Is Quorn High in Calories? A Comprehensive Look at Quorn's Nutritional Profile

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Contrary to some misconceptions, plain Quorn mycoprotein is generally low in calories; for instance, a 100g serving of Quorn mince contains just 92 calories, significantly less than an equivalent amount of beef mince. This makes answering the question, 'Is Quorn high in calories?', dependent on the specific product, as heavily processed items will differ from the plain base ingredient.

Quick Summary

Quorn products are generally low in calories, fat, and saturated fat, while being high in protein and fiber due to the main ingredient, mycoprotein. The overall calorie count can vary significantly across the product line, particularly in breaded or pre-prepared meals, so always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information.

Key Points

Low in Calories: Plain Quorn products like mince and pieces are low in calories, with 100g of mince containing only 92 calories.
High in Protein and Fiber: Quorn's main ingredient, mycoprotein, is high in complete protein and fiber, which helps increase feelings of fullness and aids in weight management.
Lower in Saturated Fat: Many Quorn products are significantly lower in saturated fat than their meat counterparts, offering a heart-healthy alternative.
Calorie Count Varies: The calorie content of Quorn can increase in processed products like breaded nuggets or sausages due to added ingredients and coatings.
Supports Weight Loss: Due to its high fiber and protein content, Quorn promotes satiety and can help reduce overall energy intake, supporting weight loss goals.
Check Labels: Always read the nutritional label on Quorn products to understand the specific calorie and fat content, especially for prepared or flavored items.

What is Quorn and its Core Calorie Content?

Quorn is a popular meat alternative that uses mycoprotein, a type of fungus, as its base ingredient. This core ingredient, mycoprotein, is notably low in both total and saturated fat, high in protein, and an excellent source of dietary fiber, with no cholesterol. A key factor in determining a Quorn product's calorie count is whether it is the plain, unbreaded mycoprotein or a processed product. The raw mycoprotein itself is very calorie-efficient, offering a significant amount of protein and fiber for a minimal caloric investment.

For example, Quorn mince contains only 92 calories per 100g, while Quorn chicken-style pieces contain 97 calories per 100g. This is where the misconception that Quorn could be high in calories is often dispelled. When comparing these figures to their traditional meat counterparts, Quorn products are often the lower-calorie option. This makes it a great substitute for those looking to reduce their energy intake without sacrificing protein.

How Processed Quorn Products Affect Calorie Count

While the core ingredient, mycoprotein, is low-calorie, many Quorn products undergo additional processing that can increase their overall caloric value. Items like breaded nuggets, fillets, and sausages are typically higher in calories, fat, and sodium due to added ingredients and coatings.

For instance, Quorn Crispy Nuggets have 190 calories per 100 grams, whereas plain Quorn pieces have less than 100 calories for the same serving size. This is an important distinction to make for anyone monitoring their calorie intake, as the preparation method and added components play a significant role. Choosing the more basic, unprocessed forms of Quorn, such as mince or pieces, is the best strategy for keeping calories in check.

Quorn vs. Meat: A Nutritional Comparison

When considering Quorn in a healthy diet, it's essential to compare its nutritional profile directly with animal proteins. As the table below shows, Quorn offers a competitive profile, often with fewer calories and lower saturated fat, while providing a unique source of fiber that meat does not.


Nutrient (per 100g)	Quorn Mince	Beef Mince (approx.)	Chicken Breast (approx.)
Calories	92 kcal	332 kcal	106 kcal
Protein	13g	15-20g	24g
Total Fat	1.7g	30g	1.2g
Saturated Fat	0.5g	11g	0.3g
Fiber	7.5g	0g	0g

This comparison highlights Quorn's advantages, particularly its significantly lower saturated fat content compared to beef mince and the inclusion of fiber. While lean chicken breast is comparable in calories and protein, Quorn's fiber content and complete protein profile make it a nutritionally robust choice.

The Role of Quorn in Weight Management

For those on a weight loss journey, Quorn's nutritional profile can be a significant asset. Several studies and nutritional experts have highlighted its benefits in promoting satiety and reducing overall energy intake.

High in Protein: The complete protein in mycoprotein helps promote muscle growth and repair, but also increases feelings of fullness, which can lead to consuming fewer calories throughout the day.
High in Fiber: The substantial fiber content in mycoprotein aids digestion and contributes to a feeling of fullness, further helping with appetite control.
Low in Saturated Fat: Replacing high-fat meats with Quorn products is a straightforward way to reduce daily saturated fat intake, which is beneficial for heart health and calorie management.

Studies have even suggested that consuming mycoprotein can result in stronger satiating effects than consuming chicken protein. This satiating quality, combined with its favorable calorie and fat profile, makes Quorn a strong ally for weight management.

Making Healthier Choices with Quorn

To maximize the health benefits and keep calorie counts low when incorporating Quorn into your diet, consider the following strategies:

Opt for Plain Products: Prioritize Quorn mince, pieces, and fillets over breaded or fried varieties. This keeps the fat and calorie additions to a minimum.
Get Creative with Sauces: Use homemade or low-fat sauces to flavor your Quorn dishes. Avoid calorie-dense, pre-made sauces that can negate the benefit of the low-calorie base.
Load Up on Vegetables: Combine Quorn with plenty of vegetables to create a high-volume, low-calorie meal that is packed with vitamins and minerals.
Balance with Whole Grains: Serve Quorn dishes with whole grains like brown rice or whole-wheat pasta for sustained energy and added fiber.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to 'Is Quorn high in calories?' is a definitive no, especially when referring to its base mycoprotein products. Its unprocessed forms are a low-calorie, high-protein, and high-fiber alternative to meat, making them an excellent tool for weight management and a healthy diet. While more processed or breaded Quorn items will naturally have a higher calorie count due to additional ingredients, making smart choices and focusing on the core mycoprotein products can provide significant nutritional benefits. By using Quorn as part of a balanced diet rich in vegetables and whole grains, you can easily create nutritious and satisfying meals that support your health goals.

For more detailed nutritional information on Quorn's products, visit the official Quorn website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quorn is generally a healthier alternative to many types of meat, particularly red and processed meats, because it is lower in saturated fat and contains dietary fiber. However, lean cuts of meat like chicken breast can be comparable in calories and protein, so overall health depends on the specific products and diet context.

Yes, eating Quorn can aid in weight loss. The high fiber and protein content of mycoprotein helps you feel full for longer, which can reduce overall calorie consumption. Research suggests mycoprotein can promote satiety more effectively than some animal proteins.

Quorn mince is significantly lower in calories than beef mince. For example, 100g of Quorn mince contains 92 calories, whereas 100g of beef mince can have over 330 calories.

Quorn nuggets and other breaded or processed products are higher in calories than the plain mycoprotein base. Quorn Crispy Nuggets contain 190 calories per 100g, but are still considerably lower than many traditional chicken nuggets.

Yes, Quorn is considered high in protein. Its mycoprotein base is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, which is excellent for muscle health and satiety.

Yes. Quorn's mycoprotein is naturally low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol, making it a great replacement for meat products that are typically higher in saturated fat.

The key is to prioritize simple, unprocessed Quorn products like mince and pieces over battered or breaded items. Also, be mindful of the sauces and other ingredients used in your cooking, as these can add significant calories.