In Photos | Binge on these low-calorie sweets this Diwali

FP Explainers • October 18, 2025, 10:59:10 IST

Diwali is here and that means lots and lots of mithai and sweets. But if you are calorie counting, these are the ones you must indulge

Sandesh is a Bengali delicacy made from fresh paneer and minimal sugar. Flavoured with cardamom or saffron, it offers a creamy texture without excess fat, and each piece contains about 90–100 calories. It is ideal for those craving something mildly sweet and wholesome during Diwali without the heaviness of deep-fried or sugar-soaked sweets. File image/AFP

Thin diamond-shaped slices made from cashews, sugar, and ghee, kaju katli contains about 100–120 calories per piece. Despite its rich taste, it’s among the lighter nut-based sweets. The high protein and healthy fats from cashews make it a satisfying yet moderate treat during the festive season. Pixabay

Prepared with desiccated coconut, jaggery, and minimal ghee, coconut ladoos pack around 90–110 calories each. They’re naturally sweet, rich in fibre, and easier to digest than heavy sugar-laden sweets. Pixabay

Dry fruit modak is a healthier twist on the classic modak. This variant uses dates, figs, almonds, and pistachios instead of sugar or mawa. Each contains about 100–120 calories. The absence of refined sugar makes it one of the best low-calorie Diwali sweets. Representational image

A baked version of the traditional fried gujiya has around 120–140 calories per piece compared to the 250+ calories in fried ones. Stuffed with coconut, dry fruits, and semolina, it retains the festive flavour minus excess oil. Image Courtesy: The Fearless Cooking/YouTube

Made from sesame seeds and jaggery, til chikki offers crunch, nutrition, and about 90 calories per small square. High in calcium, iron, and healthy fats, it’s a winter-friendly Diwali treat that boosts immunity. It’s naturally sweet, providing a delightful crunch and long-lasting satiety with minimal ingredients and no frying.

Apple kheer is a lighter alternative to rice kheer, using grated apple, low-fat milk, and a hint of jaggery or honey. Each serving has about 100–120 calories. Naturally sweet and fibre-rich, it’s perfect for those wanting a creamy and festive dessert without refined sugar or excess ghee.