How Many Dumplings is 85g? A Practical Guide to Portion Control and Nutrition

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

The number of dumplings in an 85g serving varies dramatically by brand, with one popular frozen mini potsticker offering 6 pieces for 85g, while others contain as few as three. Understanding how many dumplings is 85g? is essential for effective portion control and mindful eating.

Quick Summary

The quantity of dumplings comprising 85g is not a fixed number and depends on the specific brand, size, filling, and cooking method. This article explores factors influencing dumpling count, provides real-world examples, and offers guidance for including them healthily in your diet.

Key Points

Variable Count: The number of dumplings in 85g depends heavily on their size, brand, and filling, so always check the product's nutrition label.
Steamed is Healthier: Opt for steamed or boiled dumplings over fried versions to significantly reduce calorie and fat intake.
Watch the Sodium: Packaged dumplings and dipping sauces can contain high levels of sodium, so consume them in moderation.
Pair with Vegetables: For a balanced meal, serve your dumplings with plenty of fresh or steamed vegetables to increase fiber and satiety.
Homemade Offers Control: Making dumplings at home allows for total control over ingredients and cooking method, potentially creating a healthier meal.
Mindful Portions: Use the weight (85g) as a guide for portion control, rather than counting pieces, to manage your calorie intake effectively.
Consider the Dipping Sauce: Many commercial dipping sauces add calories and sodium, so opt for lighter options like rice vinegar or a homemade sauce.

Navigating portion sizes for convenience foods like dumplings can be confusing, as the number of pieces per gram can differ significantly across brands and types. For those tracking their intake, knowing how many dumplings make up a standard weight like 85g requires looking beyond a single estimate and considering the specific product.

Factors That Influence Dumpling Count

The weight of an individual dumpling is determined by several variables, which is why an exact, universal answer for "how many dumplings is 85g?" is impossible. Instead, a range of possibilities exists depending on your selection.

Size and Shape

One of the most significant factors is the dumpling's size. Mini wontons and smaller gyoza-style dumplings will naturally fit more pieces into an 85g serving than larger, traditionally wrapped jiaozi. A serving of mini potstickers could include more than twice the number of pieces as a serving of standard-sized steamed dumplings for the same weight. Some brands offer larger, more robust dumplings, while others cater to snack-sized portions, each with a different weight profile.

Filling Ingredients and Density

The composition of the filling plays a crucial role in a dumpling's final weight. A dumpling filled primarily with dense ground meat and seafood will have a different weight-to-volume ratio than one filled with lighter, vegetable-based ingredients. This difference in density means two dumplings of the same exterior size could have different weights, impacting the total count for an 85g serving.

Wrapper Thickness

Handmade dumplings often feature a thicker wrapper than their machine-rolled, mass-produced counterparts. A thinner wrapper contributes less weight to the overall product, meaning more dumplings can be included in the same 85g measurement. This is particularly noticeable when comparing fresh, handmade versions with frozen supermarket varieties.

85g Dumplings: Real-World Examples

Several frozen food brands offer products with a serving size of or around 85g. Observing these real-world examples helps illustrate the variation you can expect.

Nasoya Organic Vegan Tofu Vegetable Dumplings: A single serving of 85g contains approximately 5 pieces.
Trader Joe's Thai Vegetable Gyoza: For this brand, 85g is equivalent to about 3 pieces.
Ling Ling Chicken & Vegetable Mini Potstickers: An 85g serving of these smaller potstickers is made up of 6 pieces.
Bibigo Chicken & Cilantro Mini Wontons: With a serving of 86g containing 8 pieces, an 85g portion would be very similar.

Navigating Dumpling Nutrition

Beyond the piece count, it's important to consider the overall nutritional impact of your dumplings, especially if you are managing your diet.

Steamed vs. Fried

The cooking method has a significant effect on the calorie and fat content. Steamed dumplings are lower in calories and fat because they do not absorb oil during cooking, making them a healthier choice. Fried dumplings, particularly those that are deep-fried, are significantly higher in fat and calories, making them more of an occasional indulgence. An air fryer offers a crispy texture with less oil, providing a useful compromise.

