What is this food?
This is a fried banana (saba) wrapped with sugar—often like banana saba fritters/banana cue style where the banana is coated or cooked with sugar and then fried.
Why it matters to health
Per 100g, it has about 259 kcal and 48g carbs, with 28.8g sugar. It also has 6.4g total fat, including 5.41g saturated fat, plus 89mg sodium. The upside: saba banana provides energy and some fiber (1.6g) which can help with fullness. The caution: because it’s fried and has added sugar, it can raise your calorie and sugar intake quickly—so it’s best as an occasional snack and not a frequent “everyday” treat.
Healthier tips
- Keep portions small: aim for about 1 small piece or ~50g as a snack, especially if you already had rice or bread earlier in the day.
- Pair it with something that adds balance: have it with plain yogurt or a glass of milk, or add fruit/vegetables on the side to round out the meal.
- Choose less frequent and smaller servings: since it has high sugar and saturated fat, limit it to 1–2 times per week if you eat it often.
- If you’re making it at home, try less sugar or use a lighter cooking method (air-frying or shallow-frying) to reduce oil intake.
- Watch your day’s total carbs: if you eat this snack, consider slightly smaller rice portions at your next full meal.
Common Filipino dishes
Turon, Banana cue, Maruya, Saba con yelo, Ginataang saba