Breakfast staples

Plain Idli (Steamed Rice-Lentil Cake)

per 2 idlis (~80g)

0.2–0.5gsugar
0.2gnatural sugar
15–19gtotal carbs
Mediumglycemic index

What does this mean?

1% of the WHO 25g/day free-sugar guideline

What it takes to burn this off

1.4calories from this sugar
<1 minbrisk walk (~5.6 km/h)
<1 minrunning (~8 km/h)

Estimated for a typical 70kg (154 lb) adult — actual calories burned vary by body weight, pace, and fitness level. General reference only, not personalized advice.

Idli batter is fermented rice and urad dal, steamed with no oil, sugar, or ghee — one of the lowest-sugar cooked-grain breakfasts on this site. Fermentation changes the batter's texture and flavor, not its sugar content in any meaningful way.

Pairs well with: Pairs well with sambar and a spoon of curd or chutney to add fiber and protein alongside the rice-lentil batter.

Figures are for general reference, not personalized medical guidance; always confirm with a lab-tested label or professional for dietary decisions.

Source: Nutrition-app estimates and typical home-style recipe proportions — no packaged label exists for this homemade dish; figure varies by household recipe and portion size. Total carbs: nutrition-app estimates for 2 medium idlis. GI: medium — see this site's glycemic index guide, which notes fermentation and processing affect idli's GI more than most people expect. (last verified 2026-08-28)