How Many Calories in a 2 Shrimp Spring Roll? Fresh vs. Fried Explained

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for two shrimp spring rolls can range significantly, typically falling between 150 and 400 calories depending on preparation. The biggest factor influencing how many calories in a 2 shrimp spring roll is whether it is fresh or fried, a distinction that drastically alters its nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

The number of calories in two shrimp spring rolls depends heavily on the cooking method, with fresh rolls having significantly fewer calories than fried options. The choice of dipping sauce is another major factor that can increase the overall calorie load.

Key Points

Fresh vs. Fried: Fresh shrimp spring rolls are significantly lower in calories than fried versions due to the cooking method.
Expect 150-250 Calories for Two Fresh Rolls: The calorie range for two fresh rolls is approximately 150 to 250 calories, but this can vary based on size and ingredients.
Expect 260-400+ Calories for Two Fried Rolls: Two fried spring rolls typically contain 260 to over 400 calories, primarily due to the oil absorbed during deep-frying.
Sauce Adds Significant Calories: Dipping sauces, especially creamy peanut sauce, can add over 100 calories per serving, so use them sparingly.
Ingredients and Size Matter: The specific ingredients, amount of filling, and overall size of the roll all influence the final calorie count.
Air-Frying is a Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy texture with fewer added calories compared to traditional deep-frying.

Understanding the Calorie Differences: Fresh vs. Fried

When evaluating how many calories in a 2 shrimp spring roll, the first and most important question is whether it has been served fresh or fried. The preparation method is the single greatest determinant of the final calorie count. Fresh spring rolls, often referred to as summer rolls, are a light and nutritious option, while their fried counterparts are a richer, more indulgent treat.

The Nutritional Profile of Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls

Fresh shrimp spring rolls are typically made by wrapping a combination of cooked shrimp, rice vermicelli noodles, and a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs in a translucent rice paper wrapper. Because they are not deep-fried, the rolls retain the low-calorie nature of their core ingredients.

Rice paper wrapper: Approximately 30-40 calories per wrapper.
Cooked shrimp: A small serving of shrimp is naturally low in calories and high in protein.
Fresh vegetables: Ingredients like shredded carrots, lettuce, cucumber, and mint add volume, fiber, and nutrients with minimal calories.
Rice vermicelli: Provides carbohydrates to add substance to the roll.

For two average-sized fresh shrimp spring rolls, the total calorie count can be as low as 150-250 calories before adding any sauce.

Why Fried Spring Rolls Pack More Calories

Fried shrimp spring rolls are prepared using a different method and a thicker wrapper, which leads to a much higher calorie density. The primary driver of the increased calories is the deep-frying process, where the rolls absorb a significant amount of oil.

Frying Oil: The oil used for deep-frying is high in fat and calories, and the wrapper acts like a sponge, soaking it up during cooking.
Wrapper: Fried spring rolls typically use a thicker egg roll or wheat flour-based wrapper, which is more robust than rice paper and can absorb more oil.
Filling: While still containing shrimp and vegetables, the filling is often cooked with more oil and seasonings before being wrapped.

As a result, two fried shrimp spring rolls can contain 260 calories or more, with some restaurant or pre-packaged versions exceeding 300-400 calories depending on size and ingredients.

The Unexpected Calorie Impact of Dipping Sauce

Many people are so focused on the spring roll itself that they overlook the single biggest calorie contributor: the dipping sauce. Sauces like creamy peanut sauce, sweet chili, or hoisin can turn a moderately healthy appetizer into a calorie-heavy dish.

Peanut Sauce: Often the highest in calories and fat due to its peanut butter base. A single serving can add 80-130 calories or more.
Sweet Chili Sauce: A moderate option, but still contains a significant amount of sugar, contributing to the calorie count.
Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce): Typically the lowest-calorie option, made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and water. However, sugar content can still add up.

To manage calorie intake, it's wise to request sauces on the side and use them sparingly.

Comparison Table: Fresh vs. Fried Shrimp Spring Rolls


Feature	Fresh Shrimp Spring Roll	Fried Shrimp Spring Roll
Cooking Method	Raw, wrapped in moistened rice paper	Deep-fried in oil
Approx. Calories (for 2 rolls)	150-250 (varies by size)	260-400+ (varies by size/brand)
Fat Content	Very Low	High (due to frying)
Key Ingredients	Cooked shrimp, rice noodles, fresh vegetables, herbs	Cooked shrimp, filling, thicker wrapper
Wrapper Type	Translucent rice paper	Thicker egg roll or wheat flour wrapper
Texture	Soft, chewy, with a fresh, crisp vegetable crunch	Crispy, crunchy exterior with a warm, tender interior
Best For	Lighter, healthier appetizer	Richer, more satisfying indulgence

Making Healthier Spring Roll Choices

For those seeking a lighter, more health-conscious option, fresh shrimp spring rolls are the clear winner. However, there are ways to enjoy the fried version in a more mindful way.

Control the Sauce: This is the most effective strategy. Request sauce on the side and dip lightly instead of drenching your rolls.
Ask for Less Sauce: For a fried roll, ask for a dipping sauce that is lower in sugar, or simply use less of the high-calorie peanut sauce.
Load up on Veggies: If making them at home, add more fresh vegetables and use less rice vermicelli to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Consider Air-Frying: Air-frying can offer a crispy texture similar to deep-frying but with significantly less added oil and fat. This can reduce the calorie count of fried-style spring rolls by a considerable amount.
Make Your Own: Creating spring rolls at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, including portion sizes and the quality of the filling. A healthy, homemade fresh spring roll can be a macro-friendly snack or meal.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count for two shrimp spring rolls is not a fixed number and depends heavily on how they are prepared. Fresh spring rolls are a lighter, lower-calorie choice, typically containing between 150 and 250 calories for a pair. Fried versions, however, are significantly higher in calories, often ranging from 260 to over 400 for two rolls due to the oil absorbed during cooking. Furthermore, the dipping sauce can add a substantial amount of calories, especially if it is a creamy peanut-based sauce. By being mindful of the preparation method and controlling your sauce intake, you can enjoy this delicious dish while making smarter dietary choices.

To explore making a healthy version at home, consider this Mayo Clinic Fresh Spring Roll Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, fresh shrimp spring rolls are generally considered a healthy option. They are typically low in fat and packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein. Fried spring rolls, however, are higher in fat and calories and are a less healthy choice.

Peanut dipping sauce can add a significant number of calories. A couple of tablespoons can contribute anywhere from 80 to 130 calories or more, depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

Yes, there is a big difference. Rice paper wrappers used for fresh spring rolls are thin and low-calorie (about 30-40 calories each), while the thicker, often fried, wrappers used for egg rolls contribute more calories and absorb more oil.

To reduce the calorie count, choose fresh spring rolls over fried ones. For any type of roll, use dipping sauce sparingly or choose a lower-calorie alternative like a vinegar-based sauce instead of a creamy peanut sauce.

The calorie count for 2 restaurant spring rolls varies widely depending on the establishment and preparation. Two fresh rolls might be around 200 calories, while two fried rolls could easily exceed 300 calories, especially with sauce.

A healthier alternative is to choose fresh spring rolls. If you prefer the crispy texture, an air-fried spring roll is a good compromise, as it uses less oil than deep-frying.

Yes, the size of the spring roll and the quantity of filling directly impact the final calorie count. Larger rolls with more rice noodles and a denser filling will contain more calories than smaller, vegetable-heavy rolls.