How many calories in a 40 gm sev?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data for similar products, a 40 gm portion of typical, deep-fried sev contains approximately 200 to 250 calories. The exact number of how many calories in a 40 gm sev varies depending on the specific ingredients, thickness, and oil absorption during preparation. This popular Indian snack is a calorie-dense food primarily due to the deep-frying process.

Quick Summary

A 40 gm serving of deep-fried sev typically contains 200-250 calories, mainly from fat. The specific calorie count is influenced by the type and amount of oil used during frying, as well as the thickness of the sev noodles and the recipe's ingredients. Healthier, roasted alternatives exist for those monitoring calorie intake.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A 40g serving of traditional deep-fried sev contains approximately 200-250 calories, but this can vary depending on the recipe and brand.
High Fat Content: The high calorie count in sev is primarily attributed to the oil absorbed during the deep-frying process, making it an energy-dense snack.
Variety Matters: Different types of sev, such as fine Baric or spicy Ratlami, can have slightly different nutritional profiles and calorie counts due to variations in thickness and ingredients.
Healthier Alternative: To significantly reduce fat and calories, choose baked or air-fried versions of sev instead of the traditional deep-fried options.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying sev in controlled portions and using it as a garnish is a sensible strategy to incorporate it into a balanced diet without excess calories.
DIY Control: Making sev at home allows for precise control over ingredients and cooking methods, enabling a healthier outcome.

Sev is a beloved crunchy Indian snack, but its high calorie count is often a concern for the health-conscious. The key to understanding its nutritional impact lies in its preparation method—deep frying. While the core ingredient, gram flour (besan), offers some nutritional benefits, the oil used for frying significantly increases the caloric load. For a typical 40 gm serving, the caloric content can range quite a bit.

The Calorie and Macronutrient Breakdown

For a 40 gm serving, the calorie count is not uniform across all types and brands of sev. Based on nutritional information from several manufacturers and databases, the calorie estimate generally falls within the 200-250 kcal range. For instance, some commercial brands report around 560-630 kcal per 100g, which places a 40g serving firmly in this bracket.

The macronutrient composition reveals why sev is so calorie-dense. The deep-frying process infuses the snack with significant amounts of fat. For a 100g serving, some sources indicate over 40g of fat, translating to a substantial portion of the calories coming from this macronutrient.

Impact of Deep Frying on Sev Calories

Deep frying is the primary reason for sev's high caloric value. When sev is fried, the gram flour dough absorbs a considerable amount of oil, which is energy-dense (9 kcal per gram). While gram flour itself is a source of protein and fiber, the oil absorption can more than double the snack's original calorie content. This is why variations exist; thicker sev may absorb less oil by weight, whereas finer varieties like Baric Sev might absorb more due to a larger surface area relative to their mass.

Comparison of Different Sev Varieties

The term 'sev' encompasses many variations, each with a slightly different nutritional profile. The ingredient list and preparation can impact the final calorie count.

Different Sev Types

Baric Sev (Nylon Sev): This ultra-fine version is light and crispy. Some nutritional data suggests a high caloric density, possibly due to higher oil absorption.
Ratlami Sev: Known for its spicy flavor from cloves and spices, commercial versions often have a high calorie count, falling within the 560-600 kcal per 100g range.
Bhujia Sev: A popular variety that is also deep-fried, with nutritional data pointing to a high fat and calorie content.
Baked Sev: A healthier, oven-baked alternative that significantly reduces the fat and calorie content compared to its deep-fried counterparts.

Comparative Table: Deep-Fried vs. Baked Sev


Feature	Deep-Fried Sev (40g)	Baked Sev (40g)
Calories	~200-250 kcal	~100-150 kcal
Total Fat	High (15-20g+)	Low (3-5g)
Saturated Fat	High	Low
Protein	Moderate (4-6g)	Moderate (4-6g)
Cooking Method	Deep-fried in oil	Baked in the oven or air-fried
Oil Content	Very High	Minimal

Strategies for Calorie Reduction

If you love sev but are concerned about the calorie content, several strategies can help you manage your intake:

Choose Baked Varieties: As shown in the table, baked sev offers the satisfying crunch with a fraction of the calories and fat.
Use as a Garnish: Instead of eating a large portion as a standalone snack, sprinkle a small amount over dishes like chaat, salads, or curries to add texture and flavor without consuming excessive calories.
Practice Portion Control: Stick to the recommended 40 gm serving size or even less. Using a kitchen scale can help you accurately measure your portion.
Explore Healthier Homemade Recipes: Make your own sev at home using an air fryer or by baking it. This gives you full control over the ingredients and the amount of oil used.

The Role of Sev in a Balanced Diet

For most people, a small serving of sev can fit into a balanced diet, provided it's consumed in moderation. As highlighted by health experts, deep-fried foods should be limited due to their impact on fat levels and potential health issues. The core ingredient, gram flour, does contain beneficial nutrients like protein and fiber, but these are overshadowed by the high fat content in its deep-fried form. Choosing healthier cooking methods or alternatives can help you enjoy the flavors of sev while keeping your health goals on track.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in a 40 gm sev is crucial for informed snacking. While a standard portion of deep-fried sev delivers approximately 200-250 calories, this number is a reminder of its energy-dense nature. By exploring healthier preparation methods like baking or air-frying, and by practicing mindful portion control, you can still enjoy this crunchy Indian delicacy without compromising your dietary goals. For further information on food nutrition, resources like the Nutritionix database are invaluable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deep-fried sev is not considered a healthy snack, particularly when consumed regularly or in large quantities, due to its high fat and calorie content from the frying process.

Yes, baked or air-fried sev has significantly fewer calories than its deep-fried counterpart because it absorbs minimal oil during cooking, reducing its overall fat and energy content.

While it varies, a 40g serving of deep-fried sev can contain a significant amount of fat, with some commercial brands showing over 40g of fat per 100g.

Sev is traditionally made from a dough of gram flour (besan), water, and various spices, which is then deep-fried until crispy.

For those on a diet, deep-fried sev should be consumed in very small, controlled portions or avoided entirely due to its high caloric density. Healthier alternatives like baked sev are a better choice.

To make sev healthier at home, you can use an air fryer or bake it in an oven instead of deep frying. You can also use less oil in the dough itself.

No, the calorie count for sev varies by type. Differences in thickness (like Baric vs. Mota sev) and specific ingredients or preparation methods (like Ratlami sev) can lead to different nutritional profiles.

Gram flour, the main ingredient, is a good source of protein and fiber. However, its nutritional benefits are largely overshadowed by the high amount of oil absorbed during deep frying.