Is Cannoli High in Cholesterol? Understanding the Traditional Italian Dessert

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to reputable nutrition sources, a single, classic cannoli can contain around 30 to 40 milligrams of cholesterol, depending on the recipe. For those watching their intake, this figure raises an important question: is cannoli high in cholesterol? The answer is nuanced, depending heavily on the ingredients and preparation methods.

Quick Summary

The cholesterol content of a cannoli is mainly influenced by the type of dairy in its filling and how the shell is prepared. Saturated fat is a key consideration for heart health when enjoying this Italian treat.

Key Points

Ricotta is Key: Whole-milk ricotta and any added cream or mascarpone are the primary sources of cholesterol in a traditional cannoli.
Frying Adds Unhealthy Fats: The traditional deep-frying process for the shell adds saturated and potentially trans fats, which negatively impact blood cholesterol.
Saturated Fat is a Primary Concern: For most people, the saturated fat from the dairy and frying is more impactful on blood cholesterol levels than the dietary cholesterol content.
Choose Healthier Alternatives: Opting for baked shells and fillings made with part-skim ricotta or Greek yogurt can significantly lower fat and cholesterol.
Moderation is Essential: Enjoying a cannoli in small portions or less frequently is key to managing cholesterol while enjoying the treat.
Balance Your Diet: Offset a high-cholesterol treat with an otherwise balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

The Components of a Traditional Cannoli

To determine if cannoli is high in cholesterol, one must first break down its classic components: the filling and the shell. Each element contributes to the dessert’s overall nutritional profile, including its fat and cholesterol content.

The Ricotta Filling: The Primary Source of Cholesterol

The most significant source of cholesterol in a traditional cannoli is the filling. Authentic Sicilian cannoli use fresh, often whole-milk ricotta cheese, which is naturally high in fat and cholesterol. A single cup of whole-milk ricotta can contain well over 100 mg of cholesterol and over 20 grams of saturated fat, a key factor in raising blood cholesterol levels. Some recipes might also incorporate mascarpone cheese or heavy cream for a richer, smoother texture, further increasing the saturated fat and cholesterol count. For individuals with high cholesterol, the type of dairy used is the most critical aspect to consider.

The Fried Shell: A Contributor of Unhealthy Fats

In addition to the filling, the preparation of the pastry shell plays a major role. Traditional cannoli shells are made from dough containing butter or shortening and are then deep-fried in oil or lard. Deep-frying introduces a significant amount of unhealthy fats. In the past, industrial trans fats were a major concern in fried foods, as they dramatically raised LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lowered HDL (“good”) cholesterol. While many modern recipes avoid partially hydrogenated oils, the frying process still adds saturated fat, which can negatively impact cholesterol levels.

Comparison of Traditional vs. Healthier Cannoli

To better understand the impact of different preparation methods, here is a comparison between a traditional recipe and a healthier alternative.


Feature	Traditional Cannoli	Healthier Alternative
Dairy	Whole-milk ricotta, mascarpone, or heavy cream.	Part-skim ricotta, low-fat Greek yogurt, or light cream cheese.
Shell Preparation	Deep-fried in lard or shortening.	Baked or made with healthier oils like canola or olive oil.
Added Sweeteners	Refined white sugar and powdered sugar.	Lower-sugar options, natural sweeteners, or less added sugar.
Overall Impact	Higher in saturated fat and cholesterol, more calories.	Lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, fewer calories.

Tips for Enjoying Cannoli Responsibly

If you love cannoli but are concerned about your cholesterol, there are ways to enjoy this classic treat in a heart-conscious manner. Here is a list of practical tips to help you reduce the cholesterol and saturated fat content without sacrificing flavor.

Choose lighter dairy options: Ask your baker if they use part-skim or low-fat ricotta in their filling, or specify these alternatives when making cannoli at home.
Opt for baked shells: Requesting or making baked cannoli shells can dramatically reduce the amount of unhealthy fats absorbed from the frying process.
Practice portion control: Instead of eating a large cannolo, opt for a smaller, mini-sized one or share a full-sized one with a friend.
Enhance with heart-healthy additions: Adding chopped nuts, like pistachios, or fresh fruit provides extra fiber and nutrients while reducing the total amount of filling needed.
Offset with healthy meals: On a day you plan to indulge, balance your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which can help lower LDL cholesterol.
Reduce other dietary fats: Limit other saturated and trans fat sources in your meals on the same day to manage your overall intake.

Conclusion

So, is cannoli high in cholesterol? The short answer is that a traditional, full-fat cannoli can contribute to a high cholesterol intake, especially due to the saturated fat in the whole-milk ricotta filling and the fried shell. However, for most people, a single serving in moderation is unlikely to pose a significant risk. The real concern lies in the frequency and portion size, as well as the preparation method. By making smart substitutions, such as using part-skim ricotta and baking the shells, it is possible to enjoy a cannoli without a major impact on your heart health. Making informed choices allows you to savor this classic dessert while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. For more tips on dietary fats, visit the American Heart Association's resource on healthy fats: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/the-skinny-on-fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main source of cholesterol in a traditional cannoli is the full-fat ricotta cheese and any heavy cream or mascarpone used to create the creamy filling.

Yes, you can make a low-cholesterol cannoli by using part-skim or low-fat ricotta cheese and baking the shells instead of frying them. Recipes also exist that use Greek yogurt for the filling.

While the exact amount varies by recipe and size, a standard, medium-sized cannoli typically contains between 30 and 40 mg of cholesterol.

For most people, the saturated fat from ingredients like whole-milk dairy and frying oil has a greater negative impact on blood cholesterol levels than the actual dietary cholesterol.

Yes, healthier alternatives include cannoli made with low-fat Greek yogurt fillings, baked phyllo shells, or portion-controlled cannoli cups, which use less fat and sugar.

Trans fats, which can be found in some fried or commercially baked goods, are known to raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Excellent substitutions for a high-fat cannoli filling include using part-skim ricotta, low-fat Greek yogurt, or a light cream cheese mixture to significantly reduce the fat and cholesterol content.