Cream Of Wheat vs Grits: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Cream of Wheat, 53 calories, is lower in calories than Grits, 71 calories. Cream of Wheat, 1.8 g, has more protein than Grits, 1.7 g.

Cream of Wheat and Grits are both popular choices for breakfast, each with unique nutritional profiles. Understanding their differences can help in making informed dietary choices.

What Is the Difference Between Cream Of Wheat and Grits?

Cream of Wheat is a type of farina, made from wheat germ and endosperm, often served as a hot cereal. It is typically enriched with vitamins and minerals. Grits are a dish made from ground corn, commonly served in Southern cuisine. They can be prepared in various ways, often enjoyed as a savory or sweet dish.

Cream Of Wheat vs Grits: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional values of Cream of Wheat and Grits.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Cream of wheat	Grits (cooked)
Calories	53 kcal	71 kcal
Protein	1.8 g	1.7 g
Carbs	10.9 g	14.8 g
Sugar	0.8 g	0.1 g
Fat	0.3 g	0.5 g
Fiber	0.8 g	0.8 g
Sodium	126 mg	2 mg

Which Is Better, Cream Of Wheat or Grits?

For weight loss: Cream of Wheat has 53 calories, while Grits have 71 calories, making Cream of Wheat a better option for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Cream of Wheat contains 1.8 g of protein, slightly higher than Grits at 1.7 g, making it a marginally better choice for protein intake.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Grits have 14.8 g of carbs and 0.1 g of sugar, while Cream of Wheat has 10.9 g of carbs and 0.8 g of sugar, making Cream of Wheat lower in both.

How to Track Cream of wheat and Grits Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macros, especially with foods like Cream of Wheat and Grits that can be prepared in various ways. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Cream of Wheat has 1.8 g of protein, while Grits have 1.7 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Cream of Wheat has 53 calories, while Grits have 71 calories.

What is the carbohydrate content of Cream of Wheat?

Cream of Wheat contains 10.9 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

What is the sugar content in Grits?

Grits contain 0.1 g of sugar per 100 g.

How much sodium is in Cream of Wheat?

Cream of Wheat has 126 mg of sodium per 100 g.

What is the fiber content of Grits?

Grits contain 0.8 g of fiber per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Cream of Wheat: 53 calories
• Grits: 71 calories
• Cream of Wheat: 1.8 g protein
• Grits: 1.7 g protein
• Cream of Wheat: 10.9 g carbs
• Grits: 14.8 g carbs