Parle Monaco Jeera: Calories, Nutrition and Health Facts
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Perplexity India's beloved cumin-flavored crackers combining crispy texture with aromatic jeera - a tea-time favorite with important nutrition considerations.
Quick Nutrition Facts
Per 100g (approximately 17 biscuits)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 491 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 69g |
| Fiber | 1.8g |
| Sugars | 5.5g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Macronutrient Breakdown
NUTRITIONIST INSIGHT
Monaco Jeera provides quick energy but is calorie-dense with high sodium. The cumin seeds offer mild digestive benefits, but the processed nature limits nutritional value. Best enjoyed occasionally in small portions (3-4 biscuits) with protein-rich accompaniments.
Myth Busters
MYTH #1: Jeera Biscuits Aid Digestion Like Whole Cumin
TRUTH: While cumin seeds have documented digestive benefits, the minimal amount in Monaco Jeera biscuits provides negligible digestive aid. The refined flour and high fat content may actually slow digestion compared to whole foods.
MYTH #2: Monaco Jeera is a Healthy Snack Option
TRUTH: At 491 calories per 100g with 20g fat and 890mg sodium, Monaco Jeera is a calorie-dense processed snack. High sodium intake is linked to elevated blood pressure. It's an occasional treat, not a health food.
MYTH #3: Biscuits Don't Affect Blood Sugar Much
TRUTH: Monaco Jeera contains 69g refined carbohydrates per 100g with minimal fiber (1.8g). This high glycemic load causes rapid blood sugar spikes. Refined grains have higher glycemic response than whole grains.
MYTH #4: A Few Biscuits Won't Add Significant Calories
TRUTH: Just 5 Monaco Jeera biscuits (~30g) provide approximately 147 calories - equivalent to a medium banana or 2 rotis. The crispy texture encourages overconsumption, making portion control difficult.
MYTH #5: Monaco Biscuits Are Better Than Sweet Biscuits
TRUTH: While Monaco Jeera has less sugar (5.5g vs 20-30g in cream biscuits), it has more sodium (890mg vs ~200mg) and similar total calories. Neither category qualifies as a healthy choice - both should be occasional treats.
NutriScore by Health Goals
| Health Goal | NutriScore | Why This Score? |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss |  | Very calorie-dense (491 kcal/100g), low fiber (1.8g), high fat. Easy to overconsume. Limit to 2-3 biscuits maximum. |
| Muscle Gain |  | Provides quick carbs (69g) for energy but low protein (9g). Better post-workout options exist; pair with protein if consuming. |
| Diabetes Management | | High refined carbs spike blood sugar. ADA recommends limiting refined grains. Maximum 1-2 biscuits with protein. |
| PCOS Management | | Refined carbs affect insulin sensitivity. High sodium causes water retention. Avoid or strictly limit consumption. |
| Pregnancy Nutrition | | High sodium concerning for pregnancy-related hypertension. Iron content minimal. Occasional treat only. |
| Viral/Flu Recovery | | Easy to eat when appetite is low, provides quick energy. High sodium may increase thirst. Limit portions and stay hydrated. |
PERSONALIZED NUTRITION
Track your snack intake with NutriScan for personalized NutriScores based on your specific health goals!
Blood Sugar Response to Monaco Jeera
Understanding how refined carbohydrate snacks affect your blood glucose helps make informed snacking decisions.
Typical Glucose Response Curve
*This chart shows typical blood glucose response for general healthy individuals eating ~30g serving. Individual responses may vary. Not medical advice.*
How to Flatten the Spike
Pairing refined carbohydrates with protein or healthy fat slows glucose absorption and reduces blood sugar peaks:
- 🥛 Buttermilk (chaas) - Protein-rich, cooling, aids digestion
- 🧀 Paneer cubes - High protein, low carb pairing
- 🥜 Handful of peanuts - Healthy fats and protein
- 🍵 Unsweetened tea - No additional sugar, traditional pairing
Limit serving to 3-4 biscuits and always pair with protein for better blood sugar management.
Cultural Significance
Monaco biscuits have been a staple of Indian households since Parle introduced them in 1939, becoming India's first salted cracker.
In India:
- Tea-time essential across all economic segments
- Popular party snack for hosting guests
- Jeera (cumin) variant appeals to traditional Indian palates
- Often served with achaar (pickle) or chutney
- Street food ingredient: crushed Monaco used in bhel puri variations
Market Position:
- Parle is India's largest biscuit manufacturer
- Monaco competes in ₹8,000+ crore savory biscuit market
- Jeera variant targets health-conscious consumers seeking "Ayurvedic" appeal
- Available in multiple pack sizes from ₹5 to ₹50
Compare & Substitute
Monaco Jeera vs Similar Snacks (Per 100g)
| Nutrient | 🍪 Monaco Jeera | 🍪 Monaco Classic | 🥨 Khakhra | 🍚 Murmura (Puffed Rice) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 491 kcal | 492 kcal | 380 kcal | 325 kcal |
| Carbs | 69g | 69g | 65g | 78g |
| Fiber | 1.8g | 1.5g | 4g | 2g |
| Protein | 9g | 8g | 12g | 6g |
| Fat | 20g | 21g | 8g | 1g |
| Sodium | 890mg | 891mg | 450mg | 5mg |
| Best For | Occasional tea-time treat | Traditional savory craving | Weight-conscious snacking | Low-calorie, low-fat snack |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Parle Monaco Jeera?
Monaco Jeera contains 491 calories per 100g; a typical 5-biscuit serving (~30g) provides approximately 147 calories with 6g fat and 21g carbohydrates.
Is Monaco Jeera good for weight loss?
Not recommended for weight loss due to high calorie density (491 kcal/100g), low fiber (1.8g), and easy overconsumption. If craving, limit to 2-3 biscuits and pair with protein.
Can diabetics eat Monaco Jeera biscuits?
Diabetics should minimize consumption. High refined carbs (69g/100g) cause rapid blood sugar spikes. Maximum 1-2 biscuits with protein like paneer or nuts if consuming.
What are the health benefits of jeera (cumin)?
Cumin seeds contain antioxidants and may aid digestion; however, the small quantity in biscuits provides minimal benefits compared to using whole cumin in cooking.
How does Monaco Jeera compare to regular Monaco?
Nearly identical nutritionally (491 vs 492 calories); Jeera has aromatic cumin seeds while Classic is plain salted. Choose based on flavor preference, not health benefits.
What is the sodium content in Monaco Jeera?
Monaco Jeera contains approximately 890mg sodium per 100g (37% daily value). WHO recommends less than 2000mg sodium daily; a 50g serving provides 22% of this limit.
When is the best time to eat Monaco Jeera?
Best as an occasional afternoon tea-time snack (4-5 PM) rather than breakfast or late night. Avoid on empty stomach due to high sodium which may cause bloating.
How many Monaco Jeera biscuits can I eat per day?
For general health, limit to 4-6 biscuits (120-180 calories) per day maximum. For weight loss or diabetes, restrict to 2-3 biscuits. Track with NutriScan app for personalized guidance.
