How many calories are in a buttered ear of corn?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a medium ear of plain sweet corn has about 77 to 100 calories, but adding just one tablespoon of butter can nearly double that amount. This surprising fact highlights why understanding the calorie content of a buttered ear of corn is crucial for anyone monitoring their diet.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the caloric content of a buttered ear of corn, separating the calories from the corn itself and the butter. It examines factors that influence the total count, offers comparisons with alternative spreads, and provides tips for a healthier preparation.

Key Points

Corn Alone: A medium ear of plain sweet corn contains 77-100 calories, primarily from carbohydrates.
Butter's Contribution: Adding just one tablespoon of butter introduces approximately 100 calories, nearly doubling the ear's total.
Total Calorie Estimate: A typical buttered ear of corn can range from 150 to 200 calories, varying with butter amount and corn size.
Healthier Alternatives: Use low-fat margarine, olive oil spray, or Greek yogurt to significantly reduce fat and calories.
Control Portions: Enjoy the flavor with a smaller amount of butter or by preparing only a portion of the ear to manage calorie intake.
Low-Calorie Toppings: Add flavor with spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of fresh lime instead of high-calorie spreads.
Mindful Consumption: Be aware of the added calories from butter to make informed dietary choices and enjoy corn as part of a balanced diet.

The Caloric Reality: Breaking Down the Numbers

To understand how many calories are in a buttered ear of corn, you must first separate the components: the corn and the butter. A medium-sized ear of sweet corn, without any additions, typically contains between 77 and 100 calories, with most of these coming from carbohydrates. Corn also provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious base. However, the calorie count escalates significantly once you add butter.

The Calorie Contribution of Butter

The amount of butter you add is the most influential variable in determining the final calorie count. A single tablespoon of butter, which is a common serving, contains approximately 100 calories. This means that adding just one tablespoon of butter to a medium ear of corn (averaging about 90 calories) can bring the total closer to 190 calories. Using more butter will increase the total even further, with some preparations exceeding 200 calories per ear.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several factors can cause the calorie count to vary:

Size of the Corn: A small ear of corn will have fewer calories than a large one. A large ear of corn can contain around 123 calories before adding any butter.
Amount of Butter: The quantity of butter is the primary calorie driver. Whether you use a light smear or a generous coating can change the total by 50-100 calories or more.
Cooking Method: The preparation method can affect the calorie total. While boiling and grilling a plain ear of corn have a similar base calorie count, grilling with additional oil or basting in melted butter can increase the fat and calorie content.
Type of Butter: Some butters, like European varieties, can have a slightly higher fat content than standard American butter, but the caloric difference per tablespoon is minimal. Flavored butters, depending on their ingredients, might also affect the total.

Healthier Alternatives and Comparisons

For those looking to enjoy corn on the cob while managing their calorie intake, several alternatives and preparation methods can help reduce the overall fat and calorie load. Comparing standard butter to other spreads is a great way to make a more informed decision.

Calorie Comparison: Butter vs. Alternatives


Ingredient	Calories per Tbsp	Saturated Fat per Tbsp	Notes
Butter	~100 kcal	~7.2g	Rich in flavor, high in saturated fat.
Light Butter	~50 kcal	~3.5g	Lower in fat and calories, often with added water.
Margarine	~100 kcal	Varies (check label)	Can contain trans-fats; check nutritional information.
Low-Fat Margarine	~25-50 kcal	Varies	Significantly fewer calories and fat.
Plain Greek Yogurt	~10-15 kcal	Low	Adds a creamy texture with a protein boost.
Olive Oil Spray	Negligible	Low	Adds flavor with minimal calories.

List of Healthy Corn Toppings

Instead of loading up on butter, consider these healthier, low-calorie alternatives that still add great flavor:

A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder.
A dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Freshly chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt.
A light drizzle of olive oil, perhaps using a spray bottle to control the amount.
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy taste.
Plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little garlic powder for a tangy, creamy topping.

Making Smarter Choices for a Healthier Diet

The pleasure of a buttered ear of corn is undeniable, but it's important to be mindful of its impact on your daily calorie intake. A single, generously buttered ear can easily contribute a significant number of calories and fat to a meal. By being aware of the caloric breakdown, you can decide whether to moderate your butter usage or explore healthier alternatives.

Controlling portion sizes is another effective strategy. Instead of covering the entire ear, use a smaller amount of butter or simply prepare half of the ear with butter and enjoy the other half plain. This allows you to still savor the flavor without the full caloric commitment. Whether you choose to enjoy the traditional version in moderation or opt for a lighter alternative, understanding the nutritional facts is the first step toward making smarter dietary decisions.

For additional nutritional facts on corn, you may find the information from Johns Hopkins Medicine useful for further context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a buttered ear of corn typically contains between 150 and 200 calories, depending heavily on the amount of butter used. While plain corn is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich option, the addition of butter significantly increases the calorie and fat content. By understanding this, individuals can make informed choices, whether that means enjoying the classic treat sparingly, reducing the amount of butter, or substituting with healthier, low-calorie toppings. Ultimately, mindful eating and portion control are key to enjoying this summer staple as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a larger ear of corn will contain more calories. For example, a large ear can have about 123 calories, while a medium one is closer to 77-100 calories, before adding any butter.

Butter is one of the most calorically dense toppings, but other additions like mayonnaise, rich cheese sauces, or excess oil will also add a significant number of calories. High-fat, high-sugar additions are the primary drivers of increased calorie count.

The lowest calorie way to enjoy corn on the cob is to eat it plain, boiled, steamed, or grilled without any added butter or oil. Seasoning with herbs and spices like chili powder or a pinch of salt adds flavor with minimal calories.

You can reduce calories by using less butter, opting for a lower-fat spread like light butter or margarine, or using a butter-flavored cooking spray. Alternative, flavorful, low-calorie toppings include fresh herbs, lime juice, or a dusting of spice.

No, plain corn is not a high-calorie food. A medium ear has a moderate calorie count, and it is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The perception of corn being high-calorie often comes from the high-fat, high-calorie toppings added.

Different cooking methods for plain corn (boiling, steaming, grilling) do not significantly affect the core calorie count. The calorie difference comes from any additional oils, fats, or ingredients added during the cooking or preparation process.

The calories in canned and fresh corn are very similar. Any small difference would come from the liquid in the can or added sugar. To keep calories low, opt for canned corn with no added sugar.