Calories in a Croissant: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Croissants are flaky, buttery pastries made from laminated dough that creates dozens of delicate layers. A medium butter croissant weighing about 57 grams provides approximately 231 calories, with 26 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of total fat, and 4.7 grams of protein. The high fat content comes primarily from the generous amount of butter folded into the dough during preparation.

Calories by serving size:

Croissants are calorie-dense primarily because of their butter content, with fat making up nearly half of their total calories. While they are not a significant source of fiber or micronutrients, they do provide some B vitamins and iron from enriched flour. Enjoying a croissant as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple helps keep overall calorie intake in balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are croissants so high in calories?

Croissants are high in calories because their dough is laminated with large quantities of butter — often the recipe calls for equal parts butter and flour by weight. This layering process creates the signature flaky texture but also means that fat accounts for roughly 47 percent of a croissant's total calories. A single medium croissant contains about 12 grams of fat, most of it saturated.

How many calories are in a chocolate croissant?

A chocolate croissant (pain au chocolat) typically contains about 270 to 310 calories depending on size, with a standard bakery piece weighing around 65 to 75 grams. The additional calories come from the chocolate filling, which adds both sugar and fat on top of the already butter-rich dough. Larger bakery versions can exceed 350 calories.

How does a croissant compare to regular bread in calories?

A medium croissant at 231 calories has significantly more calories than two slices of white bread at roughly 150 calories, despite similar weights. The difference is almost entirely due to fat — bread contains about 1 gram of fat per slice while a croissant has 12 grams. Croissants also provide less fiber and fewer micronutrients than whole grain bread options.

Are croissants unhealthy?

Croissants are high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates, so eating them frequently in large quantities is not ideal for heart health or weight management. However, enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet, a croissant is a perfectly reasonable indulgence. Pairing it with protein-rich foods like eggs can help balance the meal and improve satiety.

How many calories are in an almond croissant?

An almond croissant is one of the most calorie-dense bakery items, typically containing 400 to 500 calories per piece. The extra calories come from the almond cream (frangipane) filling and the sliced almond topping, both of which add substantial amounts of fat and sugar. A large bakery almond croissant can easily reach 550 calories or more.