How Many Calories in Zerde (Saffron Rice Dessert)?

A 150 gram bowl of Zerde (Saffron Rice Dessert) is roughly 180 calories. There are 120 kcal in 100 grams of zerde; most of those calories come from rice and sugar, while saffron lends the color and aroma without adding any meaningful calories to the bowl.

1 bowl (150 g)180 kcal 1 small bowl (100 g)120 kcal

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Nutrition Facts

Zerde (Saffron Rice Dessert) nutrition facts

Nutrient100 g1 bowl (150 g)
Calories120 kcal180 kcal
Carbs28 g42 g
Protein2 g3 g
Fat1 g1.5 g
Fiber0.5 g0.8 g

Calories by portion

PortionAmountCalories
1 bowl150 g180 kcal
1 small bowl100 g120 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 Zerde (Saffron Rice Dessert) (150 g, 180 kcal) is roughly equivalent to:

≈ 4,900steps (walking) ≈ 36 minbrisk walking ≈ 19 minrunning

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.

Zerde (Saffron Rice Dessert) is a traditional, rice-based wedding dessert that is colored and flavored with saffron. It takes its name from the vivid yellow that saffron gives it, and it is a fixture at weddings, memorial gatherings and holiday tables. Thickened by the starch in the rice, it is light and spoonable, which sets it apart from syrup-soaked or cream-based desserts; a scattering of cinnamon, raisins, crushed hazelnuts or pomegranate seeds rounds out both the flavor and the look.

On the macro side, zerde is largely a carbohydrate dessert: 100 grams carries 28 g of carbohydrate, 2 g of protein and only 1 g of fat, with fiber sitting at around 0.5 g. The low fat level shows that nearly all of the calories come from rice and sugar. One bowl (150 g) of zerde works out to 180 calories, while a smaller bowl (100 g) comes to 120 calories.

How Many Calories Are in a Small Bowl of Zerde?

A small bowl (100 g) of zerde is roughly 120 calories, while a standard bowl (150 g) climbs to 180 kcal. These figures are for plain zerde. Crushed hazelnuts, walnuts or pistachios sprinkled on top add fat and calories with every spoonful, and recipes thickened with extra sugar push the total higher still. A plainly served bowl is the lightest version of the same portion.

How Big Is the Calorie Gap Between Zerde and Rice Pudding?

Zerde and rice pudding are both rice-based, but because zerde is made without milk it usually carries less fat and slightly fewer calories. The milk in rice pudding raises both the protein and the fat content, whereas zerde's liquid is water and saffron-infused syrup. That's why, gram for gram, zerde tends to land on the lighter side compared with creamy milk desserts. Even so, portion size and the amount of added sugar are what really decide the total.

Can You Eat Zerde on a Diet?

You can, as long as you keep the portion in check. Being a low-fat, high-carbohydrate dessert, a small bowl of zerde fits comfortably into a balanced day. Choosing a small bowl (100 g) over a large after-meal portion keeps the sugar and calorie load under control without giving up the pleasure. People with diabetes or blood-sugar sensitivity may want to be more mindful of the portion, given the rice and sugar content. This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is zerde a very sugary dessert?

Zerde's sweetness comes largely from added sugar; one bowl (150 g) of zerde contains 42 g of carbohydrate. Cutting the sugar in the recipe lowers its calories and carbohydrates directly.

How many calories are in a bowl of zerde, and is it fattening?

A bowl (150 g) of zerde is roughly 180 calories; on its own it isn't fattening, since what matters is your overall daily calorie balance. Choosing a small bowl (100 g, 120 kcal) makes it easier to stay in balance.

Does zerde have any protein?

Only a little; one bowl (150 g) of zerde provides around 3 g of protein. Zerde isn't a protein source but primarily a carbohydrate-forward dessert.

How much of a daily calorie intake does Zerde (Saffron Rice Dessert) provide?

One serving of Zerde (Saffron Rice Dessert) (150 g) has about 180 kcal — roughly 9% of an average 2,000-calorie daily intake.

What is the macronutrient breakdown of Zerde (Saffron Rice Dessert)?

In 100 g of Zerde (Saffron Rice Dessert), the energy split is roughly 87% carbs, 6% protein and 7% fat.

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