How Many Calories in Jallab?
A single glass (250 ml) of Jallab comes in at roughly 238 calories. There are 95 kcal in 100 milliliters of Jallab; the pine nuts and raisins scattered over it are added on top of that figure. Almost all of the drink's energy comes from the date and grape molasses that give it its flavor.
Jallab nutrition facts
| Nutrient | 100 ml | 1 glass (250 ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal | 238 kcal |
| Carbs | 23.5 g | 58.8 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g | 0.8 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g | 0.3 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g | 0.8 g |
Calories by portion
| Portion | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 glass | 250 ml | 238 kcal |
| 1 small glass | 150 ml | 143 kcal |
Values are approximate, based on average recipes; they vary with ingredients, portion size and cooking method.
Activity equivalent
The energy in one serving of Jallab (250 ml, 238 kcal) is roughly equivalent to:
Based on a 70 kg reference; it varies from person to person. See activity calories →
For informational purposes only — not medical advice. If you have symptoms or a medical condition, consult a doctor.
Jallab is one of the classic sweet drinks of Levantine cuisine, made by blending date or grape molasses with rose water and loosening the mix with iced water. Its deep amber color and gently smoky sweetness announce themselves the moment it hits the glass, while the pine nuts and raisins scattered on top round out both the look and the texture. From Damascus to Beirut, it is one of the most popular cooling drinks on the table, especially at iftar. What really drives the calorie count, though, is how much molasses goes in: the very same glass lands at a completely different total depending on whether it is mixed strong or light.
On the macro side, Jallab is a syrup drink through and through: 100 milliliters carry 95 kcal and 23.5 g of carbohydrate, against only 0.3 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 0.3 g of fiber. In other words, nearly all of the drink's energy comes from carbohydrate, or more precisely from the natural sugar in the molasses. Served as a full glass (250 ml), that figure climbs to 238 calories, which is why it makes more sense to think of Jallab as a treat that stands in for dessert rather than as a substitute for water.
How Many Calories Are in a Glass and a Small Glass of Jallab?
A full glass (250 ml) of Jallab is roughly 238 calories, while a small glass (150 ml) brings that down to 143 calories. As a benchmark, 100 milliliters carry 95 kcal, so the size of the glass alone decides most of the math. The pine nuts and raisins on top may look like a minor detail, but they add energy too, since both are dense in fat and sugar. Mixing the drink lighter, with less molasses and more water, pulls the total down noticeably while keeping the flavor intact.
Where Do the Calories in Jallab Come From?
The rose water and the water in the mix carry no calories at all; the energy comes entirely from the molasses. A single glass (250 ml) holds about 58.8 g of carbohydrate, most of it natural sugar, while 100 milliliters sit at 23.5 g. Fiber, by contrast, stays very low at 0.3 g, which is the main reason the drink is absorbed so quickly. Molasses does carry iron and other minerals, yet sugar taken in liquid form does not create the same feeling of fullness; it is the same gap that separates eating a piece of fruit from drinking its juice.
How Do You Balance Jallab at the Iftar Table?
Breaking a long fast with a sugary drink can push blood sugar up quickly and let it drop just as fast, which shortens how long you feel full. The practical route is to open with water or dates and leave Jallab for the middle or the end of the meal. Choosing a small glass (150 ml, 143 kcal) over a full one (250 ml, 238 kcal) narrows the gap noticeably. The same logic applies to Jallab served over ice through the summer months: drinking water alongside it makes both the cooling off and the balance easier.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drink Jallab on a diet?
You can; portion and frequency are what decide it. A small glass (150 ml) is around 143 calories and fits comfortably into a daily plan; the real trouble starts with glasses refilled one after another through the day. This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Will one glass of Jallab make you gain weight?
A single glass (250 ml, 238 kcal) will not cause weight gain on its own; what matters is the day's total. Because a drink is swallowed rather than chewed, it does not fill you up, so the total can creep up quietly alongside the dessert served with it.
What is a lighter alternative to Jallab?
A homemade version with less molasses, loosened with rose water and plenty of ice, delivers the same flavor with far less sugar. Plain cold water, an unsweetened mint and lemon mix or chilled herbal teas can also stand in for a glass (238 kcal) of Jallab when you just want something refreshing.
How much of a daily calorie intake does Jallab provide?
One serving of Jallab (250 ml) has about 238 kcal — roughly 12% of an average 2,000-calorie daily intake.
What is the macronutrient breakdown of Jallab?
In 100 ml of Jallab, the energy split is roughly 98% carbs, 1% protein and 1% fat.