Baked goods

Cookies, gingersnaps

FDC 174956oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 33 · -7 vs Baked goods median

Gingersnaps score 33 of 100, a Low band result ranking 39th of 60 baked goods, but their standout is iron at 36% DV per 100 g, with smaller amounts of magnesium at 12% DV and protein at 11% DV.

These are the snappy, spiced cookies suited to dunking in tea or coffee, with a shelf-stable crunch that holds up in a lunchbox. An ounce (28 g) serving still carries 555 mg of sodium and 19.9 g of sugar per 100 g, and the score lands just below the baked goods category's median of 40; Crackers, milk is a lower-sugar option in the same category.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 5.6 g · 5%Carb 76.9 g · 74%Fat 9.8 g · 21%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories416 kcal21%
Total fat9.8 g13%
Saturated fat2.5 g12%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium555 mg24%
Carbohydrate77 g28%
Dietary fiber2.2 g8%
Sugars20 g
Protein5.6 g11%
Potassium346 mg7%
Calcium77 mg6%
Iron6.4 mg36%
Magnesium49 mg12%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.97 mg6%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 174956

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.

Iron36% DV
Magnesium12% DV
Protein11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the baked goods median

Nutrient density33 vs 40 median
Protein / 100 g5.6 vs 8.6 median
Fiber / 100 g2.2 vs 3.4 median
Sodium / 100 g555 vs 447 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Crackers, milkDensity 33 vs 33Bread, cinnamonDensity 34 vs 33Crackers, water biscuitsDensity 36 vs 33

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Gingersnaps are thin, crisp cookies flavored with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses, which gives them their characteristic dark color and spiced, slightly caramelized sweetness. They're a classic accompaniment to tea or coffee, crumbled over ice cream or pumpkin desserts, or used as a crust base for cheesecakes in place of graham crackers. Their firm snap also makes them good for dipping without falling apart, and they're a common cookie jar staple around the fall and winter holidays alongside spiced drinks. Some bakers use crushed gingersnaps as a topping for baked apples or sweet potato casserole for extra crunch.

Because they're baked to be dry and crisp, gingersnaps keep well at room temperature in an airtight tin for a couple of weeks, and they actually resist going stale better than soft cookies. An ounce provides 416 calories per 100 g with 5.6 g of protein and a standout 36% DV iron, plus 12% DV magnesium, so while they're a sweet treat with 19.9 g of sugar per 100 g, they do bring some minerals along with the indulgence. They're best enjoyed as a dessert or occasional snack rather than a daily staple, given their carbohydrate and sugar content.

Frequently asked questions about cookies, gingersnaps

How many calories are in gingersnap cookies?

Gingersnaps have about 416 calories per 100 g, with 76.9 g of carbohydrate and 19.9 g of sugar.

Are gingersnaps a good source of iron?

They're notably high in iron for a cookie, providing about 36% of the daily value per 100 g.

How should gingersnaps be stored?

Store them in an airtight tin or container at room temperature, where their crisp texture holds up well for a couple of weeks.

View the USDA source record