How many carbs are in a chocolate covered cannoli?

December 17, 2025 •

5 min read

According to nutritional data, a single Marketside brand chocolate cannoli can contain up to 74 grams of total carbs, demonstrating a wide variation in recipes. This guide answers the question of how many carbs are in a chocolate covered cannoli by examining the factors that influence its nutritional content.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate count of a chocolate covered cannoli varies significantly based on its size, shell ingredients, filling recipe, and chocolate type. Large versions can exceed 70 grams of total carbs, with most of these coming from sugar and refined flour.

Key Points

Variable Carb Count: The number of carbs can range from approximately 36g to over 77g, depending on the cannoli's size and recipe.
Primary Carb Source: Most carbohydrates come from the high sugar content in the ricotta filling and the flour-based shell.
Size is Crucial: A single standard or large cannoli has a much higher carb load than a mini one, though serving sizes can be misleading.
Minimal Fiber: Traditional cannoli typically offer very little dietary fiber, meaning the carb impact is mainly from sugar.
Homemade vs. Store-bought: Making cannoli at home allows for better control over sugar and ingredient choices, potentially resulting in a lower carb treat.
Keto Alternatives Exist: Low-carb and keto-friendly versions use alternative flours like almond flour and sugar substitutes to dramatically lower the carb count.
Mindful Indulgence: For traditional versions, practice portion control by sharing a single cannolo or enjoying it on a day with otherwise low carb meals.

Understanding the Carb Count in a Chocolate Covered Cannoli

Determining the exact carbohydrate content of a chocolate covered cannoli is not a straightforward task, as it depends heavily on the specific recipe and portion size. While a small, traditionally prepared cannolo might have a moderate carb count, a larger, mass-produced version with extra chocolate can contain a surprisingly high number of carbohydrates. The final number is influenced by several key components, including the shell, the ricotta-based filling, and the type and amount of chocolate used for the dipping or toppings.

Key Factors Affecting Cannoli Carbohydrates

Several elements contribute to the total carbohydrate count. Understanding these can help you make more informed choices when indulging in this Italian pastry.

Cannoli Size

Mini vs. Standard vs. Large: The most obvious factor is size. A mini cannolo is naturally lower in carbs than a standard one, while a large, jumbo cannolo will be significantly higher. For example, a single mini chocolate-dipped cannoli from Hannaford contains 72g of total carbohydrates, which is much higher than a standard cannoli but reflects a larger, multi-piece serving size. In contrast, a Marketside brand offers 5 cannoli for 74g of carbs, indicating individual items are much smaller.

The Cannoli Shell

Ingredients: The shell is typically made from wheat flour, sugar, and sometimes Marsala wine or another fortified wine. These ingredients form the base carbohydrate content of the shell itself. The amount of sugar and flour directly impacts the carb load.
Preparation Method: Whether the shell is traditionally fried in oil or baked can also slightly affect the nutritional profile. Baked shells, like those in a healthier coconut recipe, may reduce total calories and some fat but the base carb count from flour remains.

The Sweet Ricotta Filling

Sugar Content: The vast majority of the carbs in the filling come from added sugar, often powdered sugar. The sweetness level can vary dramatically from recipe to recipe. A standard cannoli filling alone can contain a decent amount of carbs before the shell is even considered.
Added Ingredients: Traditional fillings may include candied fruit or mini chocolate chips, which further increase the overall sugar and carb count. Some modern versions might also use cornstarch as a thickener, adding to the carbohydrate load.

The Chocolate Coating

Type of Chocolate: The type of chocolate used for the covering can make a difference. Dark chocolate typically has slightly less sugar and more fiber than milk chocolate, but the difference per serving is often minimal. The sheer amount of chocolate used is a more significant factor.
Dipping vs. Chips: A thick, fully-dipped chocolate coating will add more carbs and sugar than a simple sprinkling of mini chips or a drizzle.

Cannoli Carb Comparison Table

To illustrate the variability, here is a comparison of cannoli from different sources mentioned in the search results. Note that serving sizes differ, which is a crucial detail when comparing figures.


