Calories in Grits: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Grits are a creamy, comforting porridge made from ground dried corn (hominy) that has been a Southern United States staple for centuries. One cup of cooked regular corn grits provides approximately 143 calories, 31 grams of carbs, 1.7 grams of fiber, and 3.4 grams of protein. They are also a source of iron, B vitamins, and folate, especially when made from enriched corn.

Calories by serving size:

Plain grits are naturally low in fat and relatively moderate in calories, but their calorie count can increase significantly with common additions like butter, cheese, and cream. Stone-ground grits retain more of the corn kernel's bran and germ, providing additional fiber and nutrients compared to quick or instant varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do grits compare to oatmeal?

A cup of cooked grits has about 143 calories while a cup of cooked oatmeal has about 154 calories, so the calorie difference is small. However, oatmeal provides significantly more fiber (about 4 grams versus 1.7 grams) and more protein (about 5.4 grams versus 3.4 grams) per serving. Oatmeal is generally considered the more nutrient-dense option, but grits are a perfectly reasonable breakfast choice when prepared without excessive added fat.

Are grits a healthy food?

Plain grits are a low-fat, moderate-calorie whole grain food that can be part of a healthy diet. Enriched grits provide meaningful amounts of iron and folate, which are important for energy production and cell health. The challenge is that grits are often served loaded with butter, cheese, and cream, which can easily double or triple the calorie count of a single serving.

What is the difference between stone-ground and instant grits?

Stone-ground grits are made by grinding the whole corn kernel between stone wheels, preserving the germ and some bran for a coarser texture and more corn flavor. Instant grits are processed more heavily, with the germ and bran removed, then precooked and dehydrated for fast preparation. Stone-ground grits take 20 to 30 minutes to cook but offer more fiber, better flavor, and a more satisfying texture.

Are grits and polenta the same thing?

Grits and polenta are essentially the same food — both are made from ground dried corn cooked into a porridge. The main difference is cultural: grits are an American Southern tradition typically made from white hominy corn, while polenta is an Italian dish usually made from yellow corn. The texture and grind may vary slightly, but nutritionally they are nearly identical.

How many extra calories do butter and cheese add to grits?

Adding one tablespoon of butter to a cup of grits adds about 102 calories and 12 grams of fat, while a quarter cup of shredded cheddar cheese adds roughly 110 calories and 9 grams of fat. A fully loaded bowl with both butter and cheese can easily reach 350 to 400 calories, more than double the 143 calories in plain grits. Using a small pat of butter and a sprinkle of sharp cheese (which has more flavor per gram) helps keep the calorie count more reasonable.