Croissants are great for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, and can be served plain or filled with various fillings, such as chocolate or ham and cheese. You can also put tasty spreads on them, including jam and chocolate spread.
But while croissants are appetizing, it should come as no surprise that they’re also full of calories.
How many calories, you ask?
A typical medium-sized croissant (around 57 grams, made with butter) contains around 231 calories.
This is about the same amount of calories as a regular hamburger!
So it’s official: croissants are high in calories. And for more information on how many calories are in small and large croissants, the nutritional value of croissants, and more, you’ll find everything you need to know below.
How Many Calories Are In A Large Croissant?
Prefer to eat large croissants? We don’t blame you. But the larger size does mean they are higher in calories!
A large croissant (78 grams, made with butter) contains around 272 calories.
Compared with a medium butter croissant, a large butter croissant contains around 40 more calories.
How Many Calories Are In A Small Croissant?
Prefer to eat large croissants? We don’t blame you. But the larger size does mean they are higher in calories!
A small croissant (42 grams, made with butter) contains around 171 calories.
Compared with a medium butter croissant, a small butter croissant contains around 60 fewer calories. Compared with a large butter croissant, on the other hand, a small butter croissant contains around 100 fewer calories.
How Many Carbohydrates In A Croissant?
If you’re watching your weight, counting carbohydrates can be just as important as counting your calories. So how many carbs are there in a croissant?
A medium croissant (around 57 grams, made with butter) contains around 26 grams of carbohydrates.
A large croissant (78 grams, made with butter) contains around 31 grams of carbohydrates.
A small croissant (42 grams, made with butter) contains around 19 grams of carbohydrates.
As a result, croissants are generally considered high in carbohydrates, largely because they are made from dough and butter.
How Much Fat Is In A Croissant?
Now that you know how many calories and carbs are in croissants, just how much fat is there in a croissant?
A medium croissant (around 57 grams, made with butter) contains around 12 grams of fat.
A large croissant (78 grams, made with butter) contains around 14 grams of fat.
A small croissant (42 grams, made with butter) contains around 9 grams of fat.
So, just as standard butter croissants are high in calories and carbohydrates, they are also high in fat!
How Much Protein Is In A Croissant?
So what about protein content? Are croissants high in protein?
A medium croissant (around 57 grams, made with butter) contains around 4.7 grams of protein.
A large croissant (78 grams, made with butter) contains around 14 grams of protein.
A small croissant (42 grams, made with butter) contains around 3.4 grams of protein.
So while croissants do contain some protein, the amount is not that much compared to other nutrients. Even the amount of protein in large croissants isn’t that much different from the amount of protein in medium (or small) croissants!
The main ingredients in croissants are flour, butter, and sugar, which are all good sources of carbohydrates and fat. So if you are looking to increase your protein intake (and lose weight), you’ll want to keep your croissant intake to a minimum.
Are Croissants Healthy?
Looking at the above, croissants are not a healthy food, ultimately. They are high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, with a low amount of protein in comparison.
This is because croissants are typically made with refined flour and a lot of butter, both of which are high in calories.
It has to be said that croissants do contain some nutrients—such as protein, iron, and calcium—but the amount of these nutrients is not a lot, especially in comparison with the amount of calories, carbohydrates, and fat in croissants – or when compared with other, much healthier foods.
Are Croissants Good For Weight Loss?
Since croissants are high in calories, fat, and carbs, they’re not a good food for weight loss!
Butter croissants typically contain between 170 and 270 calories, depending on the size, and this is considered a high amount of calories when compared with other foods.
As a result, eating croissants in excess or on a regular basis can lead to weight gain as opposed to weight loss.
If you are trying to lose weight, it’s best to choose foods that are lower in calories and higher in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
For breakfast or brunch, you can also opt for something healthier instead of croissants, such as whole grain cereals, fresh fruit, or yogurt.
Despite that, enjoying a croissant once in a while is fine as part of a balanced diet. It’s also perfectly fine if you are trying to lose weight and are managing a consistent caloric deficit.
As a healthier alternative, you can try to make your own butter-free croissants instead of buying them from the store or bakery!
Conclusion
The takeaway? Croissants are high in calories!
A small croissant (42 grams, made with butter) contains around 171 calories; a medium croissant (around 57 grams, made with butter) contains around 231 calories; and a large croissant (78 grams, made with butter) contains around 272 calories.
Croissants are also high in carbohydrates and fat, with a little amount of protein.
Overall, while croissants are tasty and filling, they are not the healthiest food you can eat on a regular basis – especially if you are trying to lose weight.
Instead, try to eat croissants infrequently as a treat/cheat or as part of a balanced diet or caloric deficit. As a healthier alternative, you can also opt for butter-free croissants.
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