How much sugar is in brigadeiro? A breakdown by recipe and portion size

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Depending on the recipe and portion size, a single traditional brigadeiro can contain between 8 and 34 grams of sugar, a massive variation largely stemming from how the dessert is prepared. The primary source of this sweetness is sweetened condensed milk.

Quick Summary

Brigadeiro's sugar content varies significantly depending on recipe and portion size, as it is primarily derived from sweetened condensed milk. Recipe and commercial versions have different sugar amounts, making some options sweeter than others.

Key Points

Varies by Recipe: The sugar content of brigadeiro is not standardized and changes based on ingredients, especially the amount and type of condensed milk.
Condensed Milk is Key: Sweetened condensed milk is the largest source of sugar in traditional brigadeiros, making it the biggest factor in the final count.
Portion Control Matters: Making smaller truffles or opting for "spoon brigadeiro" can reduce sugar per serving, even with the same base recipe.
Healthy Swaps Exist: It is possible to create lower-sugar versions by using homemade condensed milk, alternative sweeteners like stevia, or less sugary coatings.
Traditional vs. Gourmet: Commercial or gourmet brigadeiros may have different sugar levels compared to homemade versions, as seen in product nutrition labels.
Eat in Moderation: Given its high sugar content, even with variations, brigadeiro is a treat best enjoyed in moderation.

The Sweet Foundation: Decoding Brigadeiro Ingredients

To understand the sugar content in a brigadeiro, it's essential to examine its core ingredients. The classic recipe is deceptively simple, featuring just sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Each component contributes to the final sugar count.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: The Main Sweetener

The most significant source of sugar in any traditional brigadeiro is the sweetened condensed milk. A standard 14-ounce can, a typical amount for many recipes, contains approximately 155-160 grams of sugar, which is distributed across the entire batch of brigadeiros. The final sugar count per piece, therefore, depends heavily on how many pieces are made from that can. Adding more ingredients to bulk up the mixture will lower the sugar per unit, while sticking to the basic recipe will result in a higher concentration of sugar.

Cocoa Powder and Toppings

While sweetened condensed milk is the dominant sweetener, the choice of cocoa powder also plays a role. Using unsweetened cocoa powder, as some prefer, reduces overall sugar compared to using a pre-sweetened chocolate powder like Nesquik. The coating, such as chocolate sprinkles, also adds a small amount of sugar. This is a customizable component where healthier, sugar-free options can be used, such as crushed nuts.

Analyzing Sugar Content Across Different Brigadeiro Types

The wide range of reported sugar content is not a contradiction but a reflection of diverse recipes, serving sizes, and ingredients. A gourmet, large, or particularly sweet version will have a higher sugar count than a smaller, lighter one. The table below illustrates the sugar variance based on different recipes and serving sizes cited in nutritional analyses.


Brigadeiro Type	Sugar Content per Serving	Notes
Traditional (Tasty recipe)	34g	Based on a standard, richer recipe.
Commercial (Trader Joe's)	12g	A standardized, packaged version.
Nutritionix Average	15g	An average for a single truffle serving.
Healthy/Low Sugar	11g	Achieved using low-sugar substitutes like Truvia.
OwlbBaking	8.3g	Likely a smaller portion size.

How to Reduce the Sugar in Homemade Brigadeiros

For those who want to enjoy the classic Brazilian treat with less sweetness, several modifications can be made:

Make Homemade Condensed Milk: Instead of using store-bought, make your own sweetened condensed milk from scratch and control the amount of sugar added.
Choose Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Opt for a high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder instead of a sugary mix to enhance chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Use Sugar-Free Alternatives: Some recipes substitute traditional sweeteners with options like monk fruit or allulose for a low-carb, low-sugar version.
Experiment with Vegan Recipes: Vegan versions often use alternative condensed milk substitutes like those made with soy or aquafaba, which can naturally lower the sugar count depending on the recipe.
Reduce Portion Size: Simply making smaller brigadeiro balls is one of the easiest ways to decrease the sugar per serving.
Swap Coatings: Replace traditional sugary sprinkles with options like unsweetened cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or unsweetened shredded coconut for a less sugary coating.

The Impact of Recipe and Method

Even the cooking method can influence the final product. A "brigadeiro de colher" (spoon brigadeiro) is cooked for less time and has a softer, more fudge-like consistency, while a longer cook time is required for rolling into balls. The longer cook time reduces moisture, concentrating the sugar. This means a rolled brigadeiro of the same size as a spoonful serving might have more sugar by weight.

Conclusion: Sugar Content Varies, but Control Is Possible

For those asking "how much sugar is in brigadeiro?", the answer is complex and dependent on preparation. While the dessert is undeniably sweet due to its condensed milk base, modern versions, ingredient swaps, and moderation can significantly reduce the sugar intake. Ultimately, a traditional brigadeiro should be considered a special occasion treat rather than a daily indulgence. For those seeking a healthier version, adjusting ingredients and preparation methods is a viable path. For more information on understanding food labels and managing sugar intake, visit the resources at Action on Sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary source of sugar in a traditional brigadeiro is the sweetened condensed milk, which contains a large amount of added sugar.

You can reduce the sugar by making your own condensed milk with less sugar, using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, and swapping sugary sprinkles for unsweetened cocoa powder or nuts.

Not all recipes are equally high in sugar. While traditional recipes are very sweet, there are healthy, lower-sugar, and vegan recipes that use substitutes to reduce the overall sugar content.

Smaller portion sizes mean less sugar per individual serving. The sugar from the entire batch is divided among the finished treats, so making more pieces results in a lower sugar count per piece.

Yes, using unsweetened cocoa powder is a common way to reduce the sugar in brigadeiro and get a richer, cleaner chocolate flavor.

Yes, vegan brigadeiro recipes often use plant-based condensed milk substitutes or ingredients like aquafaba, which can be prepared with less sugar than traditional sweetened condensed milk.

Gourmet brigadeiros, often sold commercially, might have slightly different sugar contents due to specific recipes and added flavorings compared to standard homemade versions. Checking the nutrition label is best.