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29 July 2025|Tips

How many calories are in your favorite summer treats?

Summer is the time to relax, unwind, and of course, enjoy delicious food! In Europe, summer often means enjoying beach days, picnics in the park, or evening outings with friends. Before you indulge in those seasonal snacks, it’s good to remember that summer is all about enjoying the moment and great food without overthinking the calories. However, if you’re watching your diet, you can still enjoy lighter versions of your favorite treats. Check out some popular summer snacks and their calorie content – you might just find the perfect balance between indulgence and health!

1. Ice Cream – a sweet treat for hot days

Ice cream is the ultimate summer indulgence! In many European countries, you’ll find a variety of ice cream types, from artisan varieties to those sold in fast-food chains. The most popular choices include Italian-style gelato and American-style scoops, each with its own unique consistency and flavor.

Italian-style Gelato – Creamy and often served in a cone or cup. A standard serving (100 g) contains around 200-250 kcal.
American-style Ice Cream – Scoop-style ice cream commonly found in many ice cream parlors. Usually served with toppings like chocolate sauce or nuts, raising the calorie count to about 250-300 kcal per scoop.
Thai Ice Cream – Made on a cold plate, often from fruit or other ingredients. These have around 150-200 kcal, depending on the serving size.
Ice Cream from McDonald’s – Popular McFlurry (e.g., with Oreo or M&M’s) can contain around 300-400 kcal per serving.
Popular Store Ice Cream Brands – Options like Magnum, Cornetto, Mövenpick, and Ben & Jerry’s usually have about 200-250 kcal per serving.

Low-Calorie Ice Creams Under 100 kcal: If you’re looking to save some calories, go for options like Lolly Tops, Wall’s Calippo, or Nestlé Mousse – these typically contain about 80-100 kcal per piece, making them a great choice for hot days!

It’s also important to pay attention to the ingredients of ice cream. While calories are important, what’s inside the product is just as crucial. Choose ice creams without added sugar, with the simplest ingredients, free from artificial enhancers, colorants, or preservatives. Ice creams made from natural ingredients like fruits, milk, or cream will be a healthier option. This way, you’ll not only avoid unnecessary chemical additives but also ensure a better taste quality.

2. Waffles – Sweet moments at the beach

Waffles are another must-have summer snack, especially popular in beach towns. You can enjoy them sweet or savory. You’ll often find waffles with powdered sugar, chocolate, or fresh fruits.

Waffles with Powdered Sugar – A classic, perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. One waffle contains around 250-300 kcal.
Waffles with Chocolate – A delicious combination of crispy dough with flowing chocolate, which raises the calorie content to 350-400 kcal.
Waffles with Fruit – Often topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or yogurt. One serving of this type of waffle has about 300-350 kcal.

Popular Additions:

Whipped Cream: about 100 kcal per serving (2 tablespoons).
Fruits (e.g., strawberries, raspberries): about 30-50 kcal per serving
Chocolate: about 150-200 kcal per serving (30 g).

3. French Fries – A delicious street snack

French fries are one of the most popular snacks, especially in coastal towns. Depending on how they are prepared, their calorie content can vary.

Belgian Fries – Usually thicker and fried in deep oil. A 100 g portion has around 300-350 kcal.
Potato on a Stick – A popular choice along the coast, these fries are served on wooden sticks with various toppings. They contain around 250-300 kcal per serving.

4. Alcohol – More toasts, more calories

Summer is also the time when we tend to drink more alcohol, which often adds extra calories. Be mindful that beers, cocktails, and mixed drinks can have significant calorie content. If you’d like to know more about the calories in popular non-alcoholic beers, check out our previous article where we break down the calorie content of various beers. It’s important to be aware of how many calories different alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can add to your summer fun.

5. Kebabs – A quick bite on the go

Summer is the time when we tend to eat more on the go. One of the most popular snacks is kebabs, particularly rolls – wraps filled with meat, vegetables, and sauce. A typical kebab usually contains 500-600 kcal, depending on the ingredients. Read more about kebabs here.

6. Toasted sandwiches – A warm snack from the oven

Toasted sandwiches are a favorite snack during summer afternoons, especially in tourist cities. They are usually served with fillings like mushrooms, cheese, onions, and ham. One toasted sandwich contains around 300-400 kcal.

Popular ingredients and their calories:

Cheese: about 100 kcal for 30 g
Mushrooms: about 20 kcal for 100 g
Ham: about 50-100 kcal for 100 g

7. Fried Fish – a coastal favorite

Spending summer by the sea in Europe is not only about lounging on the beach but also about savoring fresh, local fish. Fried fish is one of the most beloved snacks, particularly in coastal towns. It’s usually served with fries, coleslaw, or bread.

Fried Cod – A 100 g portion of fried cod provides around 250-300 kcal. While cod is a light fish, frying in deep oil increases the calorie content.
Fried Pikeperch – 100 g of this fish contains around 180-250 kcal, but like cod, calories may increase depending on the amount of oil used for frying.
Fried Trout – A portion of fried trout contains around 200-270 kcal, depending on the preparation method.

Additions:

Fries: usually about 250-350 kcal per serving (100 g).
Coleslaw: a classic cabbage coleslaw typically contains about 50-70 kcal per serving.

Fried fish is a great choice on summer days, especially in coastal resorts, but remember that frying increases the calorie content. You can also opt for grilled or baked fish to reduce calories while still enjoying the delicious taste.

8. Healthy alternatives

If you want to stay healthy and fit while not missing out on summer treats, choose low-calorie snacks like fruits (strawberries, melons, berries), vegetable chips (e.g., from sweet potatoes), and salads (with arugula, tomatoes, and avocado).

Conclusion – summer is about relaxing!

Summer is a time for relaxation and rest, so there’s no need to stress over every piece of chocolate or extra scoop of ice cream. Let’s enjoy the summer and make the most of it by spending time outdoors! Use these days for walks, bike trips, or swimming – great ways to stay in shape while enjoying the beautiful weather. Remember, you can eat delicious and healthy food. If you’re on a diet, you don’t have to give up your favorite snacks – just choose healthier options and don’t overindulge in portions. Summer is a time to be happy and fulfilled, so eat what you love and simply enjoy the moment!

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