Baked goods

Cinnamon buns, frosted (includes honey buns)

FDC 167940bun (65 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 15 · -25 vs Baked goods median

Frosted cinnamon buns, the kind sold as honey buns too, score 15 of 100 and land in the Low band at rank 57 of 60 within Baked goods. Calcium is the one figure that stands out, reaching a good 14% DV, likely from the dough and icing rather than any single ingredient.

A single bun (65 g) is a substantial breakfast pastry on its own, typically eaten warm with coffee rather than paired with anything else, and at 452 calories per 100 g it's calorie-dense for its size. The icing and dough combine for 25.7 g of sugar per 100 g and 12.6 g of saturated fat per 100 g, both firmly in high territory; fig bar cookies sit in the same category with a noticeably higher score.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around cinnamon buns, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 4.5 g · 4%Carb 48.6 g · 43%Fat 26.6 g · 53%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories452 kcal23%
Total fat27 g34%
Saturated fat13 g63%
Cholesterol5 mg2%
Sodium305 mg13%
Carbohydrate49 g18%
Dietary fiber1.2 g4%
Sugars26 g
Protein4.5 g9%
Potassium102 mg2%
Calcium183 mg14%
Iron1.4 mg8%
Magnesium14 mg3%
Vitamin C0.3 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E1.2 mg8%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 167940

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Calcium14% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the baked goods median

Nutrient density15 vs 40 median
Protein / 100 g4.5 vs 8.6 median
Fiber / 100 g1.2 vs 3.4 median
Sodium / 100 g305 vs 447 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Cake, cherry fudge with chocolate frostingDensity 15 vs 15Cookies, fig barsDensity 18 vs 15Cookies, vanilla sandwich with creme fillingDensity 19 vs 15

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Frosted cinnamon buns are soft, yeasted dough rolled around a cinnamon-sugar filling, coiled into spirals, baked in a pan so the buns rise together, and finished with a cream cheese or vanilla icing drizzled on while still warm. They're a classic breakfast and brunch pastry, best served warm so the icing melts slightly into the swirls of dough, and pair naturally with a cup of coffee. Honey buns are a close relative, often a simpler twisted or rolled shape with a honey-flavored glaze instead of cream cheese icing, sold individually wrapped as a grab-and-go pastry.

Bakery buns keep covered at room temperature for about two days, refrigerate for longer freshness, or freeze unfrosted buns and add icing after reheating; a quick warm-up in the oven or microwave restores the soft texture before serving. A single 65-gram bun is a typical portion, and per 100 grams the dough and icing combine for 452 calories, 48.6 grams of carbohydrate, and 25.7 grams of sugar, numbers consistent with a rich breakfast pastry rather than a light option. The 14% Daily Value for calcium per 100 grams comes largely from the dairy in the icing and dough, making a cinnamon bun an occasional breakfast treat best balanced with something lighter later in the day.

Frequently asked questions about cinnamon buns

How many calories are in a frosted cinnamon bun?

A single 65-gram bun is consistent with 452 calories per 100 grams, along with 48.6 grams of carbohydrate.

What pairs well with cinnamon buns?

They're classically served warm with coffee, since the warmth helps the icing melt slightly into the dough.

Do cinnamon buns provide calcium?

They provide 14% of the Daily Value for calcium per 100 grams, largely from the dairy in the icing and dough.

View the USDA source record