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Horchata Calories
Sweet, milky beverage, typically made from rice, almonds, or sesame
In season: Summer
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of Horchata (240 g) has 156 calories. That works out to 65 calories per 100 g. It contains 36.5 g of carbs, 1.4 g of protein, 1.7 g of fat and 0.7 g of fiber. Its 0 mg of Copper covers 5% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Horchata Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 240 g
156
KCAL / 240G
Carbs
36.5g
· 13% DV
Protein
1.4g
· 3% DV
Fat
1.7g
· 2% DV
Fiber
0.7g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 87% · Protein 3% · Fat 10%
Horchata nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (240 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 156 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1.7 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 0.48 g | 2% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 14 mg | 1% |
| Total carbohydrate | 36.5 g | 13% |
| Fiber | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Protein | 1.4 g | 3% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Horchata?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 240 g | 156 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 65 kcal |
| 1 cup (small) | 120 g | 78 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 200 g | 130 kcal |
| 1 bottle (medium) | 330 g | 215 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 350 g | 228 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 400 g | 260 kcal |
| 1 pack (jumbo) | 500 g | 325 kcal |
Calculated from 65 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horchata
What is horchata made of?
Horchata is made from plant ingredients that are soaked, blended, and usually strained. Mexican versions commonly use rice and cinnamon, while Spanish horchata de chufa is made from tiger nuts; some recipes use almonds or sesame.
What does horchata taste like?
Horchata tastes sweet, creamy, and often lightly spiced with cinnamon. Rice-based versions are mild and familiar, while Spanish tiger-nut horchata has a distinct earthy, nutty flavor.
Is horchata Mexican or Spanish?
Horchata is associated with both Mexico and Spain, but the recipes differ. Mexican horchata is usually rice-based, whereas Spanish horchata de chufa is made with tiger nuts, which are small edible tubers.
How do you make horchata at home?
To make rice horchata, soak rice with cinnamon, blend the mixture with water, then strain and sweeten it. Chill before serving; recipes vary, and some add milk or use almonds or sesame instead of rice.
Is horchata the same as rice milk?
No, horchata is not simply rice milk. Mexican horchata uses rice but is typically flavored with cinnamon and sweetened, while rice milk is generally made as a more neutral everyday plant-based drink.
Does horchata have caffeine?
No, traditional horchata is caffeine-free because its usual ingredients are rice, tiger nuts, almonds, or sesame. A version blended with coffee or tea would contain caffeine, so the recipe matters.
Is horchata served hot or cold?
Horchata is usually served cold, often over ice. In Mexico it is commonly enjoyed alongside a meal, including spicy food; Spanish tiger-nut horchata is also typically served chilled.
Why is horchata sometimes gritty?
Horchata can feel gritty when the rice, tiger nuts, or other ingredients have not been blended finely or strained thoroughly. Straining it through a fine-mesh sieve or cloth gives the drink a smoother texture.
How long does homemade horchata last in the fridge?
Keep homemade horchata covered and refrigerated, and drink it within a few days. Shake it before serving because the ingredients can settle; discard it if it develops an unusual smell or appearance.
Is horchata healthy to drink?
Horchata can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink, but many recipes contain added sugar. Choosing a less-sweet homemade version or a smaller serving is a practical way to limit how much sugar you drink.
Horchata Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B1
0.02mg · 2% DV
B2
0.02mg · 2% DV
Biotin
0.48µg · 2% DV
Vitamin E
0.24mg · 2% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.05mg · 6% DV
Phosphorus
31mg · 4% DV
Manganese
0.07mg · 3% DV
Calcium
29mg · 3% DV
Potassium ⭐
67mg · 2% DV
Sodium
14mg · 1% DV
Horchata Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Horchata
To burn the 156 calories in 1 cup (medium) (240 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Horchata?
Horchata is a sweet, plant-based drink with recipes that vary by region. In Spain, the best-known version is made from tiger nuts, while many Latin American versions use rice; almonds or sesame also appear in some recipes. The ingredients are soaked, blended with water and strained, often with a little cinnamon added.
It is usually served chilled, either alongside a meal or as a refreshing treat. Its smooth, milky feel and gentle sweetness make it easy to sip on its own, though the flavour depends on the base ingredient. Horchata is mostly carbohydrate, with little protein. For a less sweet drink, choose or make a version with less added sugar; cinnamon adds flavour without making it sweeter.
How Nutritious Is Horchata?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Horchata Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Horchata Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Horchata Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Horchata Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.48g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.72g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.48g
Omega 6:3 ratio 6:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (6:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.