Mooncakes are a type of high-calorie food, containing about 400 calories per 100 grams, which is almost three to four times the calorie content of 100 grams of white rice, which is about 115 calories. When making mooncakes, a large amount of oil and sugar is added to ensure the filling is soft and delicious, and the crust is crispy and fluffy, further increasing the calorie content. The calorie content of mooncakes also varies depending on their style, filling ingredients, and size.
In terms of style, Cantonese mooncakes and Suzhou-style mooncakes have roughly the same calorie content, while snow skin mooncakes have slightly lower overall calories due to less oil in the skin. Regarding the filling, mooncakes with bean paste and fruit fillings have relatively lower calorie content, while those with mixed nuts or egg yolk fillings have slightly higher calorie content than the former. Ice cream and meat-filled mooncakes, on the other hand, should not be consumed in large quantities due to their high calorie content. In addition, the size of the mooncake is also a factor, traditional mooncakes weigh around 120 grams, and the larger the mooncake, the higher the calorie content.
For dietary advice, mooncakes are suitable for consumption in the morning, as this can provide sufficient energy for the day and gradually burn off the high calories during daytime activities, reducing the risk of weight gain. When eating, it is best to cut the mooncakes into small pieces, chew slowly to control intake, and enjoy them with green tea to help alleviate the greasiness.
