How many calories are in 1 cup of buttered corn?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

A cup of buttered corn usually contains between 175 and 195 calories, based on the butter amount. This side dish is a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, but the calorie and fat content can vary based on preparation. Understanding these details can help you make informed choices.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed look at the calorie content of buttered corn, examining factors that influence the total and offering healthier options. It breaks down the macronutrients and suggests smart substitutions for a delicious and diet-friendly version.

Key Points

Average Calorie Count: A standard 1-cup serving of buttered corn typically contains between 175 and 195 calories, influenced by the amount of butter used.
Corn vs. Butter Calories: Plain corn is a low-fat, low-calorie vegetable (about 125 calories per cup), while butter is a high-calorie addition, with one tablespoon adding approximately 100 calories.
Healthier Swaps: Reduce calories by using a controlled amount of butter or substituting with olive oil, butter-flavored spray, or Greek yogurt.
Flavor without Fat: Enhance the flavor of corn with calorie-free seasonings like smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, or fresh herbs.
Consider Alternative Preparations: Other methods like grilling or adding healthy toppings can affect the final calorie count, so measure your additions carefully.
Portion Control is Key: Even with healthier swaps, being mindful of your serving size is the most effective way to manage the total calorie intake from buttered corn.
Nutrient-Dense Base: Regardless of toppings, corn is a nutritious vegetable providing fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, beneficial for digestion and eye health.

Calorie Breakdown: How Many Calories are in 1 Cup of Buttered Corn?

A standard serving of buttered corn, typically measured as one cup, can vary in its calorie count due to the amount of butter used. On average, you can expect the calorie range to be between 175 and 195 calories per cup. While the corn itself is a healthy, low-fat vegetable, the addition of butter is what significantly increases the calorie and fat content. A single tablespoon of butter adds approximately 100 calories and 7 grams of saturated fat, which means even a small amount can drastically change the nutritional profile of your dish. To accurately determine the calorie count for your specific serving, you need to consider the type of corn and the amount of fat added.

The Nutritional Profile of Corn Itself

Before adding butter, corn is a nutrient-dense food with many health benefits. A plain cup of cooked corn contains approximately 125 calories, with most of those calories coming from carbohydrates. It is also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full longer. Corn is packed with vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health. By understanding the baseline nutritional value of plain corn, you can better appreciate how additional ingredients, like butter, impact the final dish.

How Preparation Method Affects Calorie Count

The way you prepare your corn has a major impact on its total calories. Simply boiling or steaming corn without any added fat results in the lowest calorie count. However, most people enjoy the flavor and richness that butter provides. Other preparation methods, such as grilling or roasting with oil, can also alter the calorie count. Grilling corn with butter, for example, can introduce slightly different calorie totals compared to boiling and adding butter afterward. Different fat sources also have varying calorie densities. For instance, using olive oil instead of butter can offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats while still adding flavor. The best approach for managing calories is to measure your butter or oil carefully rather than eyeballing it.

Reducing Calories in Buttered Corn: Smart Swaps

If you're watching your calorie intake but still want the comforting flavor of buttered corn, there are several easy substitutions you can make:

Use a Butter Substitute: Instead of full-fat butter, opt for a light margarine spread or a butter-flavored spray. Some people also enjoy using a small amount of extra virgin olive oil for a different flavor profile.
Add Flavorful Spices: Enhance the corn's natural sweetness and savory notes with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, chili powder, or a dash of black pepper. Herbs like chives, cilantro, or parsley can also add a fresh, vibrant taste without any extra calories.
Incorporate Healthy Toppings: For a creamy texture, try a small amount of Greek yogurt or a low-fat sour cream alternative. Lime juice or lemon juice can also brighten the flavor and add a zesty kick.
Control Portion Sizes: Being mindful of the portion size you serve yourself is a fundamental way to manage calorie intake. A small bowl can be just as satisfying as a large one, especially when paired with a balanced meal.

Calorie Comparison: Buttered Corn vs. Alternatives

To put the calories of buttered corn into perspective, let's compare it to other popular corn dishes. This comparison table uses average nutritional values.


Corn Dish	Approximate Calories per 1 Cup	Main Calorie Source	Notes
Buttered Corn	175-195	Corn, butter	Calorie count varies greatly with butter amount.
Plain Cooked Corn	~125	Corn (carbohydrates)	Low-fat, low-calorie baseline.
Canned Corn (drained)	~133	Corn, sodium	Often higher in sodium than fresh.
Creamed Corn (Homemade)	~200-250+	Corn, butter, cream/milk	Higher in calories due to dairy added for creaminess.
Grilled Corn with Butter	~150	Corn, butter	Calorie count depends on amount of butter used for grilling.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Choices for Your Health

While buttered corn is a delicious and classic side dish, it's important to be mindful of its calorie and fat content, which is largely influenced by the amount of butter added. Plain corn is a healthy, low-fat vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. By making small, smart substitutions—like using a controlled amount of butter or healthier alternatives—you can enjoy the flavor you love while keeping your meal in line with your dietary goals. Understanding the calorie breakdown and comparing options allows you to make informed decisions that support your overall health and wellness. Whether you're aiming for weight management or simply a more balanced diet, enjoying buttered corn in moderation or with a lighter touch is a simple way to stay on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make buttered corn lower in calories, use a smaller amount of butter, opt for a butter-flavored spray, or use a tablespoon of olive oil instead. You can also enhance the flavor with calorie-free seasonings like pepper, chili powder, or fresh herbs.

Buttered corn can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. The corn itself provides fiber and nutrients, but the addition of butter increases saturated fat and calories. It's healthiest with controlled amounts of butter or healthier alternatives.

Not necessarily. A cup of drained, canned corn has around 133 calories, while a cup of fresh, cooked corn has about 125 calories. The difference is minimal, and the calorie count is more dependent on added ingredients.

Healthier alternatives to butter include extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or chives, a squeeze of lime juice, or a small dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

The calorie count for a single ear of corn with butter can vary based on its size and the amount of butter used. A medium ear of corn has about 88 calories without butter, so a typical buttered ear might contain around 150 calories or more.

Yes, plain corn can be good for weight loss when eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is a relatively low-calorie food that is also filling due to its fiber and protein content, which can help regulate hunger.

Corn is a good source of fiber, B vitamins (thiamin), magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health. It also contains carbohydrates for energy.