Dutch Beef Croquette Balls (Bitterballen)
The undisputed star of snacks in Dutch cafés and get-togethers: crunchy breadcrumb balls holding a hot, tasty filling of thick, spiced beef ragout. The protein and fat in the meat slow the absorption of the starchy breadcrumb coating, giving a medium glycemic index (≈55).
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Have 2 to 3 hot bitterballen as a light snack, dipped in sharp yellow mustard (mosterd); mustard is sugar-free and adds a tangy flavour that helps digestion and fullness.
Best preparation methods
Always be careful with the first bite because the filling is extremely hot; you can make them in an air fryer (airfryer bitterballen) for the same crunch with half the absorbed oil.
Important Nutritional Note
A fried snack that is high in fat and sodium, so keep it an enjoyable exception at social gatherings and balance it with the rest of the day's healthy meals.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (60 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal | 156 kcal |
| Protein | 9.5 g | 5.7 g |
| Carbohydrate | 22 g | 13.2 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 20.5 g | 12.3 g |
| Fat | 15 g | 9 g |
| Dietary fibre | 1.5 g | 0.9 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Fast food with a glycemic index (10), it ranks 7 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Dutch Beef Croquette Balls (Bitterballen) good for weight loss?
It can fit a balanced plan with portion control: a 60 g portion gives 156 kcal, and what matters most is your total daily intake and the rest of the meal.
How does Dutch Beef Croquette Balls (Bitterballen) affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 55 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 60 g portion has a glycemic load of 6.8 (Low), so the effect of this portion on blood sugar is limited.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Dutch Beef Croquette Balls (Bitterballen)?
A typical 60 g portion of Dutch Beef Croquette Balls (Bitterballen) provides about 156 kcal, 5.7 g protein, 13.2 g carbohydrate, 9 g fat and 0.9 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.