Nutritional Breakdown of Popular Taiwanese Desserts and Snacks - Nutrition

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When it comes to the nutritional breakdown of popular Taiwanese desserts and snacks, it's important to recognize that these foods can vary significantly in their ingredients and preparation methods. Below is a general overview of some common Taiwanese snacks and desserts, along with their nutritional components. However, please note that the exact values can differ based on specific recipes and serving sizes.

1. Grass Jelly (仙草冰): Grass jelly is made from the leaves of the Mesona chinensis plant. It is low in calories, typically containing around 50-70 calories per serving (100g). It is low in fat and protein, with about 0.1g of fat and 0.5g of protein. The carbohydrate content is around 12-15g, primarily from sugars. Grass jelly is often served with syrup or mixed with fruits, which can increase its calorie content.

2. Egg Tart (蛋塔): A popular pastry in Taiwan, egg tarts consist of a flaky crust filled with a creamy egg custard. One egg tart (about 75g) can contain approximately 200-250 calories, with around 12-15g of fat, 20-25g of carbohydrates, and 3-5g of protein. The high fat content comes from the buttery crust.

3. Scallion Bread (蔥花麵包): This savory bread is made with flour, scallions, and often butter or oil. A typical serving (about 100g) may contain around 250-300 calories, with 10-15g of fat, 35-40g of carbohydrates, and 6-8g of protein. The nutritional profile can vary depending on the amount of oil or butter used.

4. Chiffon Cake (戚風蛋糕): Chiffon cake is a light and fluffy cake made with eggs, flour, sugar, and oil. A slice (about 80g) typically contains around 200-250 calories, with 8-10g of fat, 30-35g of carbohydrates, and 3-4g of protein. The oil contributes to its moist texture, but it also increases the calorie count.

5. Candied Fruits (蜜餞): Candied fruits are fruits preserved in sugar syrup. The calorie content can vary widely depending on the type of fruit and the amount of sugar used. On average, 100g of candied fruit can contain around 250-300 calories, with 0.5-1g of fat, 60-70g of carbohydrates (mostly from sugars), and negligible protein.

6. Pickled Vegetables (泡菜): Pickled vegetables are low in calories, typically containing around 20-50 calories per serving (100g). They are low in fat and protein, with about 0.1g of fat and 1-2g of protein. The carbohydrate content is usually around 5-10g, primarily from the vegetables themselves. However, they can be high in sodium due to the pickling process.

7. Coconut Bread (椰子麵包): This sweet bread is filled with coconut cream or shredded coconut. A typical serving (about 100g) may contain around 300-350 calories, with 15-20g of fat, 40-50g of carbohydrates, and 5-7g of protein. The fat content is primarily from the coconut cream.

8. Shaved Ice with Fruits (情人果沙冰): This refreshing dessert is made from shaved ice topped with various fruits and syrups. A serving (about 200g) can contain around 150-200 calories, depending on the type and amount of syrup used. The carbohydrate content can be high due to the sugars in the syrup, while fat content is usually minimal.


Conclusion
In summary, the nutritional values of these popular Taiwanese snacks and desserts can vary widely based on their ingredients and preparation methods. While some options may be lower in calories and fat, others can be quite rich and high in sugars. For those looking to maintain a balanced diet, moderation is key, and it's beneficial to be mindful of portion sizes and the overall nutritional content of these treats. If you're interested in specific recipes or more detailed nutritional information, consulting a food database or nutritionist can provide tailored insights.