A 1-ounce (28 g) serving of burrata has about 70–90 calories; a typical 4-ounce ball lands near 280–340 calories.
Per Ounce
Half Ball (2 oz)
Small Ball (4 oz)
Basic Plate
- 4 slices tomato
- 1–2 tbsp stracciatella
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Simple & Fresh
Lighter Plate
- 1 oz cheese
- Arugula and cucumber
- Lemon instead of oil
Trimmed Calories
Decadent Plate
- 2 oz cheese
- Toasted baguette
- Pistachio crumble
Treat Night
What Burrata Is And Why Calories Vary
Burrata is a fresh pasta-filata cheese: a thin mozzarella shell wrapped around a loose mix of stracciatella and cream. Moisture and cream level swing the energy count, so the same weight can land in different ranges. One brand’s ounce can read 70 kilocalories while another’s lists nearer 90. That spread comes from fat percentage, salt, and how much cream is folded into the core.
Think of it as two parts in one: the firm shell leans closer to mozzarella, while the center carries extra butterfat. When water content is higher, energy per gram drops; when the filling is richer, it climbs. That’s why you’ll see labels for 28 grams report different values across makers.
Burrata Calorie Breakdown For Real Portions
Use this table to map typical sizes you’ll see at markets and restaurants to realistic energy numbers. Values reflect common label ranges and round to the nearest ten.
| Portion | Approx. Weight | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Taster bite | 0.5 oz (14 g) | 35–45 |
| Single ounce | 1 oz (28 g) | 70–90 |
| Half ball | 2 oz (57 g) | 140–180 |
| Small ball | 4 oz (113 g) | 280–340 |
| Large globe | 8 oz (227 g) | 560–680 |
| Per 100 grams | 3.5 oz (100 g) | 250–320 |
How These Numbers Are Measured
Cheese labels list energy per serving and per 100 grams. Burrata’s per-100-gram energy often lands near whole-milk mozzarella, which averages about 300 kilocalories per 100 grams, but it can skew lower if the center carries more moisture. Brand labels for burrata commonly show 70–85 kilocalories per ounce, which scales to roughly 250–300 per 100 grams. See USDA FoodData Central for baseline cheese entries and methods.
Manufacturers weigh their sample, run the standard fat, protein, and moisture tests, then compute energy using Atwater factors. That’s why your plate math should always start from the package in front of you.
Real-World Serving Sizes
Menus usually portion a four-ounce globe per person, sometimes split over toast or salad. Grocery cups of stracciatella often list one-ounce servings. If you’re tracking intake, weigh once and save the usual number for next time. A kitchen scale removes the guesswork and keeps you inside your daily target once you set your daily calorie needs.
Nutrient Snapshot Per 100 Grams
Expect most labels to cluster around these ballpark figures per 100 grams: energy 250–320 kilocalories, fat 20–25 grams, protein 12–18 grams, carbohydrate roughly 2 grams. Calcium usually lands in the low hundreds of milligrams. Those values mirror fresh mozzarella with a small bump from cream in the center.
Macro Profile And What It Means
Burrata delivers most of its energy from milkfat with a steady dose of protein and little carbohydrate. Per ounce, labels often show about 7 grams fat, 3–5 grams protein, and roughly 1 gram carbohydrate. Calcium lands in the mix too. That pattern tracks with fresh mozzarella, just a touch richer from the cream center.
Ways To Trim The Count Without Losing Joy
You don’t need a giant ball to enjoy that creamy center. A few easy tweaks keep taste high and energy reasonable.
Portion Tactics That Work
- Buy the two-ounce minis and plate one per person.
- Split a four-ounce ball across two plates and add extra tomatoes for volume.
- Spoon two tablespoons of stracciatella over grilled veg instead of a full sphere.
Smart Pairings
- Use balsamic and fresh herbs in place of heavy oils.
- Load the plate with tomato, cucumber, and arugula to stretch satisfaction.
- Choose toast points or crostini by count: two pieces keep you on track.
Ingredient Label Deep Dive
Typical ingredients read: pasteurized milk and cream, vinegar or citric acid, rennet, and salt. Pasteurization matters for safety. The milkfat and cream step set energy density; more cream means a higher number per ounce. Salt moves mainly flavor and water activity; energy impact is small. Cheese standards and methods live in 21 CFR Part 133, which defines identities and basic test procedures for cheese products.
Per-Dish Add-Ons (Second Table)
Here’s a handy yardstick for common add-ons so you can budget a plate. Pick the line that matches your style and add it to the cheese portion you chose earlier.
| Add-On | Typical Amount | Extra Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil drizzle | 1 tsp (5 mL) | 40 |
| Balsamic reduction | 1 tsp (5 mL) | 10–15 |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup (150 g) | 30 |
| Arugula bed | 2 cups (80 g) | 20 |
| Toasted baguette | 2 slices (40 g) | 110–130 |
| Pistachio crumble | 1 tbsp (8 g) | 45 |
Label Reading Checklist
- Scan the per-ounce line; that’s your fastest scaling tool.
- Check per 100 grams to compare brands on equal footing.
- Note fat grams; energy tracks closely with milkfat.
- Watch the listed serving size; brands sometimes set 1 ounce or 2 ounces.
- Look for packed-on dates and “keep refrigerated” storage cues.
Quick Comparisons And Tips
Mozzarella Versus Burrata
Whole-milk mozzarella averages about 300 kilocalories per 100 grams, so many burrata labels sit close. A wetter center can bring the number down a notch; a creamier core pushes it up.
When To Skip The Oil
When you need a tighter plate, drop the drizzle and squeeze lemon or splash vinegar. That simple swap saves about forty kilocalories per teaspoon.
Lactose Notes
Fresh cheeses can carry small amounts of lactose. If you’re sensitive, start small and see how you do with a single ounce.
Buying Guide And Storage Tips
Freshness makes a big difference. Look for a packed-on date and eat within a few days of opening. Keep it chilled in its brine; drain just before plating so the shell stays tender and the filling remains silky. For transport to a picnic, tuck the tub into a cooler with ice packs and keep sun exposure low.
Make-At-Home Portion Ideas
Caprese-Style Salad
Slice a small globe across two plates. Add sliced tomatoes, basil, and a touch of salt and pepper. Finish with a teaspoon of olive oil or swap in a squeeze of lemon for fewer calories.
Warm Veg And Creamy Center
Toss grilled zucchini and peppers with a spoon of stracciatella and herbs. The heat loosens the cheese so a little goes a long way.
Toast With Restraint
Top two thin crostini with a tablespoon of stracciatella each and a splash of balsamic. Add sliced strawberries for sweetness without pushing the energy total too high.
Putting It All Together
Pick the portion that fits your plan, build the plate with vegetables and herbs, and reserve bread and oil as measured accents. For a fuller walkthrough on daily math and habit shaping, see our calories and weight loss guide.