Petha vs Soan Papdi vs Gulab Jamun: Calories, Taste, Shelf Life & Occasions

Confused between petha, soan papdi, and gulab jamun for your next celebration or gift? Here’s a practical comparison covering nutrition, taste, and shelf life so you can choose the perfect sweet for every occasion.

1) Taste & Texture - Petha: Translucent, juicy to firm depending on variant; subtly sweet with floral notes (kesar) - Soan Papdi: Flaky, airy layers; sweet and nutty, melts in the mouth - Gulab Jamun: Soft, syrup-soaked balls; rich, milky sweetness with cardamom

2) Calories (Approx. per 100g) - Petha: ~250–280 kcal; lower fat when traditionally prepared - Soan Papdi: ~500–550 kcal; higher fat due to ghee and sugar - Gulab Jamun: ~320–360 kcal; fried and sugar-syrup based

3) Shelf Life & Travel - Petha (Dry): 45–60 days; excellent for travel and courier - Petha (Juicy/Kesar): 20–30 days; refrigerate after opening - Soan Papdi: 60–90 days sealed; fragile but travel-friendly - Gulab Jamun: 15–30 days (tin/pack); not ideal for long-distance shipping in heat

4) Best For - Daily Snacking: Dry Petha, Soan Papdi (small portions) - Festive Gifting: Kesar Petha Gift Box, Soan Papdi assortment - Celebrations/Meals: Gulab Jamun as dessert

5) Ingredient Simplicity - Petha: Ash gourd, sugar, flavor (saffron/cardamom) - Soan Papdi: Gram flour, sugar, ghee, nuts - Gulab Jamun: Khoya/milk solids, flour, sugar syrup, ghee/oil

If you want a lower-fat, travel-safe sweet with authentic Agra heritage, petha is a standout choice. For festival gifting, kesar petha offers premium aroma and presentation. Taj Petha crafts traditional variants with careful syrup consistency and hygienic packaging, delivering freshness across India.