# Bakkwa Calories Singapore: Every Type Ranked (Pork, Chicken & More)

> One slice of pork bakkwa is ~370 kcal and 43g sugar, per HPB Singapore's data. Chicken and minced bakkwa figures are estimates. Enjoy CNY guilt-free.

*By NutriKaki Team · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read*

One square slice of bakkwa. That's all. And you've already consumed roughly **370 calories and 35 grams of sugar** — almost as much sugar as a can of Coke. During Chinese New Year, most Singaporeans eat two or three slices without a second thought. That's potentially 740–1,100 calories from bakkwa alone, before you've touched a single pineapple tart.

This guide breaks down the exact calorie counts for every type of Singapore bakkwa — pork, chicken, sliced versus minced, and the coin-shaped mini pieces — so you can enjoy the festive season without flying blind on your nutrition.

## Bakkwa Calories at a Glance

PORK BAKKWA

370 kcal / 100g slice

CHICKEN BAKKWA

320 kcal / 100g slice (estimate)

MINI COIN PIECE

55 kcal / ~15g piece

> **Quick takeaway:** A standard square slice of pork bakkwa weighs about 100g and delivers ~370 kcal (HPB Singapore data). Chicken bakkwa saves roughly 50 kcal per slice (estimate — HPB does not track a separate chicken bak kwa entry). The real danger is the sugar — 43g per 100g slice, over 10 teaspoons.

## Full Nutrition Breakdown

| Bakkwa Type | Serving | Calories | Protein | Fat | Sugar | Sodium |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pork bakkwa (sliced) | 100g (1 square) | **370 kcal** | 36g | 4g | 43g | ~847mg |
| Pork bakkwa (minced) (estimate) | 100g (1 square) | **355 kcal (estimate)** | 18g (estimate) | 15g (estimate) | 36g (estimate) | ~700mg (estimate) |
| Chicken bakkwa (estimate) | 100g (1 square) | **320 kcal (estimate)** | 22g (estimate) | 10g (estimate) | 34g (estimate) | ~600mg (estimate) |
| Coin-shaped mini piece | ~15g | **55 kcal** | 3g | 2.5g | 5g | ~95mg |
| 2 square slices (typical CNY) | 200g | **740 kcal** | 72g | 8g | 87g | ~1694mg |

Pork bakkwa (sliced) figures are HPB Singapore's official values for "Bak kwa" (the generic entry HPB tracks). HPB does not record separate entries for chicken bak kwa or minced bak kwa, so those rows are estimates — directionally adjusted from the pork sliced figure for chicken's lower fat content and minced pork's leaner cut — not independently verified HPB data.

## Why Is Bakkwa So High in Calories?

Bakkwa's calorie density comes from two main sources: **added sugar** and **fat from pork**. The traditional recipe involves marinating minced or sliced pork in a mixture of sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, rose wine, and five-spice powder. During the grilling process, the sugar caramelises on the surface and concentrates as moisture evaporates, creating that distinctive sticky, lacquered finish.

Unlike other forms of jerky, bakkwa is not a lean protein snack in the way beef jerky is. The sugar content alone — approximately 43g per 100g — accounts for roughly 172 of those 370 calories. This is a critical point: many people assume bakkwa is a high-protein food like beef jerky, when in fact it's a high-sugar food that also happens to be a genuinely good source of protein.

> **⚠️ The CNY trap:** Bakkwa is almost always eaten passively — while chatting, watching TV, or visiting relatives. It's easy to consume 3–4 slices (370–740+ kcal) without registering it as a meal. Track it if you're watching your calories.

## Pork vs Chicken Bakkwa: Which Is Healthier?

Chicken bakkwa is the lighter option, coming in at roughly 320 kcal per 100g (estimate) versus 370 kcal for pork (HPB Singapore data). HPB does not track a separate chicken bak kwa entry, so the chicken figure is a directional estimate, not an independently verified data point. The difference comes primarily from fat — chicken has significantly less intramuscular fat than pork belly or pork collar, which are the typical cuts used for sliced bakkwa.

However, the sugar content is nearly identical between pork and chicken bakkwa (~34–36g per 100g) because it's determined by the marinade recipe, not the meat type. So if your concern is sugar intake (especially relevant for diabetics or those managing insulin resistance), neither pork nor chicken bakkwa offers a meaningful advantage.

### Sliced vs Minced Bakkwa

Sliced bakkwa is made from whole cuts of pork, while minced bakkwa is made from ground pork formed into sheets. Minced bakkwa tends to be slightly lower in fat because the pork used is leaner, but the difference is marginal — roughly 15 kcal per 100g (estimate; HPB does not track sliced vs minced bak kwa as separate entries). The minced version also tends to be slightly more uniform in texture and is easier to eat without leaving greasy fingers.

