Unmasking the calories hidden in every tusok tusok treat. Let your cravings stay in check while your health stays on track.
As we celebrate Nutrition Month 2025 with the theme “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” and sub-theme “Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!”, it’s important to examine how our beloved street foods fit into a balanced diet. While these delicacies are affordable and readily available, the flavorful treats bring joy to many Filipinos. Understanding their nutritional content helps us make informed choices that align with this year’s call for proper nutrition for all.
Hapag Ng Pag-asa
This year’s Nutrition Month emphasizes collective action through the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) to ensure that every Filipino has access to adequate nutrition. The campaign highlights food and nutrition security as fundamental rights, reminding us that while enjoying our favorite street foods is part of our culture. Valuing our nutritional value must also be considered, as the celebration encourages us to strike a balance between traditional cultural food practices and proper nutrition.
Lasa Vs. Lakas: Street Foods and Calories
- Balut (Duck Embryo)
- 188 calories, 14g protein, but high in cholesterol (185mg)
- Chicharon with Laman
- 269 calories per serving, with 23g fat (9g saturated)
- Kwek-Kwek
- 140 calories per stick, mostly from frying oil
- Isaw
- 120 calories per stick, but high in sodium from marinades
- Fish Balls
- 70 calories per 5 pieces, often served with sugary sauces.
- Turon
- 200 calories per piece, with 10g added sugar
- Halo-Halo
- 400+ calories, primarily from sugars and condensed milk
- Pork BBQ
- 250 calories per stick, with 15g fat
Think Before You Bite
Being mindful of our nutritional impact, this year’s Nutrition Month theme reminds us that while street foods provide affordable sustenance, they also pose a risk to our health. Many popular options are high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugars while lacking essential nutrients. The PPAN encourages us to view food choices through the lens of nutrition security, ensuring that what we eat not only satisfies our hunger but also provides proper nourishment for our bodies. By understanding the calorie and nutrient content of street foods, we can enjoy them in moderation while prioritizing more balanced options.
As we work together towards the PPAN’s vision of proper nutrition for all, let’s apply this year’s theme to our street food culture. We can still enjoy balut, chicharon, and other favorites while being conscious of portion sizes and frequency. Proper nutrition security means having both access to food and the knowledge to make it nourishing. During the upcoming Nutrition Month celebration, let’s honor our food traditions while embracing the message that sufficient food is essential for both our content and our bodies, as nutritious food is a right for everyone.
