Potatoes are a nutritious, versatile food that can be a healthy part of any diet. Baby potatoes in particular are small, tender varieties that make for a delicious side dish or snack. But when watching your calories, you may be wondering just how many are in a single baby potato.
Calories in a Baby Potato
The number of calories in a baby potato can vary depending on the exact size and variety. However, on average:
- A small, 1-ounce (28 gram) baby potato contains around 25 calories
- A medium, 2-ounce (57 gram) baby potato contains around 50 calories
- A large, 3-ounce (85 gram) baby potato contains around 75 calories
For comparison, a medium regular potato of 5-6 ounces (142-170 grams) contains about 110 calories. So the tiny baby potatoes pack a lot of taste for their small calorie count!
Nutrition Facts for Baby Potatoes
Here are some more nutritional facts about baby potatoes:
- Most of the calories come from carbohydrates. A medium 2-ounce potato contains about 12 grams carbs.
- They contain minimal fat, with less than 0.5 grams per potato.
- They also provide some protein, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.
- The skin contains the majority of the fiber, so leave it on for extra nutrients.
Calories from Preparation Methods
How you prepare your baby potatoes makes a difference in the calorie count:
| Cooking Method | Calories Added |
|---|---|
| Boiled or steamed | 0 extra calories |
| Roasted with oil | About 50 extra calories per tbsp oil used |
| Fried in oil | About 100 extra calories per tbsp oil used |
Boiling or steaming without any oil is the lowest calorie option. Roasting brings out great flavor with only a little added fat. Deep frying significantly increases the calories from the oil.
Tips for Low-Calorie Baby Potatoes
Here are some tips for enjoying baby potatoes as part of a low-calorie meal:
- Stick to a 1-2 ounce portion.
- Prepare them without any added fat or oil.
- Season them with herbs and spices instead of butter, cheese, or other high-calorie toppings.
- Pair them with lean protein and non-starchy vegetables.
- Eat the skin for extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Conclusion
Baby potatoes make an ideal low-calorie substitute for regular potatoes. While the exact number of calories depends on the size, a medium 2-ounce potato contains about 50 calories. Prepare them without added fat or oil and keep portions small to get all their delicious flavor and great nutrition for few calories.