## How Bakkwa Fits Into Your Daily Calories

| Scenario | Calories | % of 2000 kcal daily target |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 mini coin piece (15g) | 55 kcal | 3% |
| Half a square slice (50g) | 185 kcal | 9% |
| 1 standard square slice (100g) | 370 kcal | 19% |
| 2 square slices (typical CNY sitting) | 740 kcal | 37% |
| 3 square slices | 1,110 kcal | 56% |

## Bakkwa vs Other Singapore CNY Snacks

| CNY Snack | Serving | Calories |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pork bakkwa | 1 square slice (100g) | **370 kcal** |
| Pineapple tarts | 3 pieces (~60g) | **280 kcal** |
| Prawn rolls (hae zoh) | 3 pieces (~84g) | **220 kcal** |
| Love letters (kueh belandah) | 3 rolls (~30g) | **168 kcal** |
| Kueh bangkit | 6 pieces (~24g) | **91 kcal** |

> **Perspective:** One square slice of bakkwa has more calories than 3 pineapple tarts, 3 prawn rolls, or 6 kueh bangkit. It's the single most calorie-dense snack on a typical CNY table.

## How to Enjoy Bakkwa Without Overdoing It

- **Choose chicken over pork** Save ~50 kcal per slice with lower fat content (estimate).  *(~50 kcal saved per 100g (estimate))*
- **Eat mini coin pieces** Satisfy the craving at just 55 kcal per piece.  *(~315 kcal saved vs full slice)*
- **Pre-portion before sitting down** Put 1–2 pieces on a small plate instead of eating from the tin.  *(Prevents mindless snacking)*
- **Pair with water, not drinks** Sugary drinks + bakkwa sugar = very high glycemic load.  *(Saves 60–200+ kcal on drinks)*
- **Count it as a meal** Two slices is 740 kcal — that's a full lunch. Plan accordingly.  *(Stops the "it's just a snack" trap)*
- **Eat earlier in the day** Your body handles high-sugar foods better in the morning than at night.  *(Better insulin response)*

## Is Bakkwa Suitable for Diabetics?

Bakkwa is not recommended for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The extremely high sugar content — approximately 43g per 100g — will cause a rapid spike in blood glucose. This is compounded by the fact that bakkwa is typically eaten casually, making it easy to consume multiple pieces without realising the cumulative sugar load.

If you have diabetes and want to join in the CNY spirit, limit yourself to half a small piece (about 20–25g) and pair it with a high-fibre food like a handful of unsalted nuts. This slows the absorption of sugar and blunts the glycemic spike. Always consult your dietitian or doctor for personalised advice.

For more on managing blood sugar while eating Singapore food, see our guide on [hawker food for diabetics in Singapore](https://nutrikaki.com/blog/hawker-food-for-diabetics-singapore).

## Track Your Bakkwa Intake with NutriKaki

### Know exactly what you're eating this CNY

NutriKaki uses HPB Singapore data to give you accurate calorie counts for bakkwa, kueh, and every hawker food you eat during the festive season.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How many calories is one piece of bakkwa?**

One standard square slice of pork bakkwa (approximately 100g) contains around 370 calories. A smaller coin-shaped piece (about 15g) has roughly 55 calories. Most people eat 2–3 slices in a sitting, which can add up to 700–1,100 calories easily.

**Is bakkwa very fattening?**

Bakkwa is calorie-dense mainly because of its high sugar content — a 100g slice contains about 43g of sugar, which is over 10 teaspoons. It has a relatively modest 4g of fat. The high sugar content alone makes it easy to overconsume, especially during Chinese New Year.

**Which bakkwa has the least calories — pork or chicken?**

Chicken bakkwa is generally lower in calories than pork bakkwa because chicken has less fat than pork. A 100g serving of pork bakkwa contains about 370 kcal per HPB Singapore's official data. HPB does not track a separate chicken bak kwa entry, but chicken bakkwa is estimated at roughly 310–330 kcal for the same serving. However, the sugar content is similar across both types.

**How much bakkwa can I eat on a diet?**

If you are watching calories, limit yourself to one small piece (about 30–40g, which is 110–148 kcal). Pair it with water rather than sugary drinks, and count it as a snack, not a meal addition. During CNY, bakkwa is meant to be enjoyed — just be mindful of portion size.

**How does bakkwa compare to other CNY snacks?**

Bakkwa is one of the most calorie-dense CNY snacks. A 100g serving (one square slice) has 370 kcal. For comparison, pineapple tarts are around 80–100 kcal each and love letters (kueh belandah) are about 56 kcal per roll. Bakkwa has more than double the calories of most other CNY treats.

**Is bakkwa high in sodium?**

Yes. Bakkwa typically contains 700–850mg of sodium per 100g due to the soy sauce and fish sauce used in the marinade. This is significant — a single square slice can account for over 40% of the HPB recommended daily sodium limit of 2000mg.

Related: [Singapore Kueh Calories](https://nutrikaki.com/blog/singapore-kueh-calories-guide) · [Lose Weight Eating Hawker Food](https://nutrikaki.com/blog/weight-loss-singapore-hawker-food) · [Hawker Food for Diabetics](https://nutrikaki.com/blog/hawker-food-for-diabetics-singapore)

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Full article: https://nutrikaki.com/blog/bakkwa-calories-singapore