How many carbs are in dosa?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Dosa is a staple South Indian fermented crepe, and a medium 40g serving of plain dosa typically contains around 17 grams of carbohydrates. The total carb count varies significantly depending on the dosa's size, ingredients, and any added fillings. Understanding these factors helps in accurately tracking your intake and choosing healthier options.

Quick Summary

The carb content of dosa depends on its type, size, and ingredients. Plain dosa is lower in carbs than masala dosa due to the potato filling. Alternative flour types, like millets or oats, can lower the total carbohydrate count and increase fiber. The cooking method and accompaniments also influence the overall nutritional profile.

Key Points

Plain Dosa Carb Count: A standard 40g plain dosa contains approximately 17g of carbohydrates, with a larger portion having more.
Masala Dosa is Higher in Carbs: The addition of a spiced potato filling significantly increases the carbohydrate count, with a medium masala dosa containing around 23g of carbs.
Fermentation Improves Nutrition: The traditional fermentation process enhances digestibility, increases the availability of B-vitamins, and provides gut-friendly probiotics.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Opting for dosas made from millets (like ragi or bajra) or oats can significantly lower the carbohydrate content and boost fiber intake.
Accompaniments Matter: The sides served with dosa, such as sambar (lentil stew) and various chutneys, can add protein and fiber, creating a more balanced meal.
Cooking Method Affects Profile: Cooking dosas with minimal oil on a non-stick pan is a healthier option compared to deep-fried or ghee-heavy preparations.

Dosa is a traditional South Indian pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and black gram (urad dal). While it is a wholesome and nutritious meal, its carbohydrate content is a key factor for those managing their diet. A plain dosa offers a simple carbohydrate base, but popular variations like masala dosa can significantly increase the total carb count.

Plain Dosa vs. Masala Dosa: The Carbohydrate Breakdown

The nutritional value of a dosa is heavily influenced by its ingredients and preparation. The primary source of carbohydrates in a plain dosa comes from the rice used in the batter, while a masala dosa adds a considerable amount from its spiced potato filling.

Plain Dosa (40g): Contains approximately 17g of carbohydrates, with about 1.7g of fiber.
Masala Dosa (40g): Contains roughly 23g of carbohydrates, including about 2.4g of fiber.

The Impact of the Potato Filling

The potato filling, or 'aloo masala,' is a key contributor to the higher carbohydrate content in masala dosa. Potatoes are rich in starchy carbohydrates, which provide energy but also increase the overall glycemic load of the meal. The amount of oil or ghee used to cook both the dosa and the filling also adds to the total calorie and macronutrient profile.

The Role of Fermentation in Dosa Nutrition

The traditional dosa batter is fermented, which offers distinct nutritional benefits. This natural process makes dosas easier to digest and can increase the bioavailability of minerals and B-vitamins in the batter.

Healthier Alternatives to Lower Dosa Carbohydrates

For those looking to reduce their carb intake, there are several healthy alternatives to the traditional rice-based dosa. These variations often replace some or all of the rice with millets or other grains. Options include:

Millet Dosa: Lower in simple carbohydrates and higher in fiber.
Oats Dosa: A high-fiber option that can aid blood sugar control.
Moong Dal Dosa (Pesarattu): Higher in protein and fiber with less rice.
Wheat Dosa: Increases fiber and complex carbohydrates compared to rice-based dosas.

Nutritional Comparison Table: Plain Dosa vs. Variations


Type of Dosa	Approx. Carbs (per 40g)	Primary Ingredients	Notes
Plain Dosa	17g	Rice, Urad Dal	Fermented, crispy crepe
Masala Dosa	23g	Rice, Urad Dal, Potato Filling	Higher carbs due to potato
Ragi Dosa	Approx. 16g	Ragi, Rice, Urad Dal	Higher fiber, good for blood sugar
Oats Dosa	Approx. 23g	Oats, Urad Dal	Rich in fiber, excellent for digestion
Moong Dal Dosa	Approx. 22g	Moong Dal, Rice	High in protein and fiber

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific recipes, batter consistency, and cooking oil.

Accompaniments and their Impact

The sides served with dosa, such as sambar and chutneys, also contribute to the overall nutritional value. Sambhar adds protein and fiber, while coconut chutney adds healthy fats (consume in moderation).

Conclusion: Making a Health-Conscious Choice

Plain dosa is a good source of carbohydrates with a modest carb count, which varies with portion size and additions. Healthier options include millet or oats-based dosas for increased fiber and reduced glycemic load, and vegetable-heavy fillings instead of potatoes. Eaten in moderation with minimal oil, dosa is a nutritious and gut-friendly meal. For more on balanced Indian diet choices, refer to resources like Aktive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dosa is primarily made from rice and lentils, making it a source of carbohydrates, but whether it is 'high' depends on the type. Plain dosa has a moderate carb level, while masala dosa has a higher count due to the starchy potato filling.

Millet-based dosas, such as ragi or foxtail millet dosa, and lentil-heavy variations like moong dal dosa typically have lower carbohydrate counts and a higher fiber content than traditional plain or masala dosas.

Yes, you can include dosa in a low-carb diet, but focus on healthier alternatives like millet or moong dal dosas. Control your portion size and use minimal oil during cooking. Pair it with high-protein sides rather than high-carb fillings.

The fermentation process partially breaks down complex carbohydrates, making them more easily digestible, but it does not significantly reduce the overall carb count of the final dish.

Plain dosa is generally considered healthier as it contains fewer carbohydrates and calories than masala dosa, which includes a potato filling. The healthiness also depends on the amount of oil used during preparation.

The carb difference comes from the potato filling. A medium 40g plain dosa has around 17g of carbs, whereas a medium 40g masala dosa contains approximately 23g of carbs due to the extra starchy filling.

Healthy sides include sambar (lentil and vegetable stew), high-fiber coconut chutney, or mint chutney. These accompaniments add protein and fiber, balancing the meal's nutrient profile.