How Long Do You Have to Walk Off a Funnel Cake?

Funnel cakes are a favorite treat at fairs and festivals. Hot, crispy, and covered in powdered sugar, they’re hard to resist. But enjoying one might come with a long walk attached—if you’re trying to burn off the calories.

According to WebMD, a typical funnel cake has about 825 calories. For a 150-pound adult, that means three hours of walking just to burn off that one sugary snack.

Yes—three full hours.

Funnel cakes are deep-fried and made from batter, which makes them especially high in calories. Add the generous dusting of powdered sugar on top, and you’re looking at one of the most calorie-heavy treats at the fair.

Compared to other festival favorites, funnel cakes are on the high end of the calorie scale. Cotton candy, for example, has fewer calories, even though it looks like a giant ball of sugar. And a candy apple, while still sweet, is much better in terms of calorie burn. WebMD says you’d only need to walk about an hour to work off a candy apple.

Of course, most people don’t head to the fair thinking about calorie math. Funnel cakes are part of the experience, and occasional treats can be part of a healthy lifestyle—as long as they’re balanced with exercise and other healthy choices.

Walking is a great way to stay active, and adding a few extra steps after a fair food splurge is a smart move. But knowing what you’re eating can help you make better choices—or at least make peace with the longer stroll afterward.

So, next time you grab a funnel cake, you might want to wear your walking shoes!