Takoyaki Octopus Balls with Ginger
Quick answer
A medium portion of Takoyaki Octopus Balls with Ginger (120 g) contains 210 kcal, with 26.6 g of net carbohydrates and 8.4 g of protein. Its glycemic index is 60 (Medium) for how fast it raises blood sugar, while its glycemic load per portion is 16 (Medium) for its actual effect.
- Carbs27.6 g51.5%
- Protein8.4 g15.7%
- Fat7.8 g32.8%
- Fibre1 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
Takoyaki is an icon of Japanese street food: golden balls of batter, crisp outside and soft inside, hiding a piece of octopus with red pickled ginger (beni shoga) and spring onion. Octopus itself is a lean seafood protein, rich in vitamin B12 and iron and containing taurine, although each ball holds only a small piece. The ginger adds gingerols, the compounds behind its pungent taste, which are traditionally associated with easier digestion.
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
A portion of 4 to 5 balls (120g) gives balanced energy as a snack between main meals.
Best preparation methods
They are cooked in special cast-iron moulds with a little oil. Go easy on the mayonnaise and sprinkle them with dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi) for flavour and extra protein.
Important Nutritional Note
Octopus is a mollusc, so avoid takoyaki if you have a mollusc allergy. The batter contains wheat flour and may contain soy. If you have high blood pressure, ask for less sauce, because the sauce and pickled ginger raise the sodium.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (120 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 175 kcal | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g | 8.4 g |
| Carbohydrate | 23 g | 27.6 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 22.2 g | 26.6 g |
| Fat | 6.5 g | 7.8 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0.8 g | 1 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Asian dishes with a glycemic index (33), it ranks 31 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Takoyaki Octopus Balls with Ginger good for weight loss?
It can fit a balanced plan with portion control: a 120 g portion gives 210 kcal, and what matters most is your total daily intake and the rest of the meal.
How does Takoyaki Octopus Balls with Ginger affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 60 (Medium), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 120 g portion has a glycemic load of 16 (Medium), so it is best combined with protein or fibre-rich vegetables.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Takoyaki Octopus Balls with Ginger?
A typical 120 g portion of Takoyaki Octopus Balls with Ginger provides about 210 kcal, 8.4 g protein, 27.6 g carbohydrate, 7.8 g fat and 1 g fibre.
What is the glycemic index of takoyaki and does it raise blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is medium (60) because the starchy batter around the octopus is absorbed faster than octopus alone, and the glycemic load of 120g is about 16. People with diabetes should eat it mindfully and in small portions.
Is the octopus in takoyaki good for muscle health?
Octopus is a complete protein rich in essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids, and low in saturated fat. But there is little of it in takoyaki compared with the batter, so treat it as a snack rather than a main protein source.
Is takoyaki high in sodium?
The brown sauce and pickled ginger can push up the sodium, so people with high blood pressure are advised to ask for a light hand with the sauce.
Read also
- HbA1c & Insulin Resistance: Comprehensive Clinical GuideArticle
- Prediabetes: How to Stop the Train and Lower Your HbA1cGuide
References & Scientific Sources
- The glycemic index of this food is a clinically reviewed estimate by the WiBo Health medical team, not a laboratory measurement from the International GI Tables (Atkinson 2021). GI bands (low ≤ 55 · medium 56–69 · high ≥ 70) follow: ISO 26642:2010. Food products — Determination of the glycaemic index (GI) and recommendation for food classification. International Organization for Standardization; 2010. www.iso.org/standard/43633.html
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
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.