What is Unhealthy in Momos: Unpacking the Health Concerns

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study by the Institute of Hotel Management in Pusa, street momos in Delhi were found to contain faecal matter far beyond permissible levels. This shocking statistic highlights that what is unhealthy in momos often goes beyond just their ingredients, extending to alarming food safety and hygiene practices.

Quick Summary

The unhealthiest aspects of momos include the refined flour wrapper, potentially unhygienic preparation, and added flavor enhancers like MSG. Issues such as undercooked fillings, high-sodium sauces, and deep-frying can also contribute to serious health risks, including weight gain and foodborne illnesses.

Key Points

Refined Flour: Many momos use maida, a refined flour that is low in fiber, lacks nutrients, and can cause blood sugar spikes and digestive issues.
MSG Content: Some vendors add monosodium glutamate (MSG) for flavor, which is linked to metabolic disorders, palpitations, and neurological issues in sensitive individuals.
Unhygienic Preparation: Street-side momos often suffer from poor sanitation, leading to bacterial contamination and a high risk of foodborne illnesses like food poisoning.
Contaminated Fillings: Undercooked meat, stale vegetables, and unwashed cabbage (which can contain tapeworm spores) are serious health hazards found in some momo fillings.
High-Fat Fried Versions: Fried momos absorb significant amounts of oil, drastically increasing their calorie and unhealthy fat content compared to steamed versions.
High-Sodium Sauces: The accompanying dips and sauces, particularly soy sauce and mayonnaise, are often high in sodium and unhealthy fats, contributing to issues like hypertension.
Empty Calories: Momos can be high in calories but low in essential vitamins and minerals, potentially leading to weight gain and nutritional imbalance if consumed frequently.

Refined Flour and Processed Additives

One of the most significant health concerns with momos, particularly those from street vendors, is the use of refined flour, or maida. This processed wheat flour is stripped of most of its essential nutrients and fiber during processing. Regular consumption has been linked to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

To make the dough soft and white, refined flour is sometimes treated with harmful chemicals like azodicarbonamide and benzoyl peroxide. These additives can potentially damage the pancreas and disrupt insulin production, posing a particular risk for those with diabetes.

The Controversial Role of MSG

Another common ingredient found in many street-side momos is monosodium glutamate (MSG). Added as a flavor enhancer, MSG is a controversial additive linked to various health problems when consumed in excess. Concerns include metabolic disorders, obesity, and even neurological and reproductive issues. For individuals with a sensitivity to MSG, side effects like chest palpitations, sweating, and nausea can occur.

Food Safety and Hygiene Issues

When momos are purchased from unhygienic street stalls, the risk of foodborne illness skyrockets. Lack of proper sanitation can lead to the contamination of both the filling and the dough with harmful bacteria.

Contaminated Fillings: Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fillings can be contaminated. For non-veg momos, the meat may be undercooked or of poor quality, potentially harboring bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. In vegetable momos, improperly washed cabbage has been known to carry tapeworm spores, which, in rare cases, can reach the brain.
Poor Water Quality: The water used for making dough and sauces may also be unsafe. Contaminated water is a common source of foodborne pathogens, especially during the monsoon season.

The Problem with High-Calorie and High-Sodium Accompaniments

While steamed momos are a healthier starting point, the way they are served can quickly make them unhealthy. The accompaniments and cooking methods can significantly increase their fat and sodium content.

Fried vs. Steamed Momos

Choosing between steamed and fried momos can make a huge difference to their health profile. Fried momos are deep-fried, causing the wrapper to absorb a substantial amount of oil, which dramatically increases the calorie and unhealthy fat content.

The Impact of Sauces and Mayonnaise

The spicy red chutney often served with momos can cause gastric issues due to its high spice levels. Moreover, the commercial mayonnaise used as a dip is often loaded with saturated fatty acids, which can contribute to high cholesterol and heart-related conditions. Soy sauce, another common accompaniment, is extremely high in sodium, contributing to increased blood pressure.

Comparison of Steamed vs. Fried Momos


Feature	Steamed Momos	Fried Momos
Cooking Method	Uses steam, no added oil.	Deep-fried in oil.
Calories	Significantly lower.	Higher due to absorbed oil.
Fat Content	Very low.	High, especially unhealthy saturated fats.
Health Benefits	Retains nutrients, easy to digest.	Negligible; considered an indulgence.
Texture	Soft and delicate.	Crispy and crunchy.
Best For	Healthier snacking, regular consumption in moderation.	Occasional treat, cheat days.

Conclusion: Enjoying Momos Responsibly

While momos can be a delicious treat, their potential unhealthiness stems from three primary areas: the processed ingredients, poor hygiene practices, and high-fat, high-sodium accompaniments. By being mindful of where and how they are prepared, consumers can mitigate many of these risks. Opting for steamed momos, choosing homemade versions with whole wheat flour, and moderating the use of oily sauces are key steps to enjoying this popular dish without compromising your health. Ultimately, the unhealthiness of momos is a matter of preparation and moderation, not the dish itself. For more information on healthier cooking options, you can explore reputable food blogs and health resources like Healthshots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Refined flour, or maida, is unhealthy because it is stripped of fiber and nutrients during processing, which can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes, digestive problems like constipation, and is linked to weight gain.

Yes, momos can cause food poisoning if they are not cooked thoroughly or are prepared in unhygienic conditions. Contaminated or undercooked meat and dirty vegetables are common sources of harmful bacteria that can lead to gastrointestinal infections.

Steamed momos are generally healthier because they are cooked without added oil, making them lower in calories and fat. Fried momos, conversely, absorb a significant amount of oil during deep-frying, which substantially increases their caloric and fat content.

The MSG sometimes added to momos to enhance flavor can be a concern for some. In excess, it's linked to health issues like obesity and metabolic disorders. Some individuals are sensitive to MSG and may experience symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

The chili chutney can be unhealthy due to excessive spice, which can cause gastric issues. The commercial mayonnaise dip is often high in saturated fats, and soy sauce is high in sodium, contributing to health concerns like high blood pressure.

Yes, frequent consumption of momos, especially calorie-dense fried versions with fatty dips, can contribute to weight gain. This is due to their high content of refined flour and unhealthy fats and relatively low nutritional value.

To make momos healthier, use whole wheat flour for the wrapper instead of maida, opt for lean protein fillings or more vegetables, choose steamed over fried, and use moderate, healthier condiments.