Understanding Your Chinese Takeaway: How many calories are in Chinese takeaway vegetable spring rolls?

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

While the exact figure can vary significantly, deep-fried Chinese takeaway vegetable spring rolls typically contain between 116 and 148 calories per roll, depending on size and cooking method. This makes understanding the factors behind the number of calories in Chinese takeaway vegetable spring rolls crucial for anyone managing their diet.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for deep-fried vegetable spring rolls varies by size and preparation method, often ranging from 116 to 148 calories per roll. Caloric density is driven by the deep-frying process, which dramatically increases fat content compared to the healthier vegetable filling inside. Healthier preparation methods like baking or air-frying can significantly reduce the overall calorie count and fat absorption.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: Deep-fried Chinese takeaway vegetable spring rolls generally contain 116–148 calories per roll, depending on size and preparation.
Deep-Frying Adds Calories: The deep-frying process is the primary reason for the higher calorie and fat content, as the wrapper absorbs significant amounts of oil.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Opting for baked, air-fried, steamed, or fresh spring rolls is a much healthier, lower-calorie option.
Ingredient Impact: The size of the roll and the ratio of filling to wrapper also influence the final calorie count.
Manage Your Entire Meal: Controlling calorie intake from spring rolls is only one part of a balanced diet; choosing healthier main courses and controlling sauces is also crucial.
Homemade is Best: Making your own spring rolls allows for complete control over ingredients and cooking methods, ensuring a healthier result.
Nutritional Trade-offs: While the vegetable filling is healthy, the deep-frying process adds fat, meaning the dish is not as nutritious as steamed vegetables.

Calorie Breakdown of Chinese Takeaway Vegetable Spring Rolls

The number of calories in Chinese takeaway vegetable spring rolls is not a single, fixed number. Instead, it is influenced by several factors that can cause the final value to vary. Generally, a single, deep-fried takeaway-sized vegetable spring roll will provide between 116 and 148 calories. This places it among the lower-calorie starter options compared to items like prawn crackers or sweet and sour chicken.

Key Factors Influencing Calorie Content

Cooking Method: The most significant factor is whether the spring roll is deep-fried or prepared in a healthier way. Deep-frying causes the wrapper to absorb a substantial amount of oil, which dramatically increases the calorie and fat content. In contrast, a steamed or fresh spring roll will be considerably lower in calories.
Size and Weight: The size of the spring roll, measured in grams, directly affects its calorie count. A larger, denser roll will naturally contain more calories than a smaller, miniature version. Some sources list nutrition based on 100g, where a takeaway version can be around 215-224 kcal per 100g, versus a standard supermarket or homemade one being closer to 98 kcal per 100g.
Ingredient Ratios: The ratio of wrapper to vegetable filling also plays a role. A thicker, denser wrapper and less filling can mean more calories from refined carbohydrates and oil. The specific type of oil used for frying can also affect the fat profile.

Nutritional Profile: Beyond the Calories

While the vegetable filling of a spring roll is often a good source of vitamins and fibre, the deep-frying process alters its nutritional profile. The high fat content from frying means that a large portion of the calories come from fat, rather than from the more nutrient-dense vegetables.

Macronutrients per roll (approximate, deep-fried)
- Fat: 6-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 16-19 grams
- Protein: 2-4 grams

Healthier Choices and Comparisons

For those watching their calorie intake, making smarter choices is key. Consider alternatives or modifications to your spring roll order.

Steamed vs. Fried: Opting for steamed dumplings or fresh spring rolls (often found in Vietnamese cuisine) can cut calories significantly. For example, steamed vegetable dumplings can be as low as 144 kcal per 100g.
Homemade Options: Creating your own spring rolls at home allows for full control over ingredients and preparation. By using an air fryer or baking them in the oven with minimal oil, you can dramatically reduce the fat and calorie content.

Comparison Table: Takeaway vs. Healthier Alternatives


Feature	Takeaway Vegetable Spring Roll	Baked/Air-Fried Spring Roll	Fresh Spring Roll	Steamed Vegetable Dumplings
Calories (per roll)	~116-148 kcal	~80-100 kcal	~60-80 kcal	~144 kcal per 100g
Cooking Method	Deep-fried	Baked or air-fried	Uncooked rice paper	Steamed
Fat Content	High	Low-Medium	Low	Low
Health	Occasional treat	Healthier alternative	Very healthy	Very healthy
Texture	Crispy, greasy	Crispy, less greasy	Soft, chewy	Soft, tender

Optimizing Your Chinese Takeaway Order for Better Nutrition

Beyond just the spring rolls, making informed decisions for your entire meal can help you maintain a balanced diet while still enjoying your favourite cuisine. The overall calorie count of a takeaway can be surprisingly high, sometimes exceeding the recommended daily intake in a single meal if you choose less healthy options.

Practical Tips for Healthier Choices:

Ask for sauces on the side: Sweet and sour, black bean, or other sauces can be loaded with sugar, oil, and salt. Requesting them on the side gives you control over how much you use.
Choose boiled over fried rice: Egg fried rice is significantly higher in calories and fat than plain, boiled rice. Making this simple switch can save you hundreds of calories.
Load up on vegetables: Look for stir-fry dishes that are high in vegetables and lean protein, such as chicken and broccoli. The more vegetables, the better.
Avoid battered dishes: Dishes like sweet and sour chicken in batter involve deep-frying, which adds a lot of unnecessary calories and fat.

Conclusion

While delicious, deep-fried Chinese takeaway vegetable spring rolls are a calorie-dense treat due to the cooking method. The number of calories in Chinese takeaway vegetable spring rolls typically ranges from 116 to 148 calories per piece, with a higher proportion of those calories coming from fat. For those seeking a healthier option, home-baked or air-fried versions, or switching to steamed alternatives like dumplings, can drastically reduce the calorie and fat intake. By making conscious choices about your entire takeaway order, including sauces and main dishes, you can still enjoy your favourite flavours as part of a balanced and nutritious diet. For more information on healthy eating, you can visit the NHS Eatwell Guide to find advice on a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large deep-fried Chinese takeaway vegetable spring roll can contain around 116 to 148 calories, but this can vary based on size and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.

While the filling contains healthy vegetables, the deep-frying process makes them high in fat and calories. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, rather than a health food staple.

To make them healthier, you can bake them in the oven, use an air fryer, or opt for fresh, non-fried spring rolls. These methods significantly reduce the absorbed oil and fat content.

Vegetable spring rolls are often one of the lower-calorie starter options. For example, they are typically less calorific than prawn crackers or battered dishes.

The vegetable filling itself is low in calories. The main factors affecting the calorie count are the wrapper and the high-fat cooking method, like deep-frying, which causes the overall calorie count to increase dramatically.

Yes, many dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, are high in sugar and calories. Using them sparingly or choosing low-sodium alternatives can help reduce your overall calorie intake.

You can include them as an occasional treat while on a diet. It's recommended to limit portion size and pair them with healthier main courses like steamed rice and vegetable-heavy dishes to manage your overall calorie consumption effectively.