Is Dhokla Low Carb? A Detailed Look at Nutrition and Alternatives

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

A single piece of traditional besan dhokla can contain between 16 and 25 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the recipe. This often-surprising fact reveals that traditional dhokla is not inherently low carb and may not align with strict low-carb dietary plans.

Quick Summary

Traditional dhokla is not a low-carb food due to its main ingredients like chickpea flour or rice. While healthy and steamed, the carbohydrate content can be moderate to high. Lower-carb alternatives and portion control are key for those on specific diets.

Key Points

Traditional Dhokla is Not Low-Carb: Made from chickpea flour, rice, or semolina, traditional dhokla contains a moderate to high amount of carbohydrates.
Almond and Coconut Flour are Excellent Low-Carb Substitutes: For keto-friendly options, using almond or coconut flour instead of traditional flours significantly reduces the carb content while adding fiber and healthy fats.
Added Sugar Increases Carb Count: Many recipes, especially for khaman dhokla, include sugar in the batter and tempering, which raises the overall carb load and glycemic index.
Steaming Reduces Fat, Not Carbs: The fact that dhokla is steamed and not fried makes it low in fat, but does not affect the carbohydrate content from its base ingredients.
Moong Dal and Oats Versions are Healthier Options: Dhokla varieties made with moong dal or oats are generally lower in carbs and higher in protein and fiber, making them better choices for weight management and blood sugar control.
Portion Control is Crucial for Diets: When consuming traditional dhokla, controlling portion sizes is necessary to keep carbohydrate intake in check and prevent blood sugar spikes.

Understanding the Traditional Dhokla's Carbohydrate Profile

Traditional dhokla recipes primarily use besan (chickpea flour), rice flour, or semolina (rava) as the base. These ingredients are all significant sources of carbohydrates, which means the resulting snack is not low-carb. While the steaming process keeps fat content low, the carb load can be moderate to high. The exact carbohydrate count varies widely based on the specific recipe and ingredients. For example, a 100g serving of dhokla can range from 16g to as high as 48g of carbohydrates, with semolina-based varieties being particularly high.

Factors Influencing Dhokla's Carb Count

Several elements contribute to the final carbohydrate content of dhokla, beyond the base flour. Understanding these can help you make more informed dietary choices.

Sugar: Many recipes, especially for the popular khaman dhokla, add sugar to both the batter and the tempering (tadka). This significantly increases the overall carbohydrate count and glycemic load, leading to potential blood sugar spikes.
Base Flour: The choice of flour makes a substantial difference. While besan has a moderate carb level, recipes using rice or semolina are considerably higher in carbohydrates.
Additives: Store-bought or instant dhokla mixes often contain higher amounts of additives, sugar, and excess oil compared to homemade versions, which can increase their calorie and carb density.
Toppings and Sides: Serving dhokla with sweet chutneys or sugar syrups will further increase the total sugar and carb intake. Opting for a spicy, mint-cilantro chutney can avoid this added sugar.

Low-Carb Dhokla Alternatives

For those on a low-carb diet or managing blood sugar, several alternative dhokla recipes exist that swap out traditional high-carb flours for lower-carb options. These innovations allow you to enjoy a similar flavor and texture profile without the carbohydrate load.

Almond Flour Dhokla: This popular alternative uses almond flour, which is much lower in carbs and higher in healthy fats and fiber than besan. This makes it a great keto-friendly option.
Coconut Flour Dhokla: Coconut flour is another low-carb, high-fiber substitute that can be used to create a dhokla with reduced carbs.
Moong Dal Dhokla: Opting for dhokla made solely from moong dal (yellow lentils) is a healthier choice with a lower glycemic index and higher protein content, especially when rice is omitted.
Soya Dhokla: Recipes that incorporate soya flour with besan or as a replacement can significantly increase the protein content, making the snack more satiating and carb-controlled.

Comparing Nutritional Values: Traditional vs. Low-Carb Dhokla

Here is a comparative look at the typical nutritional breakdown for traditional dhokla versus low-carb alternatives, based on a 100g serving.


Feature	Traditional Besan Dhokla	Low-Carb Almond Flour Dhokla
Base Ingredient	Chickpea Flour (Besan)	Almond Flour
Carbohydrates	Approx. 16-25g	Significantly Lower (Approx. 5-10g)
Protein	Approx. 6-10g	Higher (Approx. 15-20g)
Fat	Approx. 2-4g	Higher (Approx. 20-30g)
Glycemic Index	Moderate to High	Lower
Keto Friendly	No	Yes
Digestibility	Good (due to fermentation)	Good (High fiber, low sugar)

How to Adapt Dhokla for a Low-Carb Diet

For those unwilling to give up this beloved snack, moderation is key. Portion control is essential when consuming traditional dhokla to manage carbohydrate intake effectively. You can also make simple modifications to reduce the carb load without switching the base flour entirely. One important step is to omit or drastically reduce the sugar added to both the batter and the tempering. Another approach is to increase the fiber and protein content by adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach (moong palak dhokla) or incorporating different lentils (moong dal dhokla). Pairing a smaller portion with a protein-rich side, like paneer or a salad, can help slow down carb absorption and keep blood sugar levels stable. For truly low-carb eating, however, transitioning to alternatives made with almond flour or coconut flour is the most reliable method.

Conclusion

While traditional dhokla is a nutritious and light snack, the answer to "Is dhokla low carb?" is generally no, due to its staple carbohydrate-rich flours like besan, rice, or semolina. It can have a moderate to high carb count, especially if sugar is added. However, for those on low-carb diets, there are many accessible alternatives using ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, or moong dal that mimic the classic dish's flavors while significantly reducing the carbohydrate load. By understanding the ingredients and making smart substitutions, it's possible to enjoy a guilt-free version of this fermented Indian delicacy. For further reading on diabetic-friendly adaptations of Indian cuisine, refer to reputable health and nutrition websites like Fitterfly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Besan (chickpea flour) dhokla is not considered low-carb. A 100g serving typically contains 20-25 grams of carbohydrates. While it's healthier than fried snacks due to being steamed, it's too high in carbs for strict low-carb diets like keto.

The carbohydrate count of dhokla varies significantly based on ingredients. A 100g serving of besan dhokla has around 20-25g carbs, while semolina dhokla can have up to 48g carbs per 100g.

Yes, keto-friendly dhokla can be made by replacing high-carb flours with low-carb alternatives. Recipes often use almond flour, coconut flour, or a mix of almond and soya flour to create a savory, spongy cake suitable for a ketogenic diet.

No, instant dhokla mixes are not necessarily lower in carbs. They often contain additional sugars, baking soda, and other additives that can increase the carbohydrate and calorie content compared to traditional homemade versions. Homemade is always a better option for dietary control.

To reduce carbs, use alternative flours like almond or coconut flour, omit added sugar in the batter and tempering, and increase the proportion of high-fiber ingredients like moong dal or vegetables.

Traditional dhokla can cause blood sugar spikes in diabetics due to its moderate to high carbohydrate and glycemic index. However, dhokla made with low-GI ingredients like moong dal or almond flour and no added sugar can be a safer, diabetic-friendly choice.

When made traditionally with chana dal and no excess oil or sugar, dhokla can aid weight loss. It is low in calories, high in protein and fiber, and keeps you full. However, portions must be controlled, and low-carb versions are more effective for those tracking macros.