Baked goods

Muffins, oat bran

FDC 172769oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 56 · +16 vs Baked goods median

Oat bran muffins land solidly mid-pack for baked goods, earning 56 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Fair rating, and ranking 7 of 60 in the Baked goods category, better than most sweet breads and pastries. The bran gives them real mineral weight, with magnesium reaching 37% DV and iron climbing to 23% DV, while dietary fiber sits at 16% DV and protein at 14% DV, a profile that leans more whole grain than dessert.

A standard oat bran muffin works as a grab-and-go breakfast or a coffee-break pairing, and the bran's coarser texture keeps it less crumbly than a plain wheat muffin. At 270 calories per 100 grams it is still a baked good built on flour and sugar rather than a whole-grain staple, so portion size matters more here than with something like oatmeal itself.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around muffins, oat bran, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 7 g · 10%Carb 48.3 g · 67%Fat 7.4 g · 23%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories270 kcal14%
Total fat7.4 g9%
Saturated fat1.1 g5%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium393 mg17%
Carbohydrate48 g18%
Dietary fiber4.6 g16%
Sugars8.2 g
Protein7 g14%
Potassium507 mg11%
Calcium63 mg5%
Iron4.2 mg23%
Magnesium157 mg37%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.66 mg4%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 172769

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.

Magnesium37% DV
Iron23% DV
Dietary fiber16% DV
Protein14% DV
Potassium11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the baked goods median

Nutrient density56 vs 40 median
Protein / 100 g7 vs 8.6 median
Fiber / 100 g4.6 vs 3.4 median
Sodium / 100 g393 vs 447 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Bread, rice branDensity 56 vs 56Bread, whole-wheat, commercially prepared, toastedDensity 56 vs 56Bread, protein (includes gluten)Density 58 vs 56

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Oat bran muffins have a coarser, slightly chewy crumb than plain wheat muffins, with a nutty, faintly sweet flavor from the bran itself. Bakeries and home cooks often fold in raisins, chopped dates, banana, or a spoonful of molasses to round out the flavor, and the dense texture holds up well to a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey. Because the bran keeps the crumb moist, these muffins tend to stay soft for a couple of days without drying out the way lighter muffins can.

A 28 g portion runs 270 calories, so a standard muffin, which usually weighs several times that, adds up quickly; treating it as a breakfast-plus-coffee item rather than a snack keeps portions realistic. The bran contributes 4.6 g of fiber per 100 g along with 37% DV magnesium and 23% DV iron, numbers that put it ahead of most sweet baked goods. Store muffins at room temperature in a sealed container for a couple of days, or freeze individually wrapped portions and reheat in a toaster oven to bring back the just-baked texture.

Frequently asked questions about muffins, oat bran

How many calories are in oat bran muffins?

Oat bran muffins have about 270 calories per 100 g, so a whole muffin (which typically weighs more than that) can add up fast.

Are oat bran muffins a good source of magnesium?

Yes, oat bran muffins provide 37% DV magnesium per 100 g, making them one of the higher-magnesium baked goods in this list.

How should oat bran muffins be stored?

Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for a couple of days, or freeze and reheat individual muffins in a toaster oven to restore their texture.

View the USDA source record