Sodium Levels

Many packaged and restaurant-prepared dumplings can have surprisingly high sodium levels, especially when factoring in salty dipping sauces. Some frozen brands contain nearly a day's worth of recommended sodium in a single serving. Monitoring your intake and opting for homemade versions or lighter dipping sauces like rice vinegar is wise for maintaining heart health.

Building a Balanced Meal

While delicious, dumplings are often low in fiber and vegetables when eaten alone. A dietitian-approved meal would involve pairing your 85g serving with a large portion of steamed or stir-fried greens, a side of edamame, or a vegetable-rich stir-fry to increase fiber and nutrient density. This approach ensures a more balanced and filling meal without excessive calories.

Comparison of Dumpling Types


Feature	Steamed Dumplings (e.g., Har Gow)	Fried Dumplings (e.g., Potstickers)	Homemade Dumplings	Mini Wontons
Typical Weight per Piece	30-40g	30-40g (variable)	Highly variable (you control)	15-20g
Cooking Method Impact	Lower calories and fat; preserves nutrients.	Higher calories and fat due to added oil; crispy texture.	You choose the cooking method (steaming, frying).	Can be boiled or fried; very fast to cook.
Filling Control	Less control with store-bought.	Less control with store-bought.	Complete control over ingredients.	Less filling per wrapper.
Sodium Content	Can still be high in packaged versions.	Often high due to frying and sauces.	You control the amount of salt and seasonings.	Varies by brand and preparation.

Practical Tips for Healthy Dumpling Eating

Read the nutrition label carefully. Always check the serving size and total sodium content for packaged products.
Use vegetables as a filler. Pair your dumpling portion with a large serving of fresh, steamed, or sautéed vegetables to increase satiety and nutritional value.
Control your sauce intake. Dipping sauces can add significant sodium and sugar. Use them sparingly or opt for a homemade version with less salt.
Try making them at home. Preparing your own dumplings gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use lean protein, whole wheat flour for wrappers, and plenty of vegetables.
Prioritize steaming or boiling. When possible, choose steaming or boiling over frying to reduce calories and fat intake.

Conclusion

The question of how many dumplings is 85g? has no single answer because it depends on the specific product. For many popular packaged varieties, 85g can range from 3 large dumplings to 6 or more mini potstickers. The key to incorporating dumplings into a healthy diet is to practice mindful portion control, prioritize steamed or boiled versions, and pair them with nutrient-rich side dishes. Paying attention to product labels and cooking methods will help you enjoy this delicious food while staying on track with your nutritional goals.

National Institutes of Health: MedlinePlus - Food, Nutrition, and Metabolism provides authoritative information on healthy eating and food choices, which can help guide decisions about incorporating foods like dumplings into a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most accurate way is to check the nutrition information on the product's packaging. The serving size is typically listed in grams and includes the corresponding number of pieces.

While some specific products list 85g as a serving, standard serving sizes vary. Many food guides suggest a serving size of around 120g (6 dumplings) or a meal portion of 4 to 6 dumplings paired with vegetables.

Not necessarily. While vegetable fillings are often lower in fat, the overall nutrition depends on the cooking method and sodium content. Some vegetable dumplings can be high in sodium, and frying can add significant calories.

Steaming or boiling are the healthiest options as they don't add fat. Frying, especially deep-frying, increases calories and fat content significantly due to oil absorption.

Yes, if consumed mindfully. Focus on steamed or boiled dumplings with lean fillings and control your portion size. Pairing them with plenty of low-calorie vegetables helps create a satisfying and balanced meal.

Calories vary widely based on filling and cooking. For example, 85g of Nasoya Organic Vegan Tofu Vegetable Dumplings has 160 calories, while a different brand and type could be higher or lower.

Choose products with lower sodium, make homemade dumplings to control salt, and use low-sodium dipping sauces. Try a simple mix of rice vinegar and a dash of soy sauce instead of a full-sodium commercial sauce.