Japanese Daigaku Imo
Daigaku Imo, meaning 'university potato,' is a classic Japanese street food featuring chunks of sweet potato that are deep-fried until crisp on the outside and tender within, then coated in a glossy, sweet syrup and often sprinkled with black sesame seeds. It's a beloved autumn and winter treat, commonly found at festivals and street stalls.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from both the potato and the sugar glaze, with minimal protein and a moderate amount of fat from the frying oil. A typical serving provides a quick energy boost, along with some fiber and vitamins like A and C from the sweet potato, and generally ranges from 200 to 300 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 58 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 18000 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 35 mg |
| Copper | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 cup (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The name 'Daigaku Imo' is said to originate from the early 20th century, when it was a popular and affordable snack sold near universities in Tokyo. Nutritionally, while it's an indulgent treat, the sweet potato base offers beneficial nutrients, making it a more flavorful alternative to plain candied snacks.
