Snacks

Snacks, corn cakes

FDC 168857cake (9 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 30 · -14 vs Snacks median

Corn cakes settle at 30 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band and rank 48 of 60 among Snacks, though they bring an excellent 27% DV of magnesium and a good 16% DV of protein to the table.

These crunchy puffed rounds are typically eaten plain or topped with nut butter and fruit as a light snack, and a single 9g cake keeps portions small even though the base food runs 387 calories per 100g. They are high in sodium at 488 mg per 100 g and high in sugars at 23.5 g per 100 g, and since the score sits below the category median of 44, granola bars, hard, plain, offer a higher-scoring swap.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 8.1 g · 8%Carb 83.4 g · 86%Fat 2.4 g · 6%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories387 kcal19%
Total fat2.4 g3%
Saturated fat0.42 g2%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium488 mg21%
Carbohydrate83 g30%
Dietary fiber1.9 g7%
Sugars24 g
Protein8.1 g16%
Potassium157 mg3%
Calcium19 mg1%
Iron1.4 mg8%
Magnesium114 mg27%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A70 µg8%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168857

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.

Magnesium27% DV
Protein16% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the snacks median

Nutrient density30 vs 44 median
Protein / 100 g8.1 vs 8.1 median
Fiber / 100 g1.9 vs 4.2 median
Sodium / 100 g488 vs 400 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Snacks, yucca (cassava) chips, saltedDensity 32 vs 30Snacks, granola bars, hard, plainDensity 35 vs 30Snacks, tortilla chips, ranch-flavorDensity 35 vs 30

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Corn cakes are the light, puffed rice-cake style snack made from corn instead, pressed into thin, airy rounds with a crisp, almost styrofoam-like crunch that softens quickly if left uncovered. They are usually eaten plain as a low-effort base, or topped the way rice cakes are: a smear of nut butter and banana slices, mashed avocado and a pinch of salt, or a thin layer of hummus, since the cake itself carries little flavor of its own beyond a mild corn sweetness.

Buy them in sealed sleeves and keep the package resealed or transferred to an airtight container, since humidity is what turns them from crisp to chewy within a day or two of opening. At 387 calories per 100 grams they read as calorie-dense on the label, but an individual cake weighs only about 9 grams, so a stack of two or three still keeps a snack modest in practice. They carry 27 percent DV of magnesium and 16 percent DV of protein per 100 grams, and at 1.9 grams of fiber per 100 grams they add a bit of crunchy volume to a plate of dip or spread without much fat, just 2.4 grams per 100 grams.

Frequently asked questions about snacks, corn cakes

How many calories are in corn cakes?

Corn cakes have 387 calories per 100 grams, though a single cake weighs only about 9 grams.

Are corn cakes a good source of magnesium?

Yes, they provide 27 percent DV of magnesium per 100 grams.

How do you store corn cakes?

Keep them in a resealed sleeve or airtight container, since exposure to air quickly turns them from crisp to chewy.

View the USDA source record