How many calories in a tuna roll with cream cheese? A comprehensive guide.

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

A standard sushi roll can range from 200 to over 500 calories depending on ingredients. When adding cream cheese, the calorie count for a tuna roll can increase dramatically, making it important to understand the full nutritional breakdown.

Quick Summary

A tuna roll with cream cheese varies widely in calories, often exceeding standard rolls due to the fat content. Key factors include rice quantity, cream cheese amount, and any added sauces.

Key Points

Calorie Range: An 8-piece tuna roll with cream cheese can range from 350 to over 550 calories, with significant variation based on portion size and ingredients.
Cream Cheese Impact: The addition of full-fat cream cheese is the primary reason this roll has a much higher calorie and saturated fat content than a standard tuna roll.
Key Calorie Sources: The highest calorie contributors are the sushi rice, the cream cheese, and any added sauces like spicy mayo, rather than the tuna itself.
Spicy vs. Regular: Spicy versions that use a mayo-based sauce will generally have a higher calorie count than a regular tuna roll with cream cheese.
Lighter Modifications: For a lower-calorie option, you can request less cream cheese, use light cream cheese, or choose healthier alternatives like sashimi or a cucumber-wrapped roll.

Understanding the Calorie Count in a Tuna and Cream Cheese Roll

Determining the exact calorie count for a tuna roll with cream cheese, often known as a Philadelphia roll, is not a simple task due to the wide variation in portion sizes and preparation methods across different restaurants and homemade recipes. The total caloric load is a sum of its components: the sushi rice, the tuna, the cream cheese, and any additional ingredients like avocado or spicy mayo. While a basic tuna roll is relatively lean, the addition of full-fat cream cheese is a major contributor to a higher calorie count. For example, a single tablespoon of cream cheese can add approximately 51 calories, while fatty fish like salmon or rich sauces can push the total even higher.

The Breakdown of Ingredients

To understand the full nutritional picture, let's break down the calorie contribution of each main ingredient in a typical 8-piece roll.

Sushi Rice: The foundation of most sushi rolls, sushi rice is seasoned with sugar and vinegar. It contributes a significant amount of carbohydrates and calories. For a standard roll, the rice can account for 150-200 calories. Different restaurants use varying amounts of rice, directly impacting the final count.
Tuna: Lean tuna adds protein with relatively few calories. It's a key source of omega-3s, but the caloric impact is moderate compared to other ingredients.
Cream Cheese: The game-changer for calories. The amount of cream cheese varies, but it is high in fat and can dramatically increase the roll's calorie and saturated fat content. This is why Philadelphia rolls, which include cream cheese, are often significantly higher in calories than simple maki rolls.
Added Fillings and Sauces: Many rolls include extra ingredients. Avocado adds healthy monounsaturated fats but also calories, while spicy mayo or sweet eel sauce are very calorie-dense additions. For instance, a tablespoon of spicy mayo can add around 90 calories.

Factors Affecting Your Roll's Calories

Beyond the basic ingredients, several factors can cause the calorie count to fluctuate widely.

Restaurant vs. Homemade: The portion sizes and ingredients in a restaurant roll can differ greatly from a roll made at home. Restaurant rolls often use more rice and sauces.
Portion Size: Calorie counts can be misleading. Some figures cite calories per piece, while others refer to a full 6 or 8-piece roll. It's important to know what serving size is being referenced.
Added Extras: Ingredients like tempura flakes, which are deep-fried, can add a substantial amount of calories and fat to a roll.
Type of Rice: Choosing brown rice instead of white sushi rice can slightly alter the nutritional profile by adding fiber, but the caloric difference is not usually significant enough to offset the impact of high-fat ingredients like cream cheese.

Comparing Different Tuna Roll Variations

The following table illustrates the general calorie and nutritional differences between several popular tuna-based sushi rolls. These figures represent an estimate for a standard 8-piece roll and can vary.


Roll Type	Est. Calories (8-piece)	Primary Calorie Sources	Noteworthy
Standard Tuna Roll	200-300	Rice, Tuna	Leaner, high-protein option
Tuna Roll w/ Cream Cheese	350-550	Rice, Cream Cheese, Tuna	Significant fat increase from cream cheese
Spicy Tuna Roll	290-400	Rice, Tuna, Spicy Mayo	Added calories from mayo-based sauce
Spicy Tuna Roll w/ Cream Cheese	400-600+	Rice, Cream Cheese, Spicy Mayo	One of the highest-calorie options
Sashimi (Tuna)	100-150 (3-4 pieces)	Pure Fish Protein	Rice-free, lowest calorie option

How to Enjoy a Lighter Tuna Roll

If you're watching your calorie intake, there are several ways to modify your order or recipe without sacrificing flavor.

Reduce the Cream Cheese: Simply asking the chef for a lighter portion of cream cheese can make a big difference. At home, you can control the amount easily.
Opt for Light Cream Cheese: Using a reduced-fat or non-fat cream cheese in a homemade roll significantly cuts down on calories and fat.
Sauces on the Side: If you enjoy spicy mayo or eel sauce, ask for it on the side to control how much you use.
Balance with Sashimi or Veggie Rolls: Consider ordering a smaller tuna and cream cheese roll alongside a few pieces of lower-calorie sashimi or a simple cucumber roll.
Try a Cucumber Wrap: For an even lighter option, some recipes replace the rice and nori with thinly sliced cucumber, creating a low-carb, low-calorie alternative.

Conclusion

A tuna roll with cream cheese is a rich and satisfying meal, but its calorie count is notably higher than more traditional sushi varieties. The final number can vary widely depending on the amount of cream cheese, rice, and additional sauces used. For those mindful of their diet, being aware of these factors allows for smarter choices, whether you're dining out or preparing sushi at home. By making simple adjustments, like reducing the amount of cream cheese or opting for sauces on the side, you can enjoy this popular roll while keeping your nutritional goals in check. For additional tips on healthy eating and portion control with sushi, you can read more from sources like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it contains protein from the tuna, the cream cheese adds a significant amount of saturated fat and calories. It's best considered an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, especially if you are monitoring fat intake.

The main sources are the cream cheese and the sushi rice. The high fat content of cream cheese makes it a major contributor, and the sweetened rice also adds a substantial number of carbohydrates and calories.

A spicy tuna roll with cream cheese will likely have an even higher calorie count than the regular version, as the spicy flavor typically comes from a mayo-based sauce.

Yes, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients. You can use less cream cheese or opt for a light or non-fat version to significantly reduce the calories.

Yes, avocado, while providing healthy fats, does add calories. For example, a single avocado roll piece has approximately 28 calories, so adding it to a tuna and cream cheese roll will further increase the total count.

The lowest calorie options include sashimi (pure raw fish, no rice) and simple veggie rolls like kappa maki (cucumber roll). These choices bypass the calorie-dense rice and sauces.

A Philadelphia roll is a type of sushi roll that typically includes smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese. The name comes from the cream cheese, which is a signature ingredient.