 piece peda is crucial for mindful eating, especially considering the high sugar and milk solids content of this traditional treat.

Quick Summary

The calories in a 2 piece peda typically fall between 160 and 266 kcal, though this varies significantly by type, size, and ingredients like milk fat and sugar.

Key Points

  • Calorie Range: A 2 piece peda contains approximately 160 to 266 calories, varying significantly by type and size.

  • Ingredient Impact: The calorie count is primarily influenced by the amount of fat (khoya, ghee) and sugar used in the recipe.

  • Variety Matters: Different peda varieties like Malai, Mathura, and Doodh peda have different calorie counts per piece.

  • Reduce Calories: Opting for versions made with low-fat milk or naturally sweetened with dates can significantly reduce the caloric load.

  • Practice Moderation: Due to their high sugar and fat content, pedas are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence.

  • Exercise Balance: Burning off the calories from two pedas may require a brisk walk for about 80 minutes or 22 minutes of jogging.

In This Article

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

A peda is a traditional Indian sweet primarily made from khoya (thickened milk solids) and sugar, often flavoured with cardamom and saffron.

Peda can provide some nutrients like calcium from milk solids but is generally considered high in calories, sugar, and fat. It is best consumed in moderation, particularly for individuals managing their weight or blood sugar levels.

The calories in a single piece of peda vary greatly, but a common average for a regular-sized piece is between 80 and 100 calories, while richer or larger versions can exceed this.

To make a lower-calorie peda, you can use low-fat milk for the khoya, reduce the amount of sugar, or replace it with natural sweeteners like dates.

Peda is comparable in calories to other milk-based sweets but can be less caloric than ghee-heavy items like Mysore Pak. Its caloric density is primarily determined by its milk fat and sugar content.

While the core ingredients determine most of the calories, flavorings like saffron and cardamom add negligible calories. The variety of peda, such as Malai or Mathura, is more indicative of a different base recipe that affects calories.

Doodh peda specifically refers to milk-based peda. While it's a type of peda, its calorie content will vary based on the specific recipe, milk fat content, and size. For instance, a 30g doodh peda may contain 109 kcal.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.