Understanding Your Snacks: How many calories are in 6 wafers?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

One generic wafer, weighing approximately 6 grams, contains about 26 calories. However, the total number of calories in 6 wafers varies significantly depending on the size, brand, and type of wafer, particularly whether it's filled with cream or coated in chocolate.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for six wafers can range widely based on type and brand, from around 156 kcal for plain varieties to much higher for cream-filled or coated wafers. Understanding the specific product's serving size is key for accurate nutritional tracking.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in 6 wafers is not fixed and varies significantly by brand, size, and type (plain, filled, or coated).
Plain vs. Filled: A standard plain wafer contains about 26 calories, putting six wafers at approximately 156 kcal, whereas cream-filled or chocolate-coated versions are considerably higher.
High in Sugar and Fat: Wafers are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats, offering empty calories with very little nutritional value.
Occasional Treat: Due to their nutritional profile, wafers are best consumed as an occasional snack rather than a regular part of a healthy diet.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For a more balanced snack, options like fruits, nuts, Greek yogurt, and whole-grain crackers provide more fiber, protein, and sustained energy.

Demystifying Wafer Calories

When you're keeping an eye on your diet, understanding the calorie content of your favorite snacks is a crucial first step. Wafers, with their light, crispy texture and variety of flavors, are a popular treat. Yet, their nutritional profile is not always as straightforward as it seems. The question of exactly how many calories are in 6 wafers? depends on several factors, including the type, size, and whether it’s plain, filled, or coated.

The Standard Plain Wafer

For a basic, plain wafer, nutritional data from sources like Fatsecret indicates that a single wafer of about 6 grams contains approximately 26 calories. Using this as a baseline, a simple calculation suggests that six plain wafers would contain around 156 calories. However, this is a general estimate and not applicable to all products. A small, bite-sized wafer might have fewer calories, while a larger, standard-sized one could have more.

Cream-Filled vs. Chocolate-Coated Wafers

The most significant factor in a wafer's calorie count is its added ingredients. The cream filling and chocolate coating found in many popular brands dramatically increase the calorie and sugar content. A single creme or caramel-filled chocolate-covered sugar wafer, for example, is listed with 77 calories, more than three times the generic plain wafer. Similarly, six pieces of chocolate wafer sticks, with a total weight of 20g, can amount to 100 calories. This highlights the importance of checking the nutritional label for the specific product you're consuming.

A Nutritional Comparison of Popular Wafer Types

To help illustrate the variations, let's compare the calorie and macronutrient content of different types of wafers. This table uses data extrapolated from various nutritional information sources and serving sizes.


Wafer Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Macronutrients (per serving)	Key Difference
Plain Wafer (Generic)	6 grams (1 wafer)	26 kcal	4.3g Carbs, 0.85g Fat	Low-sugar, basic formulation
Nilla Wafers (Vanilla)	20 wafers (approx. 40g)	140 kcal	22g Carbs, 6g Fat	Vanilla flavor, moderate sugar
Chocolate Wafer Sticks	6 sticks (20g)	100 kcal	15g Carbs, 3.5g Fat	Filled with chocolate cream, higher calories per gram
Chocolate Flavored Wafers	2 wafers (17g)	73 kcal	6g Carbs, 5g Fat	Often a cream-filled version, higher fat content
Creme-Filled Sugar Wafers	1 small wafer	18 kcal	2.45g Carbs, 0.85g Fat	Filled, but smaller size, lower per-piece calorie count

Note: Calorie counts can vary by brand and recipe. Always check the specific product label.

The Bigger Picture: Wafer Ingredients and Your Health

Wafers are generally considered low in nutrients and high in empty calories. The primary ingredients often include wheat flour, water, sugar, and fat. Many are produced with high levels of sugar and saturated fats, and some may contain trans fats, especially cheaper varieties. This can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar, followed by a subsequent energy crash. Excessive consumption of such highly processed snacks can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. For a healthy diet, snacks like wafers should be enjoyed in moderation and not be a daily staple.

Healthier Alternatives to Wafers

For those looking for a healthier crunch, there are many alternatives that offer more nutritional value and sustained energy. Consider incorporating these options into your diet:

Fruits and Nuts: A handful of mixed nuts provides protein and healthy fats for satiety, while fruits like berries offer natural sweetness and fiber.
Greek Yogurt: This is a fantastic source of protein. You can add fresh fruit or a sprinkle of nuts for a satisfying and nutritious snack.
Whole-Grain Crackers: Pair whole-grain crackers with a low-fat dip like hummus for a high-fiber, more filling snack.
Baked Sweet Potato Chips: A homemade alternative to fried potato chips or wafers, providing beta-carotene and fiber.
Air-Popped Popcorn: Without excessive butter or salt, popcorn is a low-calorie, high-fiber snack.
Rice Cakes: Simple, low-calorie rice cakes can be topped with avocado or a nut butter for extra nutrients.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Snacking

Ultimately, the number of calories in 6 wafers depends on the specific product, with cream-filled or coated versions being significantly more energy-dense than their plain counterparts. While wafers can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, they are not a nutrient-rich snack. For sustained energy and overall health, opting for healthier, more balanced alternatives that offer fiber, protein, and essential nutrients is a more beneficial strategy. Always pay attention to the nutrition label and consider your total daily calorie and nutrient intake. A balanced diet and moderation are key to a healthy lifestyle.

For more information on nutritional values, you can consult databases like Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on nutritional data for a generic wafer (approx. 6g), a single wafer contains about 26 calories, meaning six plain wafers would be around 156 calories.

Yes, cream-filled wafers are significantly higher in calories due to the added sugars and fats in the filling. For example, a single chocolate-covered sugar wafer can contain up to 77 calories.

No, wafers are generally not considered healthy. They are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats, offering very little nutritional value and contributing to empty calories.

Healthier alternatives include fruits, mixed nuts, Greek yogurt, baked sweet potato chips, air-popped popcorn, and whole-grain crackers paired with hummus.

Yes, excessive consumption of wafers can lead to weight gain. They are energy-dense with high levels of sugar and fat, which, when eaten frequently, can contribute to an excess of calories.

Wafers are primarily carbohydrate-based, but often have a high percentage of fat and sugar depending on the type. For example, a generic chocolate wafer's calories might be broken down as 65% carbs, 29% fat, and 6% protein.

Checking the nutritional label is crucial because the calorie, sugar, and fat content can differ widely between brands and product types. The label provides the most accurate information for your specific snack.