Calories in Bread Pakora: Benefits and Nutrition Facts
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
Written By Muskan Taneja
on Aug 9, 2024
Last Edit Made By Muskan Taneja
on Sep 13, 2024
In India, people mostly consume Bread Pakora for breakfast. They are prepared by making a sandwich of white bread (or brown bread) filled with masala mashed potatoes, covered with chickpea flour batter, and deep-fried until the outer layer is golden brown.
What if we tell you that a samosa is healthier than a bread pakora? Would you believe us? Certainly not. But it is true!
One samosa has 262 calories, while one bread pakora has 283 calories. But why so? Let’s understand.
Calories in Bread Pakora
Bread pakora is a fried snack. Indians consume bread pakora in various forms, such as Punjabi bread pakora, pakora with paneer filling, and aloo bread pakora. Several factors determine calories in bread pakora. These are:
- Type of bread (brown or white)
- Size of bread pakora
- Cooking method
- With or without filling
- Method of preparation
Nutrient Compound in Bread Pakora
Here is a nutrient breakdown and calories in bread pakora without stuffing.
Amount |
One piece |
Energy |
141 kcal |
Protein |
6.23g |
Carbohydrates |
23.64g |
Sugar |
3.06g |
Fat |
2.47g |
Saturated Fat |
0.326g |
Polyunsaturated Fat |
0.985g |
Monounsaturated Fat |
0.683g |
Cholesterol |
0g |
Fibre |
3.5g |
Sodium |
238mg |
Potassium |
274mg |
The calories in 1 bread pakora with potato stuffing are 295 kcal. Here is a breakdown of nutrient compounds and calories in bread pakora with potato stuffing.
Amount |
One piece |
Energy |
295 kcal |
Protein |
11.5g |
Carbohydrates |
27.8g |
Fiber |
4g |
Fat |
15.3g |
Cholesterol |
0mg |
Vitamin A |
389.2mcg |
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) |
31.4mcg |
Calcium |
208.1mcg |
Iron |
2mg |
Zinc |
0.7mg |
Sodium |
18.4mg |
Potassium |
187.4mg |
8 Main Ingredients Of Bread Pakora
Bread pakora is a light, simple, and easy-to-cook snack. There are eight major ingredients of bread pakora. These include bread, potato, gram flour, green peas, vegetable oil, rice flour, lemon juice, and spices (turmeric, salt, red chili powder, asafoetida, and garam masala).
Bread pakora is popular on the streets, cafes, eateries, tiffin centers, and restaurants across India. It is quite popular in south India, where it is called bread bajji (cooked slightly differently). The best way to enjoy bread pakora is with green chutney. However, you can also have it with mint or red garlic chutney.
Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-creative/brown-bread-vs-white-bread-which-is-better/
Is Bread Pakora Healthy?
Bread pakora is a healthy snack except for the frying part. People with diabetes, obesity, or any health condition must avoid bread pakora. Moreover, healthy people should not have more than two bread pakoras. A healthy bread pakora has 100 calories; however, the cooking method can fluctuate the calories in bread pakora.
Apart from the frying and fatty part, is bread pakora healthy? Here are five health benefits of bread pakora.
Protein in Bread Pakora
The outer layer of the bread pakora features a covering made from a paste of gram flour, which is rich in protein. This snack provides energy and protein in a stagnant form, keeping your body’s energy levels charged. Fill the bread pakora with paneer or legume filling to regenerate overall physiological function.
Provides Instant Energy
Bread Pakora contains carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which together provide instant energy to the body. Bread, gram flour, and potatoes offer energy fuel for daily activities. Having bread pakora in the morning can provide energy for the whole day. However, people with high cholesterol or diabetes should avoid this.
Are you overweight or maybe on the verge of diabetes? Get yourself a diabetes test from Redcliffe Labs.
Fiber Compound
Whole wheat bread provides fiber to your body. It keeps your body moving throughout the day. However, you can choose your bread (brown or multigrain bread). Whole wheat bread is a superior choice, as it has more fiber, which eases digestion and contributes to satiety.
Contains Essential Minerals
Bread pakora contains zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, and sodium minerals. These minerals fill the nutrient gap in the body, and the wheat grain distributes these minerals throughout. Whole wheat bread is an apt choice for fiber and mineral intake.
Rich in Antioxidants
Some people have bread pakora with filling, including veggies and spices. It may have antioxidant properties. One bread pakora for breakfast (not daily) can protect the body from oxidative stress and cell damage.
