Is Thepla Low in Calories? A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single, homemade thepla can contain as few as 75-150 calories, depending on ingredients and cooking method. This makes the question of "Is Thepla low in calories?" dependent on preparation, but in many traditional forms, it can be a relatively low-calorie and nutrient-dense meal or snack.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content of thepla, a popular Gujarati flatbread, detailing how different ingredients and cooking techniques impact its nutritional profile. Learn about variations like methi and multigrain thepla, and discover how to incorporate this versatile dish into a healthy, calorie-conscious diet.

Key Points

Variable Caloric Content: The caloric value of thepla is not fixed and depends heavily on the recipe, portion size, and amount of oil or ghee used during preparation.
Low Calorie Potential: When made traditionally at home with minimal oil and whole wheat flour, a single thepla can be relatively low in calories (75-150 kcal).
Rich in Fiber: The use of whole wheat flour and greens like methi (fenugreek) makes thepla high in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Depending on the variation, thepla can be packed with vitamins and minerals from added vegetables, different flours, and spices.
Excellent for Weight Management: Its high fiber and satisfying nature help with appetite control, making it a valuable addition to a weight-loss diet.
Healthier than Paratha or Naan: Thepla is generally a healthier choice compared to rich, stuffed parathas or buttery naan, which are often higher in calories and fat.

Understanding Thepla's Caloric Content

The caloric value of a thepla is not a fixed number; it varies significantly based on several factors, including the recipe, portion size, and preparation method. A basic, homemade thepla made with whole wheat flour and minimal oil will be considerably lower in calories than a store-bought version or one prepared with excessive oil or ghee. For instance, some sources report a single thepla can range from as low as 77 calories to over 120 calories, or even higher for thicker, richer versions.

The primary ingredients—flour, leafy greens (like methi), spices, and cooking oil—all contribute to the final calorie count. The use of different flours, such as jowar (sorghum) or bajra (millet), can alter the nutritional composition by adding more fiber and other nutrients. Furthermore, the quantity of oil or ghee used for kneading the dough and roasting the flatbread is a major determinant of its overall calorie density.

The Nutritional Breakdown of a Standard Thepla

To better answer the question, "Is Thepla low in calories?", it's helpful to look at its typical macronutrient composition. Using moderate oil during cooking, a single methi (fenugreek) thepla contains a healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of fenugreek leaves not only enhances the flavor but also adds significant fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

A standard methi thepla, for example, is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making it beneficial for weight management. The use of whole wheat flour provides a good source of complex carbohydrates and B-complex vitamins, which help in energy conversion. The added curd in the dough also contributes to the protein and calcium content.

Health Benefits Beyond Calories

While the low-calorie nature of a properly prepared thepla is a key benefit, it offers more than just that for a healthy diet:

Rich in Fiber: The high fiber content from whole wheat flour and greens like fenugreek supports gut health, aids digestion, and can help control blood sugar levels.
Nutrient-Dense: The addition of fresh greens, millets, and spices packs the thepla with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Promotes Satiety: Fiber and protein content help keep you full for longer, reducing the tendency to overeat and helping with appetite control.
Versatile and Customizable: Thepla can be adapted for various dietary needs, including adding different flours for a multigrain version or incorporating vegetables like bottle gourd.

Thepla vs. Other Indian Flatbreads: A Calorie Comparison

To put thepla's calorie count into perspective, a comparison with other popular Indian flatbreads is useful. The preparation method is a key differentiator, with some options being more calorie-dense than others.


Flatbread	Cooking Method	Typical Calorie Range (per piece)	Key Ingredients	Relative Calorie Level
Thepla	Cooked on a tawa with minimal oil	75-150 calories	Whole wheat flour, methi leaves, spices, curd	Lower (when prepared with minimal oil)
Roti / Phulka	Cooked on a tawa and flamed, no oil	~70-100 calories	Whole wheat flour	Lowest
Paratha	Pan-fried with significant oil or ghee	200-400+ calories	Whole wheat flour, oil/ghee (can be stuffed)	Higher
Naan	Baked in a tandoor with oil or butter	250-500+ calories	Maida (refined flour), yogurt, yeast, butter	Highest

This table illustrates that while a plain roti or phulka is typically the lowest-calorie option, a carefully prepared thepla is not far behind and offers a much richer flavor profile and a superior nutritional boost from its added ingredients.

Optimizing Thepla for Weight Loss and Calorie Control

If your goal is to minimize calories while still enjoying the rich taste of thepla, there are several simple modifications you can make:

Healthy Thepla Recipes

Reduce Oil/Ghee: The most significant way to cut calories is to use a non-stick pan and brush on only a very small amount of oil or ghee for roasting. Some recipes even suggest dry-roasting them entirely.
Increase Fiber with Multigrain Flour: Incorporating flours like besan (chickpea flour), bajra (pearl millet), or jowar (sorghum) increases the fiber and protein content, which boosts satiety. You can also try adding oats flour.
Add More Vegetables: Grated bottle gourd (lauki), carrots, spinach, or extra fenugreek leaves will bulk up the thepla with fewer calories, adding vitamins and minerals.
Use Low-Fat Curd: For a soft dough without added fat, use low-fat curd or yogurt instead of high-fat alternatives.

Pairing Thepla with Low-Calorie Options

Serving thepla with low-calorie accompaniments is crucial for a weight-conscious meal. Good options include:

Plain Low-Fat Yogurt or Raita: A cooling, protein-rich side that complements the spices.
Fresh Salads: A simple salad of mixed vegetables adds fiber and nutrients without extra calories.
Mint or Coriander Chutney: A flavorful, low-calorie dipping sauce is a great alternative to high-sugar pickles.

Conclusion: Is Thepla a Low-Calorie Choice?

Yes, thepla can be a low-calorie option, especially when prepared at home with mindfulness towards ingredients and cooking methods. Unlike heavier, oil-laden parathas or naan, a traditional thepla relies on whole grains and fresh greens, delivering a nutrient-dense and satisfying meal. By minimizing oil, incorporating fiber-rich flours like millets, and pairing it with healthy side dishes, thepla is an excellent choice for a calorie-conscious diet. Its balance of flavor and nutrition makes it a standout option for those looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.

For more nutritional information on healthy eating, visit the official Tarla Dalal website for calorie details.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical homemade thepla, prepared with whole wheat flour and minimal oil, generally contains between 75 and 150 calories per piece, with the final amount depending on size and preparation.

Yes, thepla can be good for weight loss. It is rich in fiber, which helps you feel full for longer and prevents overeating. Choosing high-fiber ingredients and minimizing oil during cooking can enhance its weight-loss benefits.

Thepla is typically thinner, often uses curd in the dough, and incorporates spices and greens directly into the flour, making it lighter. Parathas are thicker, often stuffed, and usually pan-fried with more oil or ghee.

To make a lower-calorie thepla, use a non-stick pan with minimal oil or ghee, add more vegetables like grated bottle gourd, and incorporate high-fiber millets like bajra or jowar into the flour mix.

Pair thepla with healthy, low-calorie accompaniments like plain yogurt, raita, or a fresh vegetable salad to create a balanced and nutritious meal.

Yes, adding flours like bajra, jowar, or besan increases the fiber and protein content, improving the nutritional value and making the thepla more satiating and nutritious.

Yes, thepla is famously known as a great travel food due to its long shelf life. When prepared with less curd, it can be stored in an airtight container for several days without spoiling.