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Croissant vs. Danish Pastry — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan by Ani Harutyunyan | Last updated on July 25, 2024
Medically reviewed by Astghik Baghinyan Article author photo Astghik Baghinyan
Croissant
vs
Danish pastry

Summary

Although both croissants and Danish pastries use similar ingredients for the dough, traditional Danish pastries also incorporate eggs into the dough. Croissants provide around 3 times more cholesterol as well as slightly more carbs and calories when compared to Danish pastries. 

Generally, croissants contain higher levels of various vitamins than Danish pastries. For instance, they provide 2 times more vitamins B1 and B5 and 5 times more vitamin A. However, the mineral contents in both pastries are quite similar.

Table of contents

  1. Introduction
    1. What's the Actual Difference?
      1. Nutrition
        1. Macronutrients and Calories
          1. Calories
          2. Fats
          3. Cholesterol
          4. Carbohydrates
          5. Protein
        2. Vitamins
          1. Minerals
            1. Glycemic Index
              1. Acidity
              2. Health Impact
                1. Cardiovascular Health
                2. References

                  Introduction

                  Croissants and Danish pastries are popular sweets of European origin. In this article, we will be comparing Croissants and Danish pastries while focusing on nutrition.

                  What's the Actual Difference?

                  Croissants and Danish pastries are both multilayered laminated pastries, but croissant dough is believed to produce even more layers when baked.

                  While both croissants and Danish pastries use similar ingredients and recipes to prepare the doughs, traditional Danish pastries also include eggs in the dough.

                  Different types of these pastries may have various fillings. Croissants and Danish pastries differ in their folding techniques: the former is letter-folded, while the latter is made using a book fold.

                  Nutrition

                  The nutritional differences here are depicted for butter croissants and cheese-filled Danish pastries. 

                  The serving sizes for both are usually one piece. Depending on the size, the weight of the croissant will differ. On average, one medium-sized croissant is about 57 grams, while a large one weighs 67 grams. One Danish pastry weighs about 71 grams. 

                  However, to keep the comparison between the two pastries simple, we will sometimes refer to 100-gram servings of each in this section. 

                  Macronutrients and Calories

                  As can be seen from the macronutrient comparison charts below, Danish pastries and croissants have similar macronutrient compositions. The predominant macronutrients in both are carbs, which make up 46% of the entire macronutrient composition of croissants and 37% of the entire macronutrient composition of Danish pastries. 

                  Macronutrient Comparison

                  Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
                  8% 21% 46% 23% 2%
                  Protein: 8.2 g
                  Fats: 21 g
                  Carbs: 45.8 g
                  Water: 23.2 g
                  Other: 1.8 g
                  8% 22% 37% 31%
                  Protein: 8 g
                  Fats: 21.9 g
                  Carbs: 37.2 g
                  Water: 31.4 g
                  Other: 1.5 g
                  Contains more CarbsCarbs +23.1%
                  Contains more OtherOther +20%
                  Contains more WaterWater +35.3%
                  ~equal in Protein ~8g
                  ~equal in Fats ~21.9g

                  Calories

                  Both croissants and Danish pastries are high-calorie foods, but croissants provide slightly more calories than Danish pastries.

                  Per 100-gram serving, croissants provide 406 calories, while the same serving of Danish pastries provides 374 calories.

                  Fats

                  Croissants and Danish pastries have similar amounts of fats; however, they differ in the amount of saturated and unsaturated fats they contain. 

                  Croissants are higher in saturated fats, while Danish pastries provide 2 times more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

                  Fat Type Comparison

                  Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
                  64% 30% 6%
                  Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 11.659 g
                  Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 5.525 g
                  Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 1.094 g
                  33% 55% 12%
                  Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 6.794 g
                  Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 11.313 g
                  Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 2.575 g
                  Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -41.7%
                  Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +104.8%
                  Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +135.4%

                  Cholesterol

                  Croissant is 3 times richer in cholesterol when compared to Danish pastry.

                  Per 100-gram serving, Danish pastries provide 23mg of cholesterol, while croissants contain 67mg.

                  Carbohydrates

                  Croissants are slightly higher in carbs than Danish pastries. Per 100-gram serving, they contain 45.8g of carbs, while Danish pastries contain 37.2g. 

