Modak Calories Calculator
Modak (also called ukadiche modak — steamed modak) is Maharashtra's most sacred festival sweet — a dumpling made of rice flour outer shell stuffed with a filling of fresh grated coconut mixed with jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg. It is the favourite sweet of Lord Ganesha and is central to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across Maharashtra and India. Steamed modak at 280 kcal per 100g is moderate in calories because the filling uses coconut and jaggery rather than refined sugar and ghee. A standard piece (~80g) is 224 kcal.
Modak Calculator
To burn about 224 kcal you may need roughly:
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard food composition databases and common recipe data. Actual values vary by cooking method, oil quantity, ingredient brand, and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.
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Modak — Complete India Calorie Guide
Modak (also called ukadiche modak — steamed modak) is Maharashtra's most sacred festival sweet — a dumpling made of rice flour outer shell stuffed with a filling of fresh grated coconut mixed with jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg. It is the favourite sweet of Lord Ganesha and is central to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across Maharashtra and India. Steamed modak at 280 kcal per 100g is moderate in calories because the filling uses coconut and jaggery rather than refined sugar and ghee. A standard piece (~80g) is 224 kcal.
Portion Size Guide
| Portion | Estimated Calories | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Steamed modak 1 piece (~80g) | ~224 kcal | Traditional serving |
| Fried modak 1 piece (~80g) | ~290 kcal | Richer version |
| Mawa modak 1 piece (~60g) | ~270 kcal | Milk solid version |
| Chocolate modak (~50g) | ~240 kcal | Modern fusion |
Macronutrient Breakdown per 100g
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per 1 serving (~80g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal | 224 kcal |
| Protein | 4g | 3.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 35.2g |
| Fat | 9g | 7.2g |
| Fibre | 2g | 1.6g |
Weight Loss Tips for Modak
Steamed modak is one of the more moderate Indian festival sweets at 280 kcal per 100g. The coconut-jaggery filling provides natural sweetness with minimal processing. Jaggery is slightly lower on the glycaemic index than refined sugar. One modak as a festival prasad is a reasonable 224 kcal treat. Avoid fried modak, which adds 20–25% more calories.
Active Lifestyle and Muscle Gain
Modak's coconut filling provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are metabolized differently from other fats. The moderate calorie count (224 kcal per piece) makes it a manageable treat for gym-goers. Not a primary muscle-building food, but one piece as a post-workout carb source is a traditional and culturally meaningful option during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Modak in Indian Food Culture
Modak is inseparable from Ganesh Chaturthi — the 10-day Maharashtra festival celebrating Lord Ganesha. The festival, particularly grand in Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik, features homes and pandals (temporary shrines) where 21 modaks are traditionally offered to Ganesha. The making of modak is a skill — the intricate pleated shape (13 pleats on a traditional modak) requires practice. Beyond the traditional steamed ukadiche modak, modern versions include chocolate modak, dry fruit modak, mawa (khoya) modak, and even ice cream modak, all popular during the festival season.
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FAQs
How many calories in modak?
One standard steamed modak (~80g) contains approximately 224 kcal. Fried modak is higher at ~290 kcal. Mawa (khoya) modak is around 270 kcal per piece. The steamed version is the lightest traditional option.
What is modak made of?
Traditional ukadiche (steamed) modak has an outer shell of rice flour and a filling of fresh grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg. Fried modak uses a wheat flour or maida shell. Modern versions include chocolate, dry fruit, or mawa (milk solids) fillings.
Is modak healthier than other Indian sweets?
Steamed modak is more moderate in calories than ghee-heavy sweets like mysore pak (490 kcal/100g) or kaju katli (462 kcal/100g) because it uses coconut and jaggery rather than ghee and refined sugar. Per piece, one modak (224 kcal) is reasonable for a festival sweet.
Can I eat modak on a diet?
One steamed modak per day during Ganesh Chaturthi is a manageable festival indulgence at 224 kcal. Account for it in your daily calorie budget. Avoid the fried version and eating multiple pieces at pandal visits.
Nutritional data based on standard Indian recipes and ICMR food composition tables. Values vary by preparation method, regional variation, and portion size. Use as a general guide only.