Last Updated 23/06/2024

Looking for Nigerian foods with high calories?

You're in luck! Because I've compiled a list of some of the most calorie-dense Nigerian foods along with their caloric content.

Without further ado, let's dive in...

Nigerian Foods With High Calories

Nigerian Foods With High Calories

Here are some of 21 Nigerian foods high in calories in descending order: 

1. Palm Oil (≈895 kcal/100g)

Palm oil is the king of high-calorie Nigerian foods. It has about 895 calories in just 100 grams! 

2. Coconut Oil (≈892 kcal/100g)

Coconut oil has almost as many calories as palm oil, about 892 per 100 grams. 

3. Butter (≈714 kcal/100g)

Butter made from cow's milk has about 714 calories per 100 grams. 

4. Groundnuts (≈633 kcal/100g)

Groundnuts (or peanuts), the roasted ones have about 633 calories per 100 grams. 

5. Beniseed (≈631 kcal/100g)

Roasted Beniseed (or sesame seeds) are tiny, however they pack about 631 calories per 100g.  

6. Cashews (≈615 kcal/100g)

Cashews are another nuts rich is calories. For example, dry roasted Cashew without salt have about 615 calories per 100 grams. D

7. Coconut (606 kcal/100g)

Coconut itself not surprisingly is high in calories. A matured coconuts delivers about 606 calories per 100g.

8. Roasted Winged Termites (≈549 kcal/100g)

Bet you didn't expect this one! Roasted winged termites have a whopping 549 calories per 100 grams. In the rainy season, especially in Eastern and Middle Belt areas, these insects swarm out. People catch and roast them for a crunchy, high-protein snack. It's an old Nigerian tradition.

9. Pork (≈510 kcal/100g)

I'm pretty sure you're not surprised to see pork on this list.  Yes, pork is calorie packed. For instance, Salted, Dried, And Boiled Pork hits about 510 calories per 100 grams. 

10. Whole Milk (494.6 kcal/100g)

Milk needs no formal introduction because it is a well known staple. However, what you might not know is milk is calorie-dense. A Whole Powdered Cow milk contains about 495 calories per 100g 

11. Tiger Nuts (≈482 kcal/100g)

Tigernut, also common called "Aya" or  "Hausa groundnut", is also calorie heavy with about 482 calories per 100 grams. It can be eaten raw or used to make cool drinks like "kunun aya".  

12. Soybean Flour (≈460 kcal/100g)

Soybean flour, made from soaked and dried soybeans, has about 460 calories per 100 grams. More Nigerians use it now as a high-protein, gluten-free choice. Some mix it with regular flour to make baked goods healthier. It's also used in some "akara" (bean cake) recipes.

13. Achi Flour (≈410 kcal/100g)

Achi, a less-known Nigerian food, makes a flour with about 410 calories per 100 grams. Made from Achi seeds, this flour thickens soups. It's big in Eastern Nigeria, giving "Ofe Akwu" its special texture. Even with high calories, people like how it makes meals more filling.

14. Yellow Corn (≈391 kcal/100g)

You might not think of maize (corn) as high-calorie, but a raw dried yellow packs about 391 calories per 100 grams.

15. Traditional Fura Powder (≈377 kcal/100g)

"Fura," a Northern Nigeria staple, starts with a high-calorie base—about 377 calories per 100 grams. Made from millet, spices, and sometimes cow milk, this powder is rolled into balls. These are crumbled into "nono" (sour milk) to make "fura da nono." It's a refreshing, super-nutritious drink.

16. Salmon Fish (≈206 kcal/100g)

While not as common as catfish or tilapia in traditional markets, salmon is gaining popularity in modern Nigerian cities. Anyway, This fatty fish serves about 206 calories per 100g

17. Chicken Leg (≈184 kcal/100g)

Chicken leg and thigh are not only the sweetest part but also the most calorie-dense part of the chicken at about 184 calories per 100 grams. 

18. Chickpeas (≈164 kcal/100g)

While not as famous as beans, chickpeas are finding their place in Nigerian kitchens. With about 164 calories per 100 grams, they are a higher-calorie legume choice. 

19. Avocado (≈160 kcal/100g)

This list will not be complete without mentioning Avocado. They are unique fatty fruits with about 160 calories per 100 grams,

20. Brown Rice (≈123 kcal/100g)

Contrary to popular belief, brown rice is more calorie-heavy than white rice.  Brown rice is sitting at about 123 calories per 100 grams

21. Sweet Potatoes (≈101 kcal/100g)

Sweet potatoes is a bit rich in some sweet calories. It contains just about 101 calories per 100 grams. 

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