Hush puppies, prepared from recipe
FDC 174999oz (28 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 43 · +3 vs Baked goods medianHomemade hush puppies score 43 of 100, Fair band, ranking 25th of 60 baked goods and sitting just above the category median of 40. The cornmeal batter contributes an excellent 21% DV of calcium along with a good 17% DV of iron, 15% DV of protein, and 10% DV of dietary fiber per 100 g, with carbohydrate the leading macro at 46 g against 13.5 g fat from the deep-fry, all within 337 calories.
These are the deep-fried cornmeal fritters served alongside fried fish or barbecue, typically eaten a few at a time rather than as a standalone dish, with an ounce (28 g) a reasonable single-piece portion. The frying and seasoning push sodium to a high 668 mg per 100 g, the clearest trade-off for the flavor. Sugar stays low at 2.03 g. The calcium and fiber showing is a genuine surprise for a fried side, even with that sodium load asking for moderation.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around hush puppies, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 337 kcal | 17% |
| Total fat | 14 g | 17% |
| Saturated fat | 2.1 g | 11% |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 668 mg | 29% |
| Carbohydrate | 46 g | 17% |
| Dietary fiber | 2.8 g | 10% |
| Sugars | 2 g | |
| Protein | 7.7 g | 15% |
| Potassium | 144 mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 278 mg | 21% |
| Iron | 3 mg | 17% |
| Magnesium | 24 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 41 µg | 5% |
| Vitamin E | 1.3 mg | 8% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 94 kcal | 5% |
| Total fat | 3.8 g | 5% |
| Saturated fat | 0.59 g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 13 mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 187 mg | 8% |
| Carbohydrate | 13 g | 5% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.78 g | 3% |
| Sugars | 0.57 g | |
| Protein | 2.2 g | 4% |
| Potassium | 40 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 78 mg | 6% |
| Iron | 0.85 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 6.7 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.06 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 11 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.35 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 174999Original 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.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the baked goods median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Bagels, cinnamon-raisinDensity 43 vs 43Bagels, eggDensity 44 vs 43Bagels, oat branDensity 44 vs 43Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Hush puppies are small balls of cornmeal batter, seasoned with onion and sometimes a bit of sugar, dropped into hot oil until they turn golden and crisp outside while staying soft and slightly sweet inside. They are a staple side at Southern fish fries and seafood shacks, traditionally served alongside fried catfish, shrimp, or other fried seafood, often with a dipping sauce like remoulade, tartar, or honey butter on the side. Their crunchy shell and tender cornmeal crumb make them a textural contrast to whatever fried main dish they accompany.
Because they are fried and best eaten fresh, hush puppies do not keep well; leftovers can be refrigerated briefly and re-crisped in an oven, but they are really meant for the day they are made. Per 100 grams, homemade hush puppies deliver 21% of the daily value for calcium and 17% for iron, along with 7.7 grams of protein and 2.8 grams of fiber, nutrients that come from the cornmeal, milk, and egg in the batter. At 337 calories and 668 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams, they are best treated as a flavorful side in modest portions rather than a base for a full meal, letting the fried fish or shrimp they accompany remain the main event on the plate.
Frequently asked questions about hush puppies
How many calories are in hush puppies?
Hush puppies made from a standard recipe have 337 calories per 100 grams, reflecting the fried cornmeal batter.
Are hush puppies a good source of calcium?
Yes, per 100 grams they provide 21% of the daily value for calcium, thanks to the milk in the batter.
What do hush puppies pair well with?
They are traditionally served alongside fried fish or shrimp, often with a dipping sauce like remoulade or tartar.