Masoub Calories 🍌
Calculate masoub calories for Saudi servings. Warm banana, bread and cream dessert — full nutrition breakdown and portion guide.
What Is Masoub?
Masoub (Arabic: مسوب, also called muhallab or musabbab) is a traditional Saudi dessert popular in the Hejaz region and western Saudi Arabia. It is made by mashing ripe bananas with pieces of bread (tamees or flatbread), cream (qishta), honey and sometimes dates or nuts. The mixture is baked or served warm as a pudding-like dessert. Masoub is a popular choice at Saudi breakfast spreads and family gatherings. The banana and bread base makes it moderately high in carbohydrates, while the cream and honey add significant fat and sugar calories. A standard serving contains approximately 480–580 kcal.
Calories at a Glance
| Portion | Weight | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small serving | 150g | 350–430 kcal |
| Standard serving | 200g | 480–580 kcal |
| Large serving | 250g | 580–720 kcal |
| Per 100g | 100g | ~310 kcal |
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your portion size in grams. CalorieMetrica will estimate calories, protein, carbohydrates and fat. Values vary by recipe, oil quantity, cooking method and serving size. Use these as a practical guide.
Masoub — Calorie and Nutrition Breakdown (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Daily % (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal | 16% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 17% |
| Fat | 12g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Weight | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small serving | 150g | 350–430 kcal |
| Standard serving | 200g | 480–580 kcal |
| Large serving | 250g | 580–720 kcal |
| Per 100g | 100g | ~310 kcal |
Calories by Preparation Method
Masoub with full-fat cream (qishta) is the traditional preparation and the most calorie-dense version. Using reduced-fat cream or Greek yoghurt instead of qishta can reduce a 200g serving by 60–100 kcal. The bread type used (thicker tamees vs. thin flatbread) also affects calorie count — thicker bread adds more starch calories per serving.
Masoub for Weight Loss
Masoub is a calorie-dense dessert and not ideal for frequent consumption in a weight-loss diet. For an occasional treat, limit to a 100–120g serving (approximately 280–340 kcal) and use reduced-fat cream. The natural fibre from banana provides some satiety, which limits overeating compared to pure sugary desserts.
Masoub for Muscle Gain
Masoub provides fast-digesting carbohydrates from banana and bread — useful as a post-workout energy source but low in protein. It does not contribute meaningfully to muscle building. If including masoub in an active diet, pair with a high-protein food rather than eating it as a standalone meal.
Smart Comparison
Masoub is slightly lower in calories per gram than areekah (310 vs. 380 kcal/100g) because the banana adds volume and fibre without as much fat. Both are Saudi bread-based sweets. Among Saudi desserts, masoub is moderately calorie-dense — lower than areekah, similar to stuffed dates, and higher than plain dates.
Portion Control Advice
A 150g serving is the appropriate individual dessert portion. Masoub served at restaurants or gatherings often comes in large communal plates — scoop one small serving into a separate bowl to control the quantity. Avoid re-serving.
Practical Eating Tips
Eat masoub warm for the best texture and flavour. Pair with unsweetened Arabic coffee to balance the sweetness. Avoid eating masoub after a full main course of high-calorie food — save it for a lighter meal day when it can serve as a satisfying treat within your calorie budget.
Common Mistakes
Adding extra honey on top of an already honey-sweetened masoub adds 20–30 kcal per teaspoon with no flavour improvement. Using a full can of heavy cream when preparing at home nearly doubles the fat content. Eating masoub as a snack multiple times per week while also consuming calorie-dense main meals is a common calorie overrun pattern.
Burn This Food — Activity Equivalents
A standard serving (~540 kcal) requires approximately:
| Activity | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|
| Brisk Walking | ~98 min |
| Jogging | ~60 min |
| Swimming | ~68 min |
| Cycling | ~77 min |
Burn times vary by body weight, fitness level and exercise intensity.
Health Considerations
Masoub contains natural banana, which provides potassium, B6 and dietary fibre. The bread provides B vitamins and carbohydrates. The honey contains trace antioxidants. The main health consideration is the high simple carbohydrate and saturated fat content — people managing diabetes or cardiovascular risk should limit portion size. The banana fibre helps moderate the glycaemic impact compared to pure sugar-based desserts.
Healthy Alternative Tips
Lower Calorie Option: Open the Full Food Detail to see smart lower-calorie swaps tailored to your goal.
Higher Protein Option: Grilled Chicken Saudi or Chicken Kebab Saudi for a leaner, protein-rich alternative.
Smarter Swap: Use the Food Compare tool to compare Masoub side-by-side with other Saudi foods.
Related Tools
FAQs
How many calories in masoub?
A standard serving of masoub (200g) contains approximately 480–580 calories.
What is masoub made of?
Mashed ripe bananas mixed with bread pieces, cream (qishta), honey and sometimes dates or nuts, served warm as a pudding.
Is masoub good for weight loss?
Masoub is calorie-dense and not ideal for frequent consumption in a weight-loss diet. Small occasional portions (100–120g) are manageable.
How do I reduce the calories in masoub?
Use reduced-fat cream or Greek yoghurt instead of qishta, and reduce honey. This saves 60–100 kcal per 200g serving.
When is masoub traditionally eaten?
Masoub is eaten as a sweet breakfast or dessert in western Saudi Arabia (Hejaz region), particularly at family gatherings.
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard food composition databases and Saudi recipe data. Actual values vary by cooking method, oil quantity, ingredients and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.