How many calories in a spinach feta scone?

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

A single bakery-style spinach feta scone can contain anywhere from 200 to over 400 calories, a wide range that depends heavily on its size and ingredients. The buttery, flaky texture that makes a spinach feta scone so delicious is often the main contributor to its overall caloric content.

Quick Summary

The caloric content of a spinach feta scone varies significantly based on its size, recipe, and whether it's homemade or from a commercial bakery. Ingredients like butter, cheese, and flour are primary calorie sources, while healthier versions can use whole-wheat flour, reduced-fat dairy, or smaller portions to reduce overall energy. It is important to compare different versions to understand the nutritional impact.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A spinach feta scone can range from approximately 200 to over 400 calories depending on its recipe and size.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade scones often contain fewer calories than their commercial counterparts because the ingredients can be controlled more precisely.
Butter and Cheese Impact: The amount of butter and feta cheese used are major contributors to the scone's overall fat and calorie content.
Healthier Alternatives: Substituting ingredients like using whole-wheat flour and Greek yogurt or reducing cheese can lower the calorie count significantly.
Portion Control: The size of the scone directly affects its calorie count, so choosing or making smaller portions is a simple way to manage intake.
Recipe Variation: The wide variation in recipes means there is no single calorie count for all spinach feta scones, making it important to consider each recipe individually.
Full Nutritional Profile: Beyond calories, these scones provide protein from cheese and some fiber from spinach and potentially whole-wheat flour.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Understanding the calorie count of a spinach feta scone is not a simple matter of looking up a single number. The final total is a result of several key factors, ranging from preparation methods to the specific ingredients used. A homemade scone can be very different from a commercially prepared one, which often contains more butter and less lean ingredients.

The Role of Ingredients

Flour: The type of flour is a major determinant. White, all-purpose flour is standard, but some recipes use whole-wheat flour, which adds more fiber and slight variations in caloric density. Low-carb or gluten-free alternatives will also alter the final count substantially.
Fats: Butter is a cornerstone of the classic scone and a primary source of calories. The amount used, along with the fat content of the cheese, significantly impacts the total energy. Higher-fat recipes result in a flakier texture but a higher caloric value. Some healthier recipes substitute part of the butter with Greek yogurt or a lighter oil.
Cheese: Feta cheese is known for its salty flavor but also its fat content. The amount of feta and any other cheeses, such as parmesan, contributes directly to both the calorie count and the fat percentage.
Add-ins: While spinach is low in calories, additional ingredients like cream, sour cream, or extra vegetables in a scone can add more calories than expected.

Comparison of Scone Varieties

To illustrate how varied the calorie content can be, let’s compare a typical homemade scone with a commercial one and a healthy recipe alternative.


Feature	Typical Commercial Scone	Homemade (Standard Recipe)	Healthy Alternative
Approx. Calories	350-450 kcal	250-350 kcal	150-200 kcal
Ingredients	Often uses heavy cream, butter, and sometimes sugar to enhance flavor.	Uses standard all-purpose flour, butter, and whole milk.	Might use whole-wheat flour, Greek yogurt instead of butter, and less cheese.
Portion Size	Tends to be larger, sometimes 'bakery-size'.	Varies, but often a moderate single-serving portion.	Can be smaller or modified to create more servings from the same batch.
Nutritional Profile	High in saturated fat and sodium.	Balanced macronutrients, but can still be high in fat.	Lower in fat and higher in fiber due to ingredient swaps.

Making Healthier Choices

For those watching their calorie intake, there are several ways to enjoy a spinach feta scone without overindulging. Opting for a homemade version allows for precise control over ingredients. For example, using half whole-wheat flour and half all-purpose can increase fiber while slightly reducing overall density. Substituting some butter with Greek yogurt or buttermilk can lower the fat content and add a pleasant tang. Using less cheese or opting for a lower-fat feta can also make a significant difference. Additionally, serving smaller portions or making mini scones is a practical way to manage calorie consumption.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a spinach feta scone is not a fixed figure but a dynamic one, influenced by its size, ingredients, and preparation. While a store-bought version can easily exceed 400 calories, a mindful homemade approach can yield a satisfying and flavorful scone with a much lower caloric footprint. By understanding these variables, consumers can make informed choices to enjoy this savory treat in a way that fits their dietary goals. For additional nutrition facts and healthy recipes, consult resources from a reputable source, such as the USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average calorie count for a standard spinach feta scone varies, but typical figures range between 250 and 400 calories for a moderate-to-large size, with commercial versions often being on the higher end.

Generally, yes. Homemade scones allow for control over ingredients like butter and cheese, enabling you to use less or healthier substitutes, which usually results in a lower calorie count compared to richer, commercial bakery versions.

To reduce calories, you can substitute some of the butter with plain Greek yogurt, use a lower-fat feta cheese, opt for whole-wheat flour, and bake smaller scones.

Yes, while the calorie difference between white and whole-wheat flour is minimal, whole-wheat flour contains more fiber, which can help promote a feeling of fullness. Alternative flours, especially low-carb ones, will have a more significant impact on the calorie count.

The primary contributors to the calorie count are the fats from butter and the feta cheese. These ingredients are what give the scone its rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.

While not a low-calorie snack, a spinach feta scone can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Healthier, homemade versions with less fat and more fiber can be a more nutritious choice than rich commercial ones.

Portion size is a critical factor. A single, large bakery-style scone will have significantly more calories than a smaller, standard homemade portion. Making mini scones is an effective way to manage intake.