Baked goods

Cookies, fortune

FDC 172722oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 14 · -26 vs Baked goods median

Fortune cookies score just 14 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band that lands them 58th of 60 baked goods, with no nutrient in this brief reaching a standout level.

Usually cracked open for the paper fortune inside after a meal rather than eaten in quantity, a typical ounce, about 28 grams, is a handful of the small folded cookies. They are high in sugars at 45.4 g per 100 g, and fig bar cookies score meaningfully higher among baked goods for anyone wanting a less sugar-forward option.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 4.2 g · 4%Carb 84 g · 89%Fat 2.7 g · 6%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories378 kcal19%
Total fat2.7 g3%
Saturated fat0.67 g3%
Cholesterol2 mg1%
Sodium31 mg1%
Carbohydrate84 g31%
Dietary fiber1.6 g6%
Sugars45 g
Protein4.2 g8%
Potassium41 mg1%
Calcium12 mg1%
Iron1.4 mg8%
Magnesium7 mg2%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A1 µg0%
Vitamin E0.03 mg0%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 172722

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the baked goods median

Nutrient density14 vs 40 median
Protein / 100 g4.2 vs 8.6 median
Fiber / 100 g1.6 vs 3.4 median
Sodium / 100 g31 vs 447 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Cinnamon buns, frosted (includes honey buns)Density 15 vs 14Cake, cherry fudge with chocolate frostingDensity 15 vs 14Cookies, fig barsDensity 18 vs 14

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Fortune cookies are thin, crisp wafers made from a simple batter of flour, sugar, vanilla, and oil, poured flat onto a griddle or mold and folded into their signature curved shape while still warm and pliable, with a small paper fortune tucked inside before the cookie hardens. They are best known as the small sweet handed out after a meal at Chinese-American restaurants, served alongside or after tea, and eaten in one or two crisp bites once the fortune is read aloud. Some bakeries make oversized or chocolate-dipped versions for parties and weddings, but the plain, thin wafer remains the standard.

Because they are thin and delicate, fortune cookies keep best in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature, away from humidity, which softens them and ruins the snap; a few silica packets or a slice of bread in the container can help absorb excess moisture. They are almost entirely carbohydrate, at 84 grams per 100 grams, with a notably high sugar content of 45.4 grams and very little protein (4.2 grams) or fat (2.7 grams), so they function purely as a light, sweet finish to a meal rather than a filling food. Sodium is low at 31 milligrams per 100 grams, and fiber sits at 1.6 grams per 100 grams, in keeping with their simple, plain-tasting batter.

Frequently asked questions about cookies, fortune

How many calories are in fortune cookies?

Fortune cookies have 378 calories per 100 grams, with a single 28-gram (1 ounce) serving containing less.

How should fortune cookies be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature away from humidity, which quickly makes them go soft and chewy.

Are fortune cookies high in sugar?

Yes, they contain 45.4 grams of sugar per 100 grams, making up most of their 84 grams of carbohydrate.

View the USDA source record