How To Make Bread Pakora Healthy?
Some people consider bread pakora unhealthy and avoid eating it. However, there is no harm in occasional consumption. People with high cholesterol or diabetes can have healthy bread pakora. But how do you make bread pakora healthy? This is how you can make bread pakora healthy.
Here are four ways you can make bread pakora healthy.
Practice Portion Control
Excessive consumption has drawbacks, whether it is bread pakora or an apple. It is important to control portions and avoid overeating. Have one bread pakora as a snack, for breakfast, or in the evening. Also, eat bread pakora with salads or fresh fruits to create a balanced meal. This meal can satisfy your soul without overloading you with calories. Portion control promotes sufficient calories in bread pakora.
Opt For Whole-Grain Bread
Whole grain bread is rich in fiber, vitamins, carbs, and minerals. Bread pakora is nothing without bread. Either choose whole white bread or multi-grain bread.
Tip: Choose bread with minimal added sugars and preservatives. This is not merely for diabetics; healthy people should also opt for whole-grain bread.
Bake Instead of Frying
Bread pakora is fried. However, to make it healthier, opt for baking. You must have seen the deep frying technique in your household. This is the time to change those old habits. Baking bread pakora can keep you and your loved ones healthy. Further, health-conscious people can have bread pakora using the baking method.
Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius, apply a light coat of gram flour paste over the bread, brush some oil, and bake it on parchment paper. It reduces the excess fat and makes bread pakora healthier.
Serve With Healthy Accompaniments
Pair bread pakora with nutritious and healthy accompaniments. The best dip is homemade mint yogurt dip or tangy tamarind chutney. These two dips contain nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Avoid market sauces and heavy chutney, as they mostly contain sugar and artificial flavors. People prepare homemade dips in traditional accompaniments, which are tasty and healthy.
Mindful Consumption of Bread Pakora
Bread pakora is a fulfilling, tasty, and delicious snack. However, excess consumption is hazardous to health. However, it doesn’t have many calories. One should be mindful while consuming bread pakora. It is important to consume this light snack in moderation.
The best is to have 1-2 pieces of bread pakora a day. Try not to exceed this number. Also, to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, have bread pakora no more than 1-2 times a week. It is better to have bread pakora on an alternative week.
Additional Tips
- Control the portion.
- Maintain a balanced diet consumption.
- Keep your mind with you while eating bread pakora.
- Know your food allergies, intolerance, and restrictions.
- Have it occasionally.
Adding these tips lets you enjoy these mouth-watering snacks while maintaining your health.
Are There Any Side Effects of Overconsumption of Bread Pakora?
Bread pakora is a delicious meal if consumed in moderation. Overconsumption of bread pakora can lead to health conditions. A prominent reason is the high number of calories and high fat and salt content. Although bread pakora has no severe side effects, overconsumption can. Here are the side effects of overconsumption of bread pakora:
- Weight Gain
- High Blood Pressure
- Blood Sugar Spikes
- Imbalance Nutrients
- Low Satiety
- Digestive Issues
- Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
How To Burn Off The Extra Calories From Eating Bread Pakoras?
Bread pakora is a tasty and mouth-watering snack. Even one consumption can increase some weight. How do you burn extra calories? Moderate consumption is one way to balance your calories. Here are ten effective strategies to burn off excess calories from eating bread pakora.
- Climbing Stairs
- Walking
- Home workouts
- Daily chorus
- Dance
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Strength training
- Aerobic exercise
- Sports
Key Takeaways
Bread pakoda is a famous, popular, and delicious snack. It is made up of fried bread, vegetables, and spices. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and energy. Having it occasionally can be fulfilling and nutritious. Get a full body health checkup from Redcliffe Labs.
FAQs
Ques1 How many calories are in 1 bread pakora?
Ans1 One bread pakora with aloo filling contains 295 calories, while bread pakoda without filling has 141 kcal.
Ques2 What are the health benefits of eating bread pakora?
Ans2 Bread pakora contains excessive iron, fiber, protein, and B vitamins. It is also rich in calcium, manganese, zinc, and thiamine.
Ques3 Is Bread Pakoda good or bad for you?
Ans3 Deep frying bread pakora is what makes it considered unhealthy. However, opting for a healthier version can be good for you.
Ques4 How do you burn the bread pakora calories?
Ans4 Indulge into exercising, dancing, walking, gymming, and swimming to cut out bread pakora calories. It can keep your metabolism and health stable.