How Many Calories in a Mini Guava and Cheese Pastry?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single mini guava and cheese pastry can contain a wide range of calories, from as little as 140 kcal in a smaller, pre-packaged variety to over 300 kcal for a larger, denser bakery item. The exact number of calories in a mini guava and cheese pastry depends heavily on its size, specific ingredients, and preparation method.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for mini guava and cheese pastries varies greatly based on factors like size, ingredients, and preparation. A typical pastry can range from 140 to over 300 calories, with higher counts for larger, more indulgent versions and lower for smaller, pre-packaged types.

Key Points

Calorie Range Varies: A mini guava and cheese pastry can range from approximately 140 to over 300 calories, depending on its size and ingredients.
Size is Deceiving: The term 'mini' is not standardized; a bakery mini pastry can be significantly larger and more caloric than a pre-packaged one.
High in Fat and Carbs: The majority of calories come from the puff pastry's fat content and the guava paste's sugar.
Check Labels: For accurate information on pre-packaged items, always refer to the nutrition facts on the label.
Mindful Consumption: Practicing portion control or opting for homemade versions with ingredient modifications are effective ways to manage calorie intake.
Recipe Matters: Homemade pastries offer the most control over ingredients and portion sizes, allowing for healthier adjustments.
Glaze Adds Calories: The optional sugar glaze applied after baking adds extra sugar and calories to the final product.

Understanding the Calorie Count Variation

Pinpointing a single calorie count for a mini guava and cheese pastry is challenging because the term 'mini' is not standardized across brands or recipes. The final number is influenced by several key factors:

Size and Weight: A pre-packaged mini pastry from Goya, for example, is around 43 grams and contains about 140 calories. In contrast, a mini strudel from a bakery, which might be larger or denser, could have 310 calories. A difference in size of just a few grams can add significant calories.
Ingredients and Recipe: The type of pastry dough used is a major factor. Standard puff pastry is high in butter and thus high in fat and calories. Some recipes might use a different, lower-fat dough, while some homemade versions might use all-butter puff pastry, which is more caloric. The ratio of filling to pastry also plays a role, as does the sugar content in the guava paste and cheese filling.
Preparation Method: The way a pastry is cooked can also change its calorie content. Frying a pastry will add significantly more fat and calories than baking it. Most commercial and homemade pastelitos are baked, but variations exist.

A Closer Look at the Nutritional Breakdown

Beyond the total calorie count, it's important to consider the macronutrient breakdown. A typical mini guava and cheese pastry derives the majority of its calories from carbohydrates and fats, with a much smaller percentage from protein. For a 43g Goya pastry, the breakdown is roughly 46% carbs, 49% fat, and 5% protein. For a heavier pastry, the ratios might differ slightly, but the overall trend remains the same: a fat and sugar-heavy treat.

Typical Macronutrient Profile (per mini pastry)

Carbohydrates: Primarily from the puff pastry and the sugary guava paste. This can range from 17g in smaller versions to over 40g in larger ones.
Fat: Mostly from the butter in the puff pastry and the cream cheese filling. Can vary from 8g to over 16g, with a significant portion being saturated fat.
Sugar: The guava paste is essentially a fruit preserve high in sugar. A mini pastry can contain 5g to 15g or more of sugar.
Protein: A small amount comes from the cheese and flour, typically under 5g.

Comparison of Different Pastry Types

To illustrate the calorie variation, here is a comparison table using data from different sources, showcasing how the final calorie count changes with the product and size.


Pastry Type	Approx. Size	Approx. Calories	Macronutrient Snapshot	Source	Key Ingredients
Goya Pre-packaged Pastry	43 g	140	8g Fat, 17g Carbs, 2g Protein	Eat This Much	Puff pastry, guava paste, cream cheese
Mission-Food Recipe Pastry	1 pastry	309	17g Fat, 37g Carbs, 3g Protein	Mission-Food.com	Store-bought puff pastry, guava paste, cream cheese
Freshness Guaranteed Mini Strudel	1 pastry	310	(Macronutrient details not listed)	Fitia	Mini strudel, guava, cheese
Nutritionix Guava & Cheese Pastry	1 pastry	326	16g Fat, 41g Carbs, 4.7g Protein	Nutritionix	Pastry, guava, cheese

Tips for Enjoying Mini Guava and Cheese Pastries Mindfully

For those watching their caloric intake, a few strategies can help you enjoy these delicious treats without overdoing it.

