Baked goods

Croutons, seasoned

FDC 172752oz (14 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 28 · -12 vs Baked goods median

Seasoned croutons score 28 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, Low band, ranking 45 of 60 in Baked goods. Made from dried, seasoned bread cubes, they deliver 22% DV of protein and 18% DV of dietary fiber, with iron at 16% DV and magnesium at 10% DV adding to the profile.

They are scattered over salads and soups for crunch rather than eaten as a standalone food, with one ounce (14 g) covering a generous handful. Sodium is the number to watch, high at 1330 mg per 100 g from the seasoning blend, alongside saturated fat at 5.3 g per 100 g. Scoring below the Baked goods median of 40, cheese-topped bread is one same-category option that ranks higher.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 10.8 g · 9%Carb 63.5 g · 55%Fat 18.3 g · 36%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories465 kcal23%
Total fat18 g23%
Saturated fat5.3 g26%
Cholesterol7 mg2%
Sodium1330 mg58%
Carbohydrate64 g23%
Dietary fiber5 g18%
Sugars4.4 g
Protein11 g22%
Potassium181 mg4%
Calcium96 mg7%
Iron2.8 mg16%
Magnesium42 mg10%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A7 µg1%
Vitamin E0.4 mg3%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 172752

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.

Protein22% DV
Dietary fiber18% DV
Iron16% DV
Magnesium10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the baked goods median

Nutrient density28 vs 40 median
Protein / 100 g11 vs 8.6 median
Fiber / 100 g5 vs 3.4 median
Sodium / 100 g1330 vs 447 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Cookies, chocolate cream covered biscuit sticksDensity 29 vs 28Croissants, cheeseDensity 29 vs 28Bread, cheeseDensity 30 vs 28

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Seasoned croutons are cubes of bread, usually a sturdy loaf, tossed with oil and herbs or spice blends and then baked or toasted until crisp and golden. They're most commonly scattered over salads, especially Caesar salad, for crunch, but they also work stirred into soups just before serving, layered into a bread stuffing, or crushed as a crunchy topping for baked casseroles.

Keep croutons in a sealed bag or airtight container at room temperature, since any moisture will soften their crunch quickly; a dry pantry shelf away from steam keeps them crisp for weeks. At 465 calories per 100 g, with an ounce (14 g) as a typical serving, croutons add up faster than their light weight suggests, and their 1330 mg sodium per 100 g stands out, since seasoning blends and oil coating both add sodium. On the plus side, per 100 g they reach 22% DV for protein and 18% DV for fiber, so a modest handful adds real crunch and some nutritional substance to a salad.

Frequently asked questions about croutons, seasoned

How many calories are in seasoned croutons?

They run 465 calories per 100 g, with an ounce (14 g) as a typical serving.

Are seasoned croutons high in sodium?

Yes, they carry 1330 mg sodium per 100 g, among the higher sodium levels for a bread-based topping.

What are seasoned croutons used for?

They're most often scattered over salads like Caesar salad, but also work stirred into soups or as a crunchy casserole topping.

View the USDA source record