How Many Calories are in 1 Cup of Corn with Butter?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a standard 1 cup serving of fresh cooked corn with a tablespoon of butter contains approximately 175 to 195 calories, though this can vary significantly. The total calorie count is heavily influenced by how the corn is prepared and the amount of butter and other additions used.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content and nutritional breakdown of 1 cup of corn with butter, analyzing how variables like preparation method and ingredient quantity alter the final count. It also discusses corn's health benefits, the implications of adding butter, and offers several nutritious alternatives.

Key Points

Core Calorie Count: A 1 cup serving of corn with 1 tablespoon of butter is approximately 227 calories.
Butter's Impact: The majority of the added calories and fat come from the butter, with one tablespoon contributing about 102 calories.
Corn's Benefits: Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing positively to digestive and eye health.
Health Concerns: Excessive butter consumption, due to its saturated fat, can lead to increased cholesterol and potential heart health issues.
Healthy Alternatives: Reduce calories by using less butter, or swap it entirely for heart-healthy olive oil, herbs, or a homemade vegan corn butter.

The Core Calorie Breakdown

To determine how many calories are in 1 cup of corn with butter, it's essential to analyze the components individually before combining them. A plain, unbuttered cup of corn is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fiber, while butter is almost entirely fat and contains a high number of calories in a small volume.

Plain Corn Calories

A single cup of plain, cooked yellow sweet corn contains approximately 125 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, and it also provides a good amount of dietary fiber and protein. Canned corn can have a slightly different nutritional profile due to processing and added sodium, but plain versions are in a similar calorie range.

Butter's Caloric Impact

The butter is where the calorie count increases dramatically. One tablespoon of salted butter adds about 102 calories and 11.5 grams of fat to the dish. For most recipes, a tablespoon is a standard amount, but it can be easy to add more. When combined, a cup of corn with a tablespoon of butter can quickly add up to nearly 230 calories. The addition of salt, while not adding calories, increases sodium content.

Understanding the Variables

The total calorie count is not a fixed number and can be affected by several variables:

Type of corn: Fresh, canned, or frozen corn can have minor differences in nutritional content. Canned varieties might have more sodium unless drained and rinsed.
Amount of butter: A light drizzle of butter is far different from a full tablespoon or more. Being mindful of the quantity is crucial for managing calories.
Added ingredients: Sugar, salt, and other seasonings can affect the overall nutritional profile, even if they don't significantly alter the calorie count like butter does.

Nutritional Insights Beyond Calories

Looking beyond just the calorie count provides a more complete picture of this classic side dish. Corn is a whole grain vegetable with many health benefits, while butter adds significant fat and some fat-soluble vitamins.

Benefits of Corn

Corn is a valuable source of several nutrients:

High in fiber: Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion and can help manage cholesterol levels.
Rich in vitamins and minerals: A good source of B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health.
Provides antioxidants: These compounds help protect your body's cells from wear and tear.

The Health Implications of Butter

While a delicious addition, butter also comes with health considerations, particularly due to its high saturated fat content.

Increases saturated fat intake: Diets high in saturated fat can increase LDL ('bad') cholesterol, raising the risk of heart disease.
Promotes weight gain: Butter is very calorie-dense, and excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
High cholesterol: For individuals with high cholesterol, the amount in butter can be a concern, potentially leading to cardiovascular issues.

Healthy Swaps and Preparation Methods

It is possible to enjoy the flavor of corn without overdoing the butter. Here are some options to reduce calories and fat while keeping the dish delicious:

Use butter alternatives: Substitute traditional butter with healthier options like olive oil, avocado oil, or a plant-based vegan butter.
Flavor with herbs: Instead of relying on butter, use herbs like cilantro, chives, or parsley to add flavor.
Add spices: A sprinkle of paprika, chili powder, or cumin can enhance corn's natural sweetness without adding significant fat.
Try a corn butter spread: Blending corn kernels with nutritional yeast and lemon juice can create a creamy, buttery-tasting spread that is dairy-free and lower in fat.

Comparison Table: Calorie Breakdown


Item	Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs
Plain Sweet Corn	1 Cup	~125 kcal	4.7g	1.9g	27g
Salted Butter	1 Tbsp	~102 kcal	0.1g	11.5g	0g
Olive Oil	1 Tbsp	~120 kcal	0g	14g	0g
Corn with 1 Tbsp Butter	1 Cup + 1 Tbsp	~227 kcal	4.8g	13.4g	27g
Corn with 1 Tbsp Olive Oil	1 Cup + 1 Tbsp	~245 kcal	4.7g	15.9g	27g

Conclusion

While a single cup of corn with butter is a classic, delicious side dish, it's important to be mindful of its calorie and fat content. The amount of butter used is the primary determinant of the final calorie count. By being conscious of portion sizes or opting for healthier alternatives like seasoning with herbs or using oil substitutes, you can enjoy the natural sweetness and nutritional benefits of corn with a lighter footprint. Moderation is key when including butter in your diet, especially given its high saturated fat content and potential impact on heart health.

For more detailed nutritional information and health recommendations, consult authoritative sources like the resources from Johns Hopkins Medicine regarding corn's health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a slight difference, but not significant. The primary calorie variable is the amount of butter added, not the form of corn. A plain cup of fresh corn is around 125 calories, while canned (drained solids) is closer to 132 calories, before adding butter.

No, the process of melting butter does not change its caloric value. One tablespoon of melted butter contains the same 102 calories as one tablespoon of solid butter.

Substituting olive oil for butter can be a heart-healthy choice. Olive oil contains unsaturated fats, which are healthier for you than the saturated fats found in butter, especially in large quantities.

To reduce the calories, you can simply use less butter, use a butter alternative like a vegan spread or a healthy oil, or flavor your corn with herbs and spices instead of relying on added fat.

Corn is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and several important vitamins and minerals. It is particularly known for its antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which benefit eye health.

The cooking method itself (boiling, grilling, roasting) does not significantly change the inherent calorie content of the corn. The primary change comes from any ingredients added during or after cooking, such as butter.

In moderation, corn with butter is fine for most people. However, consuming large amounts of butter frequently can increase saturated fat intake, which is linked to elevated cholesterol levels and a higher risk of heart disease.