Read Labels: If you're buying pre-packaged pastries, always check the nutrition facts on the label. This is the most accurate way to know exactly what you're consuming.
Practice Portion Control: Remember that a single 'mini' pastry can be a substantial snack. Stick to one and savor it, rather than eating several, which can add up quickly.
Bake at Home for Control: Making your own pastries allows you to control the size and ingredients. Consider using a lower-fat puff pastry or reducing the amount of sugar in the filling.
Balance Your Intake: If you're enjoying a mini pastry, balance the rest of your day's snacks with healthier, low-calorie options like fruit, vegetables, or nuts.

The Role of Ingredients in Calorie Density

Let's delve deeper into how the core ingredients impact the final calorie count.

Puff Pastry: The layered, buttery dough is the most calorie-dense component. Its flaky texture is created by layers of fat (typically butter or shortening) and flour. A high-quality, all-butter pastry will have more calories than a standard store-bought version using a mix of fats.
Guava Paste (Bocadillo): This sweet, dense fruit paste contributes most of the sugar and a significant portion of the carbohydrates. While guava fruit itself is healthy, the paste is a condensed, sugary form.
Cream Cheese: The rich, tangy filling adds calories primarily through fat. Some recipes might use full-fat cream cheese, while others might opt for a lower-fat version or even a different type of cheese, like queso blanco, which can change the nutritional profile.
Glaze: Many recipes call for a simple sugar glaze brushed on top after baking. This adds a beautiful sheen but also adds extra sugar and calories.

For those looking for a healthier alternative, consider homemade versions using light puff pastry or making a filling with part-skim ricotta cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese. You can also mix in fresh, mashed guava to reduce the amount of sugary paste needed. Portioning ingredients carefully can also help manage the calorie load.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of how many calories in a mini guava and cheese pastry has no single answer, but rather a wide range from around 140 to over 300 calories, depending on the item's size, ingredients, and preparation. While the 'mini' label may suggest a low-calorie treat, it's essential to be aware of the high-calorie density of puff pastry and sugary fillings. By checking labels, practicing portion control, and considering homemade alternatives, you can mindfully enjoy this delicious sweet and tangy dessert. The variation in recipes and commercial products means that an individual's best approach is to estimate based on the pastry's physical characteristics or seek specific nutritional information for packaged items. Making informed choices allows for a balanced diet that can still include these delightful treats.

For a more comprehensive look at nutritional data for a wide variety of foods, the website Nutritionix provides a vast database and is a helpful resource for dietary planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

A mini pastry typically has fewer calories than a regular-sized one simply due to its smaller size. However, its overall nutritional profile remains high in fat and sugar, so it is not inherently 'healthier,' just a smaller indulgence.

A pastelito de guayaba y queso is the Spanish name for a guava and cheese pastry, often associated with Cuban and other Latin American cuisines. It's a flaky pastry filled with sweet guava paste and tangy cream cheese.

To reduce calories, you can make your own pastries using a lighter version of puff pastry or a low-fat dough. You can also use lower-fat cream cheese or part-skim ricotta and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.

Calorie variations occur due to differences in pastry size, weight, ingredient quality (e.g., all-butter vs. cheaper fats in the pastry), and the ratio of filling to dough. Smaller, pre-packaged portions are often lower in calories than freshly baked ones.

For pastries from a local bakery, the best option is to ask for nutritional information directly. Without a standard label, you can use the figures presented in this article to make an educated estimate based on its size and appearance.

The main ingredients contributing to calories are the puff pastry, which is high in butter or other fats, and the guava paste, which is concentrated fruit and sugar. The cream cheese filling also adds a significant amount of fat.

No, it's not possible to track calories with 100% accuracy without a nutrition label or a precise recipe with ingredient measurements. However, by using the information here and considering the pastry's size, you can make a good estimate.