Tamarind balls

Tamarind balls are a popular sweet and sour treat made by rolling a paste of tamarind pulp, sugar, and sometimes a pinch of salt into small balls, which are then coated in granulated sugar for a crunchy exterior. Originating from tropical regions where tamarind is abundant, they are a beloved confection in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

🍳 View the full Tamarind balls recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This candy is high in carbohydrates, primarily from sugar and the natural sugars in tamarind, and provides a quick energy boost. It is not a significant source of protein or fat, but tamarind does contribute some key minerals like potassium and magnesium, with a typical serving containing around 100-150 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	0.5 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	0.2 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	40 g
Sodium	15 mg
Potassium	120 mg
Magnesium	15 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Vitamin C	5 mg
Phosphorus	20 mg
Calcium	15 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.05 mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3)	0.5 mg

Per 3 pieces (approx. 60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, tamarind balls are a classic example of a simple, portable confection that transforms a tart, fibrous fruit into a shelf-stable treat. Nutritionally, they are interesting because they pair a concentrated source of simple sugars with the tangy, digestive-friendly properties of tamarind, which has been used traditionally in many cuisines to aid digestion.