Category: Canadian cuisine

Over three-quarters of Canadian beef processing occurs in Western Canada, with the vast majority concentrated in Alberta, solidifying its reputation for producing high-quality, flavorful beef. But what is special about Alberta beef that sets it apart on a global scale?

According to Statistics Canada's 2023 data, poultry remains the most consumed meat in Canada, with a per capita availability of 25.5 kilograms. This reflects a long-term shift in Canadian dietary preferences away from traditional red meats like beef and pork.

A single serving of fast-food poutine can contain over 3,000 milligrams of sodium, potentially exceeding the recommended daily limit for many adults. This fact brings to light the central question: just how healthy is poutine, the beloved Canadian staple of fries, gravy, and cheese curds?

According to the Canadian Sugar Institute, sugar plays multiple functional roles in food products, including balancing flavors. But does this include the classic savory poutine gravy? The question, "Is there sugar in poutine gravy?" reveals a surprising difference between scratch-made recipes and commercial varieties.

A classic large poutine can contain over 100 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the fried potatoes, confirming that poutine is high in carbs. This iconic Canadian dish is a mix of three main components, each contributing differently to its overall nutritional profile.

According to nutrition data from various sources, a standard restaurant-sized poutine can contain between 60 to over 100 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the fries. Understanding how many carbs are in poutine fries requires looking beyond just the potato and considering the full trio of ingredients: fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

According to Cora Restaurants, a popular Canadian breakfast chain, one serving of their Breakfast Poutine contains approximately 1410 calories. The exact number of calories in a breakfast poutine varies widely depending on the ingredients, portion size, and preparation method, making it a surprisingly high-calorie meal for many diners.

With a typical fast-food poutine containing over 800 calories and well over a full day's worth of sodium, it's clear this Canadian staple is not a diet food. While the dish is delicious, its components of deep-fried fries, high-fat cheese curds, and savory gravy raise significant nutritional red flags. This guide dives into the details of what makes poutine an indulgence rather than a healthy staple.

An ounce of plain, fresh cheese curds—the squeaky star of any authentic poutine—contains approximately 6 to 7 grams of protein. This makes the curd component a solid source of dairy protein, but the final protein count of a poutine meal depends heavily on the size of the portion and the other ingredients used.

According to nutritional data, a small classic poutine from New York Fries contains approximately 709-710 calories. This caloric load comes from the combination of crispy fries, cheese curds, and rich, savory gravy. Understanding the breakdown can help you make informed decisions about your meal.