How many calories in a sweet Hawaiian crescent roll? A Detailed Guide

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

A single Pillsbury Sweet Hawaiian Crescent Roll contains approximately 100 calories. Understanding the full nutritional profile of this popular baked good is essential for those monitoring their intake, especially when considering how many calories in a sweet Hawaiian crescent roll you might be consuming.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the calorie count and nutritional facts for sweet Hawaiian crescent rolls, comparing different brands and offering insights for homemade versions.

Key Points

Pillsbury's Count: A single Pillsbury Sweet Hawaiian Crescent Roll contains about 100 calories.
King's Hawaiian Alternative: The famous King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls contain approximately 90 calories per roll.
Refined Ingredients: Store-bought versions are typically high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, meaning they should be consumed in moderation.
Homemade Variation: The calorie count for a homemade version depends heavily on the recipe's ingredients, such as the amount of sugar and butter used.
Check the Label: Always review the nutrition label, as values can differ slightly between products and serving sizes.
Consider the Full Picture: Beyond just calories, evaluate the sugar, sodium, and fat content to make an informed dietary choice.

The Calorie Breakdown of Store-Bought Sweet Hawaiian Rolls

While the term "sweet Hawaiian crescent roll" often refers to Pillsbury's product, it is important to also look at other popular brands, such as King's Hawaiian's dinner rolls, to get a complete picture of the calorie landscape. The nutritional content can vary significantly, not just in calories but also in sugar, fat, and sodium.

Pillsbury Sweet Hawaiian Crescent Rolls

The Pillsbury version is a refrigerated dough that bakes into a flaky crescent shape. It is a convenient and popular choice for many families. According to product information, one roll (28g) contains 100 calories.

Nutritional breakdown per 1 roll (28g):

Total Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Total Sugars: 3g
Added Sugars: 2g
Protein: 2g

King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls

It's easy to confuse the pre-baked King's Hawaiian rolls with a crescent roll, though they are a different product. King's Hawaiian rolls are known for their soft, fluffy texture and are commonly used for sandwiches and sliders. A single King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Roll (28g) contains 90 calories.

Nutritional breakdown per 1 roll (28g):

Total Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 3g

Comparing Popular Sweet Hawaiian Rolls

To illustrate the nutritional differences between brands, here is a comparison table of two of the most popular store-bought options, based on a single-roll serving:


Nutrient	Pillsbury Sweet Hawaiian Crescent Roll (1 roll)	King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Roll (1 roll)
Calories	100 kcal	90 kcal
Total Fat	4.5g	2g
Saturated Fat	2g	1g
Sodium	220mg	80mg
Total Carbs	12g	16g
Total Sugars	3g	5g
Protein	2g	3g

Factors Affecting Calorie Count in Homemade Versions

Creating sweet Hawaiian crescent rolls from scratch offers more control over the ingredients, which directly impacts the final calorie count. The recipe for a homemade version may differ significantly from a store-bought can. Here are some key factors to consider:

Flour Choice: Using enriched white flour will result in a different nutritional profile than using whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour, while higher in fiber, may also be denser and require recipe adjustments.
Sugar Content: The amount and type of sugar used is a major factor. Some recipes call for a blend of white and brown sugar, while others might include honey or other sweeteners. Homemade recipes often have more sugar per roll than commercial counterparts.
Fats: Recipes vary in the amount of butter or vegetable shortening used. Reducing the fat can lower the calorie count, but may affect the roll's texture and flavor.
Add-ins: Any fillings or toppings, such as butter glaze, cheese, or ham, will significantly increase the calorie count. For example, a single roll prepared with bacon and cheddar cheese could reach 200 calories or more.

To find a reliable homemade recipe, it is best to consult baking authorities. For example, King Arthur Baking has an excellent recipe for Hawaiian rolls that provides a specific nutritional breakdown.

Is a Sweet Hawaiian Crescent Roll a Healthy Choice?

While delicious, sweet Hawaiian crescent rolls are generally not considered a health food. Most store-bought versions are made with refined flour and contain a notable amount of sugar and sodium. They offer minimal fiber and nutrients compared to whole-grain alternatives. Consuming them in moderation is key, especially for individuals watching their sugar or carbohydrate intake. The World Health Organization recommends limiting sugar intake for a healthy diet.

Conclusion

While a single Pillsbury sweet Hawaiian crescent roll averages around 100 calories, and a King's Hawaiian sweet roll is about 90, the total nutritional impact depends on the quantity and any added ingredients. These rolls are generally high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and fat, making them a treat to be enjoyed in moderation rather than a regular dietary staple. For the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information, always consult the product's packaging or the manufacturer's website. For example, you can find details on Pillsbury's website. If you opt for a homemade version, be mindful of your ingredient choices to control the overall calorie and nutritional content.

Frequently Asked Questions

King's Hawaiian rolls are pre-baked, fluffy, and round, while Pillsbury sweet Hawaiian crescent rolls are refrigerated dough that you bake at home into a flaky crescent shape.

Healthier alternatives are not common, but some low-carb or keto-friendly recipes exist, though they often use different ingredients like egg whites and alternative sweeteners.

Yes, you can control the calorie content by reducing the amount of sugar and fat in your homemade recipe. Some recipes specifically aim for lower calories, though the texture may differ from the traditional rolls.

According to FatSecret, Pillsbury's regular Original Crescent Rolls also contain about 100 calories per roll, very similar to the sweet Hawaiian version, though the sugar and sodium content may vary slightly.

A Pillsbury sweet Hawaiian crescent roll contains 3g of total sugars, while a King's Hawaiian sweet roll has 5g of total sugars.

For both Pillsbury and King's Hawaiian, the standard serving size is one roll, which is typically around 28 grams (1 ounce).

While pineapple juice is sometimes used in homemade recipes, the amount in commercial sweet Hawaiian rolls is not significant enough to provide substantial vitamin benefits.

Their signature soft and fluffy texture is achieved through a combination of enriched dough, sugar, and sometimes pineapple juice, which can help tenderize the gluten during the baking process.