                  Croissant is higher in sugar content. It also provides 2 times more fiber than Danish pastry.   

                  Protein

                  Croissants and Danish pastries contain some proteins due to the ingredients they are prepared from. Croissant contains 0.2g more protein per 100g; hence, this difference is negligible.

                  Again, keep in mind that we are referring to butter croissants and cheese-filled Danish pastries; hence, the nutritional values presented above may change if we compare different fillings of these pastries. 

                  Vitamins

                  Croissants have higher vitamin content than Danish pastries. 

                  Croissants are more than 2 times richer in vitamins B1 and B5 and 5 times richer in vitamin A compared to Danish pastries. They also contain higher amounts of folate. 

                  Danish pastries provide slightly more amounts of vitamin K and vitamin B12. Both croissants and Danish pastries also contain similar amounts of vitamin B2 and vitamin B3.

                  Vitamin Comparison

                  Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
                  Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0.67% 45% 17% 0% 97% 56% 41% 52% 13% 20% 4.5% 66% 21%
                  Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0.33% 7.7% 7% 0% 48% 60% 38% 18% 9.2% 25% 17% 45% 11%
                  Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C +100%
                  Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +481.3%
                  Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +140%
                  Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +104.2%
                  Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +183.2%
                  Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +45%
                  Contains more FolateFolate +46.7%
                  Contains more CholineCholine +93%
                  Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 +25%
                  Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +283.3%
                  ~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg
                  ~equal in Vitamin B2 ~0.26mg
                  ~equal in Vitamin B3 ~2mg

                  Minerals

                  The mineral composition of these two pastries is quite similar. The predominant minerals found in both are selenium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, and manganese. 

                  They both contain similar amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese. Croissants are slightly higher in iron and potassium, while Danish pastries are slightly higher in sodium and copper.

                  Mineral Comparison

                  Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
                  Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 11% 11% 10% 76% 27% 20% 45% 61% 43% 124%
                  Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 11% 11% 8.6% 68% 30% 19% 46% 54% 46% 103%
                  Contains more PotassiumPotassium +20.4%
                  Contains more IronIron +12.8%
                  Contains more SeleniumSelenium +20.1%
                  Contains more CopperCopper +11.3%
                  Contains less SodiumSodium -10.7%
                  ~equal in Magnesium ~15mg
                  ~equal in Calcium ~35mg
                  ~equal in Zinc ~0.7mg
                  ~equal in Phosphorus ~108mg
                  ~equal in Manganese ~0.351mg

                  Glycemic Index

                  Both croissants and Danish pastries are considered to have a medium glycemic index value. However, the glycemic index of croissants (56) is slightly higher than the glycemic index of Danish pastries (50). 

                  You can check the GI values for the other foods by visiting our glycemic index chart.

                  Acidity

                  One way to understand the acidity of foods is through their potential renal acid load (PRAL) value, which shows how much acid or base the given food produces inside the organism. 

                  Based on our calculations, the PRAL values of croissants and Danish pastries are 4.5 and 5, respectively, meaning both values are acidic.

                  Health Impact

                  Cardiovascular Health

                  Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan

                  Croissants and Danish pastries are considered to be processed food products. They can contain trans fats and saturated fats that increase the amounts of LDL cholesterol, causing a higher risk of heart disease and stroke (1, 2, 3). 

                  Both croissants and Danish pastries are made with refined flour, which has a high glycemic index. Consuming these pastries in large amounts can contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). 

                  It is important to consume them in moderation and occasionally to minimize their impact on CVD risk. Opting for healthier alternatives or homemade versions with less sugar and fat can be beneficial for those concerned about their heart health.

                  References

                  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31336535/
                  2. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/trans-fat
                  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30084105/
                  Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan
                  Education: General Medicine at YSMU
                  Last updated: July 25, 2024
                  Medically reviewed by Astghik Baghinyan

                  Infographic

                  Croissant vs Danish pastry infographic
                  Infographic link

                  Comparison summary table

                  Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
                  Croissant Danish pastry
                  Lower in Cholesterol ok
                  Lower in Sugar ok
                  Lower in Sodium ok
                  Lower in Saturated Fat ok
                  Lower in Glycemic Index ok
                  Rich in minerals ok
                  Rich in vitamins ok
                  Lower in price Equal

