9 Everyday Foods That Quietly Add Hundreds of Calories
Some foods and drinks add far more calories than most people realize. They’re common in everyday meals and don’t always look calorie-dense, but the numbers can add up quickly.
Here are nine everyday foods that can quietly raise your calorie intake without much effort.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juice contains more calories than most people think. One cup (240 ml) of apple juice has about 115 calories, while orange juice has around 110 calories. A few medium-sized glasses throughout the day can easily add over 350 calories.
Lattes
A large latte from Starbucks (16 oz or 473 ml) made with whole milk contains roughly 220 calories. Versions with flavored syrups can reach 350 calories or more. It’s an easy way to add extra calories without even realising it.
Cooking Oil
Cooking oil is one of the simplest ways to increase calories in meals. Just two tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil add around 240 calories. Whether used in roasting, sautéing, or drizzling, oil contributes more than people usually expect.
Salad Dressing
Creamy dressings like Caesar or ranch can significantly raise the calorie count of a meal. Every 100 grams of Caesar dressing contains roughly 480 calories, mostly from oil, egg yolks and cheese. Even a few spoonfuls adds over 200 calories.
Butter
utter adds richness to toast, vegetables, and sauces while quietly increasing calories. Two tablespoon (30 grams) adds about 215 calories. Using it for cooking or spreading a few times a day can noticeably raise your overall calorie intake.
Smoothies
Smoothies can be surprisingly high in calories depending on the ingredients. Those made with coconut milk, nut butter, or full-fat yogurt can add up quickly. For example, this Berry Smoothie packs around 663 calories in a serving.
Condiments
Ketchup, barbecue sauce, and mayonnaise can add more calories than expected. Just two tablespoons of mayonnaise contains around 204 calories.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is concentrated in natural sugars and calories. Every 100 grams of dried fruit provides about 280–320 calories. Even small portions make a difference when eaten throughout the day.
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks vary widely in calories. A 12 oz (355 ml) beer has about 150 calories, while a 5 oz (150 ml) glass of wine contains around 125 calories. Mixed drinks with soda or juice can easily double those numbers.
