How many calories in a croissant and how healthy are they?

It’s hard to resist a warm, flaky croissant straight out of the oven, especially when you walk into a bakery and that smell of buttery French pastries wafts past your nose. But how many calories are actually in a croissant, and are they healthy?

From gooey almond croissants to melty chocolates, croissants are sticky treats that almost always seem like a great breakfast choice when you’re on the go. I mean, who doesn’t love a croissant on the go on the way to work? But could the French pastry be causing your blood sugar to spike too quickly, and are there healthier breakfast alternatives?

How many calories are in a croissant?

Biting into the sweet goodness of a croissant, whether you’re sitting in a Parisian café watching the world go by or simply on your daily commute, could be the highlight of your day. However, you could start your day by eating up to 500 calories, depending on the type of croissant you choose.

Of course, the calorie count will vary depending on where you buy your croissant, its size, and whether or not it has a filling. Some brands and websites will display the calorie count, so it’s worth checking before you buy.

As expected, a plain croissant contains fewer calories than one filled with chocolate or other sticky sweets. But a plain buttery croissant still contains about 250 to 300 calories.

Calories in a plain croissant: Ready – 280 | Starbucks – 250 | Greggs – 290 | Sainsbury – 280

If you’re in the mood for a slightly more flavourful croissant (make it an almond one, please) – like a pain au chocolat or even a savoury version – you’ll be consuming more calories. Waitrose’s almond croissants are just under 500 calories, while you can expect to consume around 400-500 calories for a chocolate version.

A quick reminder of how many calories we should be consuming each day… The NHS recommends that women consume around 2,000 calories a day, and if you’re trying to lose weight, this figure drops to 1,400 calories a day. This of course all depends on your age, weight, height and how much exercise you do each day.

Are croissants healthy?

When it comes to croissants, it’s not just their caloric intake that you should pay attention to. GQ nutritionist Jordan explains that if this flaky treat is consumed regularly, it can also be harmful to our health.

“Croissants do contain nutrients, but not in optimal proportions and amounts. They’re high in refined carbohydrates that spike blood sugar and saturated fats that are less beneficial for your health and energy levels,” she tells Women’s Health.

Refined carbohydrates, which are a nod to the pastry used, if consumed in large amounts can lead to health problems like diabetes, according to a 2016 study. While too much saturated fat, like butter, in our diet can affect our cholesterol levels.

So how can you enjoy a croissant every now and then and still get its nutritional benefits? “Opting for half a croissant with Greek yogurt and dark berries will give you more stable energy levels afterward.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom, as Jordan explains: “Your healthiest diet is the one that leaves room for the foods you love. It’s about making nutritious choices 80% of the time that support your energy and health, leaving 20% ​​of the time for perhaps less nutritious choices that bring you joy.”

So what are some other healthy breakfast options?

On days when you don’t feel like eating a warm croissant, what should you choose instead? “Choose options that provide a balance of nutrients and long-lasting energy,” advises Jordan, who suggests opting for one of the following alternatives:

• Greek Yogurt with Berries, Pumpkin Seeds and Walnuts: Greek yogurt (170g) is high in protein and probiotics, which are great for gut health. Adding a handful of berries provides antioxidants and fiber, while a tablespoon of seeds and nuts offers healthy fats and extra protein.

• Summer Berry Smoothie: Blend 200ml unsweetened almond milk, 150g Greek yogurt, half a banana, 50g fresh spinach, 100g mixed berries and 1 tbsp chia seeds until smooth.

• Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and spinach: Beat 3 eggs with salt and pepper. Cook the spinach in 1 teaspoon of olive oil, add the scrambled eggs, then stir in 50 g of smoked salmon.

• Avocado and Black Bean Breakfast Burrito: Scramble 2 eggs, season with salt and pepper. Spread 1 mashed avocado on a warm whole wheat tortilla, add eggs, 100g black beans and 30g grated cheese. Roll up and serve with salsa.

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