The Berlin ball continues to be one of the most recognizable symbols of summer in Portugal, especially on the beaches, where the appeal of the street vendor is part of the routine of thousands of bathers. But behind this classic there is a nutritional difference that many ignore: the filling can add up to 200 more calories to each unit.
The cake that today has become almost obligatory at the seaside has roots far from Portugal. The original recipe was born in Germany, but ended up gaining ground in the country during the Second World War, when refugees brought confectionery techniques and traditions with them.
Inheritance left at the table
It was during this period that several pastry shops in Lisbon and Porto began to sell versions of the sweet, adapted to Portuguese tastes. Over time, the recipe underwent changes and the traditional filling gave way to egg cream, which ended up becoming the most popular version.
The connection with the beaches came later, when the cake began to be sold on street vendors during the summer season. Today, the association between sand, sea and Berlin balls is almost automatic for many Portuguese.
Hidden impact in the filling
But the difference between ordering a scoop with or without cream may be bigger than it seems. Based on the food composition table from the National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge, cited by , a simple Berlin ball, weighing around 100 grams, contains 399 calories and 8.5 grams of sugar.
The stuffed version can reach between 500 and 600 calories, says the same source. In other words, the simple gesture of adding cream can represent a significant increase in the total energy value. “It can easily be between 500 and 600 calories”, indicates the publication, highlighting that the filling considerably alters the nutritional profile of the product.
More than sugar and flour
Composition helps explain the numbers. Flour, eggs, butter, sugar and oil are part of the basic recipe, which means a high concentration of carbohydrates, fat and sugar. Furthermore, it is a fried cake, which further increases fat absorption during cooking.
New versions with chocolate, strawberry or alternative pastas, such as beetroot and carob, have diversified the offer, but the traditional recipe continues to dominate the choices.
Summer pleasure that keeps on resisting
Despite the prices, the Berlin ball maintains its status as a seasonal classic. Its occasional consumption does not represent, in itself, a problem, as long as it is integrated into a balanced eating pattern.
Still, the contrast between the two versions shows how small details can make a relevant difference. At the beach, the choice between “with cream or without cream” may seem like just a matter of taste, but the numbers tell another story.
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