- The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) Examines the Calorie Content of Popular Holiday Dishes and Drinks
- Vanillekipferl, shortbread cookies, and chocolate chip cookies top the list of high-calorie baked goods, while roast goose, stuffed pork belly, and nut roasts dominate among main courses.
- Instagram Analysis Reveals: Chocolate chip cookies are the most popular, boasting 2.2 million hashtags.
Berlin, 02. Dezember 2024 – Vanillekipferl: The Biggest Calorie Trap Among Christmas Cookies. With 530 kcal per 100 grams, Vanillekipferl are the most caloric Christmas cookies. Alongside cookies, traditional dishes like goose, carp, or eggnog also take center stage during the holidays. The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) analyzed 30 popular Christmas dishes and drinks to determine which are the healthiest.
Fun fact: Chocolate chip cookies, with over 2.2 million hashtags, are the most popular baked treat in the study on social media.
“Christmas is a time to focus on balancing indulgence and activity. Rich holiday meals should be complemented by regular physical exercise to boost metabolism and burn calories. A balanced diet remains crucial during the festive season. Plant-based alternatives to traditional Christmas dishes, often higher in fiber and unsaturated fats, are gaining popularity, as evidenced by the many creative recipes shared on social media,” explains nutrition and fitness expert Prof. Dr. Thomas Rieger, program director for Sports & Event Management at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.
Sweet Christmas Sins: Vanillekipferl, Chocolate Chip Cookies & More
Vanillekipferl are among the most beloved Christmas cookies, but they also top the list of sweet calorie traps, with 530 kcal per 100 grams. Shortbread cookies follow closely with 489 kcal per 100 grams. The top five caloric sweet treats also include chocolate chip cookies (450 kcal), cinnamon stars (433 kcal), and speculoos (432 kcal). For lighter alternatives, consider baked apples (137 kcal per 100 grams) or panettone (183 kcal per 100 grams).
Traditional Christmas Dishes Under the Calorie Lens
Roast goose is a traditional highlight of many Christmas menus, but it also tops the calorie rankings for main courses with 325 kcal per 100 grams. Stuffed pork belly follows closely at 315 kcal per 100 grams. Nut roast, a vegetarian alternative that has gained popularity in recent years, takes third place with 252 kcal per 100 grams. Other ranked dishes, such as beef roulades (208 kcal) and kale with sausage (187 kcal), are less caloric. For the most calorie-conscious choice, opt for Christmas carp, with just 78 kcal per 100 grams.
Liquid Calorie Bombs: Eggnog, Baileys, and Apple Strudel Liqueur
Among the most caloric festive beverages are eggnog (285 kcal per 100 ml), Baileys (224 kcal per 100 ml), and apple strudel liqueur (179 kcal per 100 ml). While these drinks are perfect for keeping warm, they come with a hefty calorie count.
The Most Popular Christmas Classics on Instagram
Chocolate chip cookies lead the social media rankings with 2.2 million hashtags. Fondue follows with 1.7 million hashtags, a classic for social gatherings. Panettone enjoys great popularity with 1.2 million hashtags, making it a festive favorite. Traditional mulled wine (954,000 hashtags) and raclette (797,000 hashtags) complete the top five.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Rieger, nutrition and fitness expert as well as program director for Sports & Event Management at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, comments:
"Christmas is the season of indulgence—but moderation is key. Popular treats like Vanillekipferl or chocolate chip cookies can be part of the celebration as long as they’re enjoyed mindfully and paired with regular physical activity, such as a long Christmas walk."
About the study:
The study analyzed popular recipes on Chefkoch and conducted a hashtag analysis on Instagram as of November 2024.