Cannoli Type	Source	Serving Size	Total Carbs	Net Carbs	Sugar	Notes
Chocolate Dipped Cannoli	Hannaford	1 serving	77g	76g	52g	Higher carb count for a single unit.
Large Chocolate Dipped Cannoli	Artuso Pastry Foods	90g (approx 3.2oz)	36g	35g	25g	More moderate carb count per unit.
Chocolate Cannoli	Marketside	5 cannoli	74g	72g	48g	Much lower carb count per individual cannolo.
Chocolate Dipped Cannoli	Whole Foods	1 serving	38g	36g	27g	Another example of a moderately sized cannoli.

Breaking Down the Carbs: Sugar vs. Fiber

For most people monitoring their carb intake, the type of carbohydrate is as important as the total amount. When looking at cannoli nutrition, the carbohydrate content is overwhelmingly from simple sugars rather than dietary fiber. For example, the Hannaford chocolate cannoli with 77g of total carbs contains 52g of sugar and only 1g of fiber. Similarly, the Marketside version with 74g total carbs lists 48g of sugar and 2g of fiber. The very low fiber content means that the high sugar count will cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, a key consideration for individuals with diabetes or those following a low-glycemic diet.

Navigating Your Options: Traditional vs. Low-Carb

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, indulging in a traditional chocolate cannoli may not be feasible. Fortunately, several strategies and alternatives exist:

Low-Carb Cannoli Dip: A popular alternative is a keto-friendly cannoli dip or mousse, which offers the flavor profile without the high-carb shell. These are typically made with ricotta cheese and sugar substitutes, resulting in a much lower carb count per serving.
Keto Cannoli Shells: Some recipes use almond flour to create a low-carb shell, though the texture will differ from the traditional fried dough. These shells, combined with a sugar-free filling, can significantly reduce the overall carb count.
Homemade Modification: If you are making cannoli at home, you have complete control. You can reduce the sugar in the filling, opt for a dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage, and use smaller, bite-sized shells to control your portion size.

Tips for Mindful Consumption

Even with traditional cannoli, mindful eating can help manage your carb intake:

Portion Control: Consider sharing a single, standard-sized cannolo with a friend or family member. Many large, commercially-available cannoli can be enough for two people.
Pairing: Balance your indulgence. If you know you'll be having a cannoli, choose low-carb options for your other meals throughout the day.
Prioritize Quality: A high-quality, freshly made cannolo might be worth a higher carb count than a mass-produced, lower-quality alternative. Learn more about the ingredients that make a cannolo special.

Conclusion

To put it simply, there is no single answer to how many carbs are in a chocolate covered cannoli. The total can range from around 36 grams for a moderately-sized store-bought version to well over 70 grams for a larger, sweeter one. The vast majority of these carbohydrates come from sugar and refined flour, with minimal dietary fiber. For those concerned about carb intake, paying attention to portion size and seeking out low-carb or keto-friendly alternatives are the best strategies. The good news is that with a little awareness, you can still find ways to enjoy this delicious treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carb content can vary widely, but a single, average-sized chocolate covered cannoli often falls in the range of 35 to 45 grams of total carbs, while larger or sweeter versions can easily exceed 70 grams.

Yes, a single mini cannolo has fewer carbohydrates than a single standard or large one. However, serving sizes often consist of multiple mini cannoli, so it is important to check the total carb count for the intended portion.

The majority of the carbohydrates in a cannoli come from the sugar in the sweetened ricotta filling and the refined flour used to make the deep-fried pastry shell.

Yes, recipes for keto-friendly and low-carb cannoli exist. These often use alternative flours like almond flour for the shells and sugar substitutes in the filling to significantly reduce the carb count.

Using dark chocolate (especially a high-cocoa percentage one) can slightly lower the sugar and carb count compared to milk chocolate. However, the amount of chocolate and the sweetness of the filling are more impactful factors.

Not necessarily, but homemade cannoli give you full control over the ingredients. You can choose to use less sugar in the filling, lighter oils for frying, or healthier, low-carb ingredients, making it a potentially healthier option.

You can reduce carbs by using less sugar in the filling, opting for dark chocolate, and choosing a smaller portion size. Exploring low-carb cannoli dip or parfait recipes that omit the shell entirely is another effective strategy.