How many calories in a guava roll? A detailed nutritional guide

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

A single slice of a rich guava jelly roll can contain upwards of 190 calories, but the calorie count for a guava roll varies dramatically depending on its type and preparation. The seemingly simple question of how many calories in a guava roll is more complex than it appears, as the ingredients can range from simple fruit paste to elaborate puff pastry.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a guava roll varies significantly by type, ranging from low-fat fruit rolls to high-calorie pastries. The total depends on ingredients like sugar content and added fats.

Key Points

Variety Matters: The calorie count for a guava roll depends heavily on whether it's a fruit roll, jelly roll, or a pastry.
Pastries are Calorie-Dense: Pastelitos de guayaba (guava pastries) typically contain the most calories due to the high fat content of puff pastry.
Fruit Rolls Are Lower in Calories: Small, chewy fruit rolls have fewer calories per serving, but are still high in sugar from concentrated fruit paste.
Sugar is a Major Contributor: Guava paste, the primary filling, is cooked with sugar, making it a significant source of concentrated calories in all versions.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For a lower-calorie option, enjoy a simple fruit roll or try a homemade version with reduced sugar and fat content.
Read Nutrition Labels: Always check the nutritional information for specific brands, as recipes and serving sizes can vary widely.
Mindful Portion Sizes: Practicing portion control is key to enjoying any guava roll without derailing dietary goals.

Understanding the Different Types of Guava Rolls

The term "guava roll" is a broad one, encompassing several distinct culinary preparations. To accurately determine the calorie content, you must first identify which version you are considering. The three primary types are the fruit roll, the jelly roll, and the pastry.

Guava Fruit Roll (Candy)

This is a simpler, candy-like version, often made by drying or processing guava paste and sugar into a compact, chewy strip. These are primarily carbohydrates from sugar, with very little fat. Because of their small size, they tend to be lower in calories per serving, though their energy density from concentrated sugars remains high.

Guava Jelly Roll (Cake)

A guava jelly roll is a baked dessert consisting of a cake-like sponge or a meringue-based cake rolled around a layer of guava jam or paste. The calories in this version are influenced by the cake batter, which typically contains flour, eggs, and sugar, as well as the fat from any butter or shortening used. A single slice can contribute a substantial number of calories.

Guava Pastry (Pastelito de Guayaba)

This is a popular Cuban and Latin American treat known as a pastelito de guayaba. It features a rich guava paste filling encased in flaky puff pastry. The high fat content of the pastry dough, combined with the sugar in the guava paste, makes this one of the most calorie-dense versions. Some variations also include cream cheese, adding even more calories.

Calorie and Nutritional Comparison Table

To highlight the differences, here is a comparison of typical calorie and macronutrient profiles for different types of guava rolls, based on available nutritional data.


Guava Roll Type	Approximate Serving Size	Calories (kcal)	Total Fat (g)	Carbohydrates (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Fruit Roll (Candy)	40g	125	0.1	28	25	0.6
Guava Candy Roll	45g	165	0	41	27	0.4
Jelly Roll (slice)	56g	190	10	24	-	2
Pastry (Pastelito)	86g	326	16	41	15	5

Note: Nutritional information can vary by brand and recipe. The values above are representative examples.

Deconstructing the Calories: The Ingredients

The total calorie count of a guava roll is the sum of its individual components. The key players contributing to the caloric load are:

Guava Paste: While guava fruit itself is low in calories and rich in fiber and Vitamin C, the paste used in rolls is typically cooked with a significant amount of sugar. A 100g serving of guava paste can have well over 200 calories, almost entirely from carbohydrates.
Pastry Dough: The fat content in a guava pastry comes from the puff pastry dough. This is usually made with butter or shortening, which are calorie-dense. The flaky, layered texture is created by folding fat into the dough, significantly increasing the total calories.
Added Sugars: Beyond the fruit paste, many recipes add extra sugar to enhance sweetness. This is a major source of calories in both candy and jelly roll versions.
Added Cheese (in some pastries): For pastries that include cream cheese, the fat and dairy content add a significant number of extra calories, pushing the total higher.

Making Healthier Guava Roll Choices

If you want to enjoy the flavor of guava while managing your calorie intake, there are smarter options available. The simplest guava fruit rolls offer the lowest caloric impact, primarily due to their smaller portion sizes and absence of added fats. For a more substantial snack, consider a smaller portion of the pastry or jelly roll. Alternatively, you can search for recipes for homemade, low-calorie guava desserts that leverage the natural sweetness and fiber of the fruit without excess fat and sugar. WebMD notes that guava fruit is a source of Vitamin C and fiber, which are largely lost in high-sugar preparations.

Mindful Eating Practices

To enjoy a guava roll without overdoing it on calories, consider the following mindful eating practices:

Portion Control: Opt for a small fruit roll or split a larger pastry with a friend. The smaller the portion, the lower the calorie impact.
Pair with Protein: Combine your guava treat with a source of protein, like Greek yogurt, to slow sugar absorption and increase satiety.
Homemade Versions: Bake your own low-calorie version at home using less added sugar and healthier fats, or even use a low-calorie alternative pastry dough.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Guava Roll Calories

Ultimately, there is no single answer to the question, "how many calories in a guava roll?" The calorie count is highly dependent on the type of roll and its ingredients. A small, chewy fruit candy roll is a relatively low-calorie snack, while a flaky, cheesy guava pastry is a rich and decadent dessert with a much higher calorie count. By understanding the differences and reading nutritional labels carefully, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your dietary goals. The delicious taste of guava can be enjoyed in many forms, from the simple and healthy fruit itself to a more indulgent pastry, as long as you account for the caloric differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guava rolls are typically not a health food due to their high sugar content. While guava itself is rich in Vitamin C and fiber, these benefits are often outweighed by added sugar and fats, especially in pastry versions.

A small guava fruit roll, similar to a candy, can contain approximately 125 to 165 calories, with the majority coming from concentrated sugars.

The main difference is the preparation and ingredients. A fruit roll is a chewy, concentrated fruit candy, while a pastry (pastelito) is made with flaky, high-fat puff pastry dough.

To reduce calories, opt for a small fruit roll over a pastry, or consider making a homemade version. When baking, you can use less added sugar and healthier ingredients for the dough.

The high calorie count of a guava pastry comes from the puff pastry dough, which is made with large amounts of butter or shortening. This is in addition to the sugar-heavy guava paste filling.

Yes, adding cheese to a guava pastry, like a pastelito de guayaba y queso, significantly increases the calorie count due to the added fat from the cheese.

While guava paste is made from fruit, it also contains a high amount of added sugar during processing. The final product is a concentrated source of both natural fruit sugar and added sugars.