What is Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, is a time for family reunions, moon-gazing, and enjoying festive foods like mooncakes. The tradition of offering sacrifices to the moon has evolved into celebrating with loved ones.

Moon-viewing parties are a cherished way to enjoy the occasion, with families and friends gathering in gardens illuminated by paper lanterns, savoring tea, and enjoying mooncakes together.

While it’s a time of joy and cultural significance, it's also important to eat in moderation and show care for one another during this festive season.

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The Nutritional Truth

About Mooncakes

While mooncakes come in different types and tastes, they are similar in that they generally contain high calories, carbohydrates and fats. There is also hardly any fibre, protein or vitamins – which are important components of a balanced diet – to be found in the pastry.

"Mooncakes overload our body but have little nutritional value. It is advisable that we eat them as an occasional treat instead of taking them as a main meal” said Javier Won, Dietitian from Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH)

Even with the low-sugar options, we should practise moderation when indulging in mooncakes.

Choose mooncake with the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS)

These products are generally lower in saturated fat, sodium, sugar and higher in dietary fibre, calcium, and wholegrains compared to similar products within the same food category.

Share it with your family and friends as a dessert

Try to limit yourself to one-eighth of an average-sized mooncake and share the rest with those around you. Don't eat on an empty stomach as this may lead to overeating.

Reduce your carbohydrates intake

If you plan to enjoy mooncake as a sweet treat after your meal, reduce your usual rice or noodle intake by about a quarter. This will prevent you from consuming excess carbohydrates.

Mind Your Calories!

The average recommended daily caloric intake is 2,200 calories for males and 1,800 calories for females. These values are based on the average weight and physical activity levels of the typical male and female Singaporean.