Nutrition Deep Dive: How Many Calories Do 2 Jalebi Have?

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to some health experts, a single, small jalebi can contain between 66 and 96.5 calories, meaning the number of calories do 2 jalebi have can range dramatically depending on size and preparation. Factors like deep-frying method, oil type, and the amount of sugar syrup absorbed significantly influence the final nutritional value.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for two jalebis varies, with estimates placing it between 130 and 500 calories based on size and cooking methods. This deep-fried dessert is high in refined sugar and unhealthy fats. For a balanced diet, it should be consumed sparingly, with healthier alternatives prioritized.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in 2 jalebi can range significantly, from around 130 to 500 kcal, depending on their size and preparation.
High in Refined Sugar: Jalebi is drenched in sugar syrup, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar and providing empty calories.
Deep-fried with Unhealthy Fats: Frying jalebi often involves unhealthy fats, which can increase bad cholesterol and raise the risk of heart disease.
Lacks Nutrients: Jalebi is primarily a source of simple carbohydrates and fat, offering little to no essential vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
Moderation is Key: To maintain a balanced diet, jalebi should be considered an occasional indulgence, not a regular treat.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Opt for nutrient-rich desserts like fruit salad, baked apples, or homemade versions with whole wheat flour to satisfy a sweet craving more healthfully.

Understanding the Caloric Content of Jalebi

While two small jalebis might contain approximately 130-190 calories, a larger, more indulgent serving could push the total closer to 500 calories. This wide range is not a result of a typo but a reflection of the dessert's variable nature. Jalebi is made from a fermented batter of refined flour (maida), which is then deep-fried in ghee or oil and soaked in a sugar syrup. Each of these steps adds to the final calorie count.

The deep-frying process is a major contributor to the overall fat and calorie content. The batter, made with refined flour, offers little nutritional value beyond simple carbohydrates that provide a rapid, but short-lived, energy boost. The subsequent soaking in thick, sugary syrup elevates the sugar content dramatically, leading to the risk of blood sugar spikes. As such, jalebi is classified as an 'empty calorie' food, rich in energy but devoid of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

The Health Implications of High Sugar and Fat

Excessive sugar intake is a leading cause of weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The added sugars in jalebi can cause inflammation in the body and shut down fat-burning processes. Similarly, the unhealthy fats used in deep-frying, especially if oils are reused, can increase bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and heighten the risk of cardiovascular problems. For individuals with diabetes, or those managing their weight, regular consumption of jalebi is strongly discouraged.

Key factors affecting calorie count:

Size: The size of each spiral can vary significantly, from small street-side versions to larger, more substantial pieces. A 30g piece could have nearly 100 calories, while a larger one (55g) could be closer to 150.
Oil/Ghee Quality: The fat used for deep-frying greatly impacts the total fat and calorie content. Reusing oil can produce harmful trans fats.
Syrup Absorption: The length of time the jalebi is soaked in the sugar syrup determines how much sugar it absorbs, directly correlating with its final calorie count.
Added Ingredients: Some variations may include additional ingredients like cornflour or besan, which can alter the overall nutritional profile.

Comparing Jalebi with Other Indian Sweets

Jalebi is notoriously high in both calories and simple sugars when compared to some other popular Indian sweets. This table offers a glimpse into how different desserts stack up calorically per typical serving:


Dessert	Serving Size (approx.)	Estimated Calories	Primary Ingredients	Health Considerations
Jalebi	2 small pieces (50g)	220-250 kcal	Refined flour, sugar syrup, ghee/oil	High in refined sugar and unhealthy fats. Avoid for diabetics.
Gulab Jamun	1 medium piece	180-200 kcal	Milk powder/khoya, sugar syrup	Very high in saturated fat and sugar. Best in moderation.
Rasgulla	1 medium piece	120-150 kcal	Chenna, sugar syrup	Lighter in texture but still heavy on sugar.
Mysore Pak	1 small piece	200-220 kcal	Gram flour, ghee, sugar	Extremely high in saturated fat and sugar due to high ghee content.

Enjoying Jalebi in Moderation and Exploring Healthier Options

Treating jalebi as an occasional indulgence rather than a staple is the key to incorporating it into a balanced diet. If you do crave it, consider the following strategies:

Portion Control: Acknowledge that a small piece is enough to satisfy the craving. It's often served hot with milk, which can be a slightly better combination.
Choose Wisely: If buying from a street vendor, be aware of the oil quality, which is often reused. Opt for a reputable store where hygiene standards are higher.
Pair with Protein: Pairing a small serving with a protein source like low-fat milk can help slow down the absorption of sugar and prevent a sharp blood sugar spike.

For those who want to avoid the refined flour and excessive sugar, several alternatives are available that offer a sweet fix with a better nutritional profile:

Fruit Salad with Honey: Fresh fruits are packed with vitamins and fiber. A fruit salad drizzled with a touch of honey or chaat masala is a satisfying, nutrient-dense treat.
Baked Apples: Baking apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon is a low-sugar, high-fiber dessert that is surprisingly delicious.
Chia Seed Pudding: This can be made with almond milk and a natural sweetener like maple syrup for a dessert rich in healthy fats and fiber.
Homemade Wheat Jalebi: Recipes exist for healthier jalebis made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with natural alternatives like jaggery or rock sugar.

Conclusion

While a delicious treat, jalebi is a dessert that packs a significant caloric and sugar punch, with two pieces potentially contributing hundreds of calories and grams of simple sugar. The exact amount is highly variable, depending on preparation and serving size. Because of its deep-fried nature and high sugar content, it offers minimal nutritional benefits and can lead to health concerns if consumed regularly. The best approach is to enjoy jalebi sparingly, treat it as a special occasion food, and seek out healthier, whole-food-based alternatives to satisfy a sweet tooth. With conscious choices and moderation, one can still enjoy the flavors of traditional sweets without compromising a healthy diet.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For a detailed comparison of popular Indian sweets and their calorie counts, explore resources like those from The Times of India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, depending on their size and how they were prepared, 2 jalebis can contain a substantial number of calories. With some versions reaching up to 500 calories for two, this amount can represent a significant portion of a person's daily calorie intake, especially for a snack.

Yes, jalebi is very high in sugar. The deep-fried batter is soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup, making it a concentrated source of simple carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar levels to spike.

It is not recommended to consume jalebi regularly when on a weight loss diet. Its high calorie, fat, and sugar content can hinder progress. It is best to treat it as a very rare treat or avoid it altogether.

Yes, healthier versions of jalebi can be made at home by using whole wheat flour instead of refined flour, and by using natural sweeteners like jaggery or rock sugar. Some recipes also suggest using healthier oils for frying.

Based on average serving sizes, a single piece of gulab jamun may have fewer calories than two jalebis. One medium gulab jamun is estimated to have 180-200 calories, while two small jalebis can range from 220-250 calories.

Jalebi can be detrimental to heart health due to its high saturated and trans fat content from deep-frying, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. The high sugar content is also linked to increased risk factors for heart disease.

For a healthier sweet, consider alternatives like fruit salad, baked apples with cinnamon, or a homemade chia seed pudding. These options provide sweetness along with beneficial fiber and nutrients, unlike jalebi's empty calories.