How many calories in a sweet laddu?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, one 50-gram serving of a standard boondi laddu contains approximately 155 to 210 calories, but this can vary significantly. The exact number of calories in a sweet laddu depends heavily on its ingredients, preparation method, and size, with dense varieties often containing more energy.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a sweet laddu is not a fixed number and varies based on ingredients, size, and cooking method. This article details the caloric differences between popular types like motichoor, besan, and til laddu, helping you understand their nutritional profiles for balanced consumption.

Key Points

Variety is Key: The number of calories in a laddu varies widely depending on its type and preparation, with different ingredients yielding distinct caloric values.
Ghee and Frying Impact Calories: Traditional recipes that use large amounts of ghee or involve deep-frying, like motichoor or churma laddus, are significantly higher in calories than others.
Choose Healthier Alternatives: Varieties like til laddu or dry fruit laddu, which are made with jaggery, nuts, and seeds, can be healthier, more nutrient-dense, and sometimes lower in calories.
Portion Control is Crucial: Being mindful of serving size is the most effective way to manage calorie intake when enjoying laddus. Most nutritionists recommend one or two per day.
Ingredient Awareness: Understand the core ingredients—gram flour vs. wheat flour, sugar vs. jaggery—to make informed choices about the nutritional content of your laddu.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade laddus can be healthier as you have full control over the ingredients, especially the amount of ghee and sugar, compared to potentially more calorie-dense store-bought versions.

Unpacking the Calorie Count of a Sweet Laddu

Determining the exact calorie count of a sweet laddu is more complex than it seems. Since laddus come in many variations—from the popular motichoor and besan to more regional or health-conscious options—their nutritional profiles differ greatly. The primary factors influencing calorie content are the type of flour or base ingredient, the amount of ghee (clarified butter) or oil used, and the type and quantity of sweetener, such as sugar or jaggery.

The Calorie Breakdown by Laddu Type

To understand the caloric landscape of this beloved Indian sweet, we need to look at a few of the most common varieties. A dense, ghee-laden churma laddu will have a much higher calorie count than a smaller, lighter til (sesame seed) laddu made with jaggery. Motichoor laddus, made from deep-fried gram flour boondis, are also quite energy-dense due to their preparation method. Besan laddus, while also containing ghee, can have a slightly different profile depending on the coarseness of the flour and the proportion of ghee.

A Comparison of Popular Laddu Calories

The following table provides an estimated comparison of calorie counts for a standard-sized serving of different laddu types. These are average figures and can vary based on individual recipes and portion sizes.


Laddu Type	Approximate Calories (Per Piece)	Key Ingredients	Preparation Notes
Motichoor Laddu	150–210	Gram flour, sugar syrup, ghee, spices	Deep-fried small boondis soaked in sugar syrup.
Besan Laddu	150–200	Gram flour, ghee, powdered sugar, cardamom	Roasted besan mixed with ghee and sugar.
Churma Laddu	Up to 350	Coarse wheat flour, ghee, jaggery, poppy seeds	Fried dough pieces, crushed and mixed with ghee and jaggery.
Til Laddu	Approx. 62	Sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, cardamom	Healthier option, typically with less added fat and sugar.
Dry Fruit Laddu	50–100 (varies)	Dates, figs, nuts, seeds, no added sugar	Naturally sweetened, fiber-rich, and often low-calorie.

Factors Influencing Laddu Calories

Beyond the base ingredients, several other factors contribute to a laddu's final calorie total:

Size and Portion Control: A larger laddu simply contains more ingredients, resulting in more calories. Serving sizes can range from small, bite-sized pieces to large, festive-sized treats.
Preparation Method: Some recipes call for deep-frying the components (like in motichoor), while others involve roasting the flour or mixing raw ingredients (like in some health-focused dry fruit laddus). Deep-frying drastically increases the fat and, consequently, the calorie content.
Added Ingredients: Extra additions like cashews, almonds, raisins, or extra ghee can further increase the caloric density. For example, a churma laddu with generous amounts of ghee and jaggery is significantly more calorie-dense than a simple sesame seed laddu.
Sweetener Choice: Using natural sweeteners like dates or jaggery can result in a more nutrient-dense profile, but not necessarily a lower calorie count. Jaggery is often used to replace refined sugar, which is a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.

Making Healthier Choices

For those watching their calorie intake, it is possible to enjoy a laddu as a moderate treat. Opt for varieties with healthier fats and natural sweeteners. Dry fruit laddus, for instance, are often naturally sweetened with dates and provide fiber and nutrients from the nuts and seeds. Portion control is another key strategy; having just one laddu with a cup of tea is a satisfying way to enjoy the flavor without overindulging. For recipes and tips on creating healthier laddus, you can find helpful resources online, such as this guide from Tarla Dalal on creating lighter til laddus.

Conclusion: Savor with Awareness

In conclusion, there is no single answer to the question, "How many calories in a sweet laddu?" The answer is highly dependent on the type, size, and preparation. From a dense churma laddu with over 300 calories to a lighter til laddu with around 60, the range is significant. The key to enjoying this traditional sweet while staying mindful of your health goals is to understand what goes into it. By choosing varieties with nutrient-rich ingredients, practicing portion control, and being aware of the preparation method, you can savor this festive treat responsibly. Whether homemade or store-bought, being informed about the ingredients is the first step toward a balanced indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single, average-sized motichoor laddu typically contains between 150 and 210 calories, but this can vary based on its size and the amount of ghee and sugar used.

Not necessarily. A besan laddu generally contains around 150 to 200 calories, a range similar to motichoor. The specific recipe, size, and amount of ghee dictate the final calorie count.

Dry fruit laddus, often made with dates, nuts, and seeds without added sugar or excess ghee, are typically among the lowest-calorie options. A small til laddu can also be relatively low in calories.

Yes, you can enjoy a laddu in moderation while dieting. The key is portion control. Choosing healthier varieties like dry fruit or til laddu and limiting yourself to one a day can help satisfy cravings without derailing your diet.

Homemade laddus are often a healthier option because you can control the quality and quantity of ingredients, such as using less ghee or swapping sugar for jaggery. Store-bought varieties may contain more sugar and preservatives.

A til (sesame seed) laddu can be quite healthy. At around 62 calories per piece, it provides energy and nutrients from sesame seeds, peanuts, and jaggery, making it a good winter snack.

The main factors are the base ingredient (flour, nuts), the sweetener (sugar, jaggery, dates), the amount of ghee or oil, and the overall size of the laddu. Recipes vary widely, so calories can change with each variation.