                  All nutrients comparison - raw data values

                  Nutrient Croissant Danish pastry Opinion
                  Calories 406kcal 374kcal Croissant
                  Protein 8.2g 8g Croissant
                  Fats 21g 21.9g Danish pastry
                  Vitamin C 0.2mg 0.1mg Croissant
                  Net carbs 43.2g 36.2g Croissant
                  Carbs 45.8g 37.2g Croissant
                  Cholesterol 67mg 23mg Danish pastry
                  Vitamin D 0IU 2IU Danish pastry
                  Magnesium 16mg 15mg Croissant
                  Calcium 37mg 35mg Croissant
                  Potassium 118mg 98mg Croissant
                  Iron 2.03mg 1.8mg Croissant
                  Sugar 11.26g 6.95g Danish pastry
                  Fiber 2.6g 1g Croissant
                  Copper 0.08mg 0.089mg Danish pastry
                  Zinc 0.75mg 0.7mg Croissant
                  Phosphorus 105mg 108mg Danish pastry
                  Sodium 467mg 417mg Danish pastry
                  Vitamin A 744IU 128IU Croissant
                  Vitamin A 206µg 35µg Croissant
                  Vitamin E 0.84mg 0.35mg Croissant
                  Manganese 0.33mg 0.351mg Danish pastry
                  Selenium 22.7µg 18.9µg Croissant
                  Vitamin B1 0.388mg 0.19mg Croissant
                  Vitamin B2 0.241mg 0.26mg Danish pastry
                  Vitamin B3 2.188mg 2mg Croissant
                  Vitamin B5 0.861mg 0.304mg Croissant
                  Vitamin B6 0.058mg 0.04mg Croissant
                  Vitamin B12 0.16µg 0.2µg Danish pastry
                  Vitamin K 1.8µg 6.9µg Danish pastry
                  Folate 88µg 60µg Croissant
                  Choline 38.8mg 20.1mg Croissant
                  Saturated Fat 11.659g 6.794g Danish pastry
                  Monounsaturated Fat 5.525g 11.313g Danish pastry
                  Polyunsaturated fat 1.094g 2.575g Danish pastry
                  Tryptophan 0.099mg 0.089mg Croissant
                  Threonine 0.284mg 0.293mg Danish pastry
                  Isoleucine 0.365mg 0.371mg Danish pastry
                  Leucine 0.623mg 0.644mg Danish pastry
                  Lysine 0.329mg 0.43mg Danish pastry
                  Methionine 0.175mg 0.174mg Croissant
                  Phenylalanine 0.416mg 0.402mg Croissant
                  Valine 0.41mg 0.412mg Danish pastry
                  Histidine 0.187mg 0.205mg Danish pastry
                  Omega-3 - EPA 0.003g 0g Croissant
                  Omega-3 - DHA 0.002g 0.001g Croissant

                  Which food is preferable for your diet?

                  ok
                  ok
                  is better in case of low diet
                  Croissant Danish pastry
                  Low Calories diet ok
                  Low Fats diet ok
                  Low Carbs diet ok
                  Low Glycemic Index diet ok

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                  Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

                  The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
                  Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
                  33%
                  Croissant
                  22%
                  Danish pastry
                  Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
                  43%
                  Croissant
                  40%
                  Danish pastry

                  Comparison summary

                  Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
                  Danish pastry
                  Danish pastry is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 44mg)
                  Which food is lower in Sugar?
                  Danish pastry
                  Danish pastry is lower in Sugar (difference - 4.31g)
                  Which food contains less Sodium?
                  Danish pastry
                  Danish pastry contains less Sodium (difference - 50mg)
                  Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
                  Danish pastry
                  Danish pastry is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 4.865g)
                  Which food is lower in glycemic index?
                  Danish pastry
                  Danish pastry is lower in glycemic index (difference - 6)
                  Which food is richer in minerals?
                  Croissant
                  Croissant is relatively richer in minerals
                  Which food is richer in vitamins?
                  Croissant
                  Croissant is relatively richer in vitamins
                  Which food is cheaper?
                  ?
                  The foods are relatively equal in price ($)

                  References

                  All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

                  1. Croissant - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174987/nutrients
                  2. Danish pastry - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172754/nutrients

                  All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

                  Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.