Grains & pasta

Corn grain, white

FDC 168920cup (166 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 49 · -15 vs Grains & pasta median

Whole white corn grain scores 49 of 100, Fair band, ranking 50 of 60 in Grains & pasta, just behind brown rice and below the category median of 64. Magnesium is the standout at an excellent 30% DV, with good protein (19% DV) and good iron (15% DV) rounding out the profile of this dried grain.

This is a dry, whole grain form of corn meant for grinding into meal or cooking down into porridge rather than eating straight from the bag, and a cup (166 grams) is a raw measure that yields far more once cooked. Fiber and sugar figures weren't available for this entry, so those can't be compared directly; brown rice is a higher-scoring grain option in the same category with a similar whole-grain profile.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around corn grain, white, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 9.4 g · 10%Carb 74.3 g · 79%Fat 4.7 g · 11%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories365 kcal18%
Total fat4.7 g6%
Saturated fat0.67 g3%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium35 mg2%
Carbohydrate74 g27%
Dietary fiber-
Sugars-
Protein9.4 g19%
Potassium287 mg6%
Calcium7 mg1%
Iron2.7 mg15%
Magnesium127 mg30%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168920

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.

Magnesium30% DV
Protein19% DV
Iron15% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the grains & pasta median

Nutrient density49 vs 64 median
Protein / 100 g9.4 vs 11 median
Sodium / 100 g35 vs 5 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Rice, brown, long-grain, rawDensity 49 vs 49Rye flour, lightDensity 50 vs 49Rice flour, brownDensity 51 vs 49

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

White corn grain refers to dried field corn kernels, not sweet corn eaten off the cob, and it is the raw material ground into cornmeal, grits, hominy and masa rather than eaten straight from the plant. Once dried, the kernels are milled to different coarseness for polenta, cornbread, tortillas or corn tortilla chips, or treated with lime in the nixtamalization process to make hominy and masa for tamales and tortillas. Its flavor is starchy and mildly sweet, developing a toasted depth once cooked or milled and heated.

Whole dried corn kernels should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, where they keep for many months before milling. Per 100 g of dry grain it provides 365 calories, 9.42 g protein and notably 30% DV magnesium alongside 19% DV protein and 15% DV iron. With 74.3 g carbohydrate per 100 g and very little fat, it functions primarily as a starchy grain base, best thought of as the raw ingredient behind cornmeal and grits rather than a food eaten in this dried, whole form.

Frequently asked questions about corn grain, white

How many calories are in dried white corn grain?

About 365 calories per 100 g, reflecting its concentrated starch content in the dried, unmilled form.

Is white corn grain a good source of magnesium?

Yes, it provides about 30% of the Daily Value for magnesium per 100 g, its top nutrient.

What is white corn grain used for?

It is milled into cornmeal, grits and masa, or treated with lime to make hominy for dishes like tamales and tortillas.

View the USDA source record