Polenta vs Grits: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Polenta has 2 g of protein, while grits contain 1.7 g. Polenta has 85 calories, compared to 71 calories in grits.

Polenta and grits are both popular dishes made from corn, but they differ in their nutritional profiles. This comparison will highlight their calorie counts, protein levels, and other nutritional aspects.

What Is the Difference Between Polenta and Grits?

Polenta is a dish made from boiled cornmeal, often served as a side or base for various toppings. It is a staple in Italian cuisine. Grits are made from ground corn, typically served as a side dish in Southern cuisine. They can be creamy or firm, depending on preparation.

Polenta vs Grits: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of polenta and grits to highlight their nutritional differences.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Polenta (cooked)	Grits (cooked)
Calories	85 kcal	71 kcal
Protein	2 g	1.7 g
Carbs	18 g	14.8 g
Sugar	0.3 g	0.1 g
Fat	0.4 g	0.5 g
Fiber	1 g	0.8 g
Sodium	250 mg	2 mg

Which Is Better, Polenta or Grits?

For weight loss: Grits have fewer calories at 71 calories compared to polenta's 85 calories, making them a potentially better choice for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Polenta contains more protein at 2 g compared to 1.7 g in grits, making it a slightly better option for muscle building.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Polenta has 18 g of carbs and 0.3 g of sugar, while grits contain 14.8 g of carbs and 0.1 g of sugar, making grits lower in both.

How to Track Polenta and Grits Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macros, especially with dishes like polenta and grits that can vary in preparation. 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 presented are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a professional for dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g: Polenta from Open Food Facts (aggregated plain entries), Grits from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Polenta has 2 g of protein, while grits have 1.7 g.

Which has fewer calories?

Grits have fewer calories at 71, compared to polenta's 85 calories.

What is the carbohydrate content of polenta?

Polenta contains 18 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

What is the sodium content in grits?

Grits have a sodium content of 2 mg per 100 g.

How much sugar is in polenta?

Polenta contains 0.3 g of sugar per 100 g.

What is the fiber content in grits?

Grits contain 0.8 g of fiber per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Polenta has 85 calories per 100 g.
• Grits have 71 calories per 100 g.
• Polenta contains 2 g of protein.
• Grits contain 1.7 g of protein.
• Polenta has 18 g of carbohydrates.
• Grits have 14.8 g of carbohydrates.