How many carbs are in a waffle with syrup and butter?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

A single restaurant-style Belgian waffle with syrup and butter can contain well over 80 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the syrup and flour. Understanding precisely how many carbs are in a waffle with syrup and butter is crucial for managing your dietary intake, especially for those monitoring sugar levels or on a low-carb diet.

Quick Summary

The total carb count for a waffle with butter and syrup varies significantly, influenced by waffle size, ingredients, and the portion of maple syrup. The majority of carbohydrates come from the high-sugar content of the syrup and flour in the waffle mix.

Key Points

Significant Carb Load: A typical serving of a waffle with syrup and butter contains a high amount of carbohydrates, often exceeding 80 grams.
Syrup is the Main Contributor: Maple syrup is the primary source of sugar and contributes the majority of the carbohydrates, with each tablespoon adding around 13-14g.
Varying Waffle Base: The carb content of the waffle itself depends on its type, with a restaurant Belgian waffle containing more carbs than a smaller, frozen one.
Butter Adds Negligible Carbs: While butter adds calories and fat, it contributes less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving.
Reduce Carbs with Alternatives: Lowering the carb count is possible by using sugar-free syrup, controlling portion sizes, or opting for toppings like fresh fruit.
Portion Control is Key: Limiting the amount of syrup and butter is the simplest and most effective way to manage the carb intake of your breakfast.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: A homemade waffle and controlled toppings offer more control over nutrition compared to potentially high-carb, high-sugar restaurant versions.

The Carbohydrate Breakdown

To understand the total carb count, it is essential to break down each component of this popular breakfast dish. Both the waffle itself and the sweet toppings contribute to the final tally.

Waffle Base

The carbohydrate count of the waffle base varies depending on whether it's homemade, a pre-packaged frozen variety, or a large, restaurant-style Belgian waffle. For example, a single plain, homemade round waffle (approx. 7" diameter) typically contains around 25 grams of carbohydrates. A pre-toasted, frozen waffle square, however, may have less, around 16 grams. A large, malted Belgian waffle from a restaurant can contain a much higher amount, sometimes contributing 40-50 grams or more of the total carbohydrate count before any toppings are added. These carbohydrates are primarily derived from the flour and sugar used in the batter.

Syrup's Significant Contribution

The most substantial source of carbohydrates in this dish comes from the syrup. Maple syrup is almost entirely made of sugar, which is a form of carbohydrate. A single tablespoon of pure maple syrup contains approximately 13-14 grams of carbohydrates. Given that most people use several tablespoons to generously coat their waffle, this component can easily add 40 to 80 grams or more of pure sugar and carbs to the meal. Many commercial 'pancake and waffle syrups' are primarily high-fructose corn syrup, offering a similar, if not higher, carbohydrate load.

The Role of Butter

Butter, in contrast, adds very little to the carbohydrate count. It is mainly composed of fat, with less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per tablespoon. While it adds significant calories and fat, it does not contribute to the meal's carb total in any meaningful way. It's the waffle and syrup that are the main drivers of the carbohydrate content.

Factors Influencing the Final Carb Count

The total amount of carbs you consume depends on your serving size and choices. Here are some key factors to consider:

Waffle Size and Type: A larger Belgian waffle will naturally have more carbs than a smaller, frozen one. Homemade waffles can also vary based on the recipe. For instance, recipes using a high-protein flour will have a slightly different macronutrient ratio.
Syrup Amount: This is often the biggest variable. A light drizzle will result in a much lower carb count than an indulgent, heavily-coated waffle.
Added Ingredients: Some waffle recipes or mixes include extra sugar or other high-carb ingredients that can increase the base number.
Other Toppings: Adding fresh fruit can add some natural sugar and fiber, but sugary additions like whipped cream or chocolate chips will further increase the total carbs.

Comparison of Different Waffle Combinations


Waffle Type	Toppings	Estimated Total Carbs (g)	Primary Source of Carbs
Frozen, Toasted Waffle	1 tbsp syrup, 1 pat butter	~30-35g	Waffle (starch), Syrup (sugar)
Homemade Waffle	2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 pat butter	~50-60g	Waffle (starch), Syrup (sugar)
Restaurant Belgian Waffle	4 tbsp syrup, 1 pat butter	~85-120+g	Waffle (starch), Syrup (sugar)
Healthy Waffle Alternative	Blueberry compote, no syrup	Lower carb, varies	Fruit (natural sugar)

Reducing Carbohydrates in Your Waffle Breakfast

If you want to enjoy waffles while managing your carb intake, here are a few strategies:

Use Sugar-Free Syrup: This is one of the most effective ways to slash the carb count dramatically, eliminating most of the added sugar from the dish. Some sugar-free syrups contain zero carbohydrates.
Control Syrup Portions: Even with regular syrup, using a measured amount instead of free-pouring can make a significant difference.
Top with Fresh Fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries provide sweetness with natural sugars and beneficial fiber.
Add Protein: To help stabilize blood sugar, pair your waffle with a high-protein side like eggs or lean bacon. You can also use protein powder in a homemade waffle mix for a more balanced macronutrient profile.
Try Different Waffle Recipes: Experiment with recipes using almond flour or other low-carb flours. For those seeking inspiration, a wealth of protein waffle recipes can be found online to reduce carb content while increasing protein.

Conclusion

When you ask "how many carbs are in a waffle with syrup and butter?", the answer is that it's a high-carbohydrate meal, with the exact number varying based on the size of the waffle and the amount of syrup added. A typical restaurant-style serving can easily exceed 100 grams of carbohydrates. The vast majority of these carbs come from the syrup and the flour base, not the butter. For those monitoring their carb intake, choosing portion control, opting for sugar-free syrup, or using fresh fruit as a topping are the most effective ways to reduce the overall carb load of this classic breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the type of waffle significantly impacts the total carbs. A large, fluffy Belgian waffle often has a higher carbohydrate count than a smaller, thinner frozen waffle. Homemade waffles also vary based on the recipe and ingredients used.

No, butter is primarily fat and contains a very small amount of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram per tablespoon. It adds negligible carbs to the total count.

The syrup is the biggest source of carbohydrates. With approximately 13-14 grams of carbs per tablespoon, the amount of syrup poured can rapidly increase the total sugar and carbohydrate content of the meal.

Yes. You can use sugar-free syrup, top your waffle with fresh fruit instead of syrup, or find recipes that use low-carb flours like almond flour to reduce the carb content significantly. Adding a protein source can also help balance the macronutrients.

Instead of traditional syrup, consider topping your waffle with a healthy blueberry compote or a low-sugar date syrup. Using fresh fruit can also provide sweetness and added nutrients. Controlling your portion size of syrup is also effective.

The carb count can differ significantly. Restaurant versions, especially large Belgian waffles, can be higher in carbs and calories than typical homemade or frozen varieties due to their size and ingredients.

One tablespoon of pure maple syrup contains around 13 to 14 grams of carbohydrates. It is important to remember that most people use more than one tablespoon on their waffle.

Not necessarily. In fact, some smaller frozen waffles may have fewer carbs per serving than a large, dense homemade one. However, the ingredients in homemade waffles can be controlled to use lower-carb alternatives.