Understanding How Many Calories Does a Corn Cake Have?

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a single, plain puffed corn cake can have as few as 18-35 calories, making it a potentially low-calorie snack option. Understanding how many calories does a corn cake have? is key for anyone watching their intake, as the exact number depends heavily on the brand, size, and type.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a corn cake varies significantly depending on the product, from low-fat puffed versions to higher-calorie homemade recipes. This guide details the calorie differences between brands, compares them to rice cakes, and offers healthy topping suggestions for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Low Calorie Range: A single puffed corn cake typically contains 18 to 35 calories, making it a light snack option.
Brand Variation Matters: Calorie counts differ between brands; smaller, low-fat options like Radisson (around 7 kcal) contrast with standard sizes (around 35 kcal).
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade corn cakes or fritters, cooked with additional ingredients and oil, contain significantly more calories than their packaged, puffed counterparts.
Toppings Increase Calories: While the cake itself is low-calorie, toppings like nut butters, cheeses, and jams will substantially increase the total calorie count.
Nutritional Additions: Pairing corn cakes with healthy toppings such as avocado, hummus, or cottage cheese adds valuable nutrients like protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Similar to Rice Cakes: Puffed corn cakes and rice cakes have comparable calorie counts and can be used interchangeably as a low-calorie, gluten-free snack base.

For those managing their calorie intake or seeking a light, gluten-free snack, corn cakes are often a consideration. However, the caloric value can vary widely, from as low as 18 kcal for some brands to over 250 kcal for a single homemade cake. This is because the term "corn cake" can refer to two distinct products: the crunchy, low-calorie puffed cakes found in the snack aisle and the denser, higher-calorie, often fried or baked variety made from cornmeal.

Calorie Breakdown for Packaged Puffed Corn Cakes

The most common type of corn cake is the packaged, puffed version, similar to a rice cake. Their low-calorie nature makes them a popular base for various toppings. The calories for these products are generally minimal per serving. The following is a detailed look at the calorie and nutritional information for a standard serving.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several factors can affect the number of calories in a puffed corn cake:

Size and Weight: A larger or heavier cake will naturally have more calories.
Flavorings: While basic corn cakes are low in calories, those with added flavorings like cheese, chocolate, or caramel will be higher.
Preparation: Some brands may use a small amount of sunflower oil in their preparation, adding a tiny amount of fat and calories.

Brand Comparison Table

Here's a comparison of the typical calorie content per single cake for various brands based on available nutritional data:


Brand/Type	Calories Per Cake (approx.)	Notes
Kallo Lightly Salted	~26 kcal	Low-fat, whole grain.
Jacobs Corn Cakes	~18 kcal	Salt-free, lower calorie.
Generic Puffed Corn Cake	~35 kcal	Based on standard 9g USDA data.
Radisson Mini Corn Cakes	~7 kcal	Smaller size, very low calorie.
Sante Corn Cakes Extra Thin	~40 kcal per cake	Slightly larger cake.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Corn Cakes

It's crucial to differentiate between the puffed snack and the recipes for fried or baked cornmeal cakes. Homemade versions, often called fritters, can have a significantly higher calorie count due to added ingredients and cooking methods. For example:

Homemade Corn Fritters: A recipe using flour, egg, milk, and oil can contain upwards of 280 calories per serving.
Homemade Cornbread Cakes: A cheesy corn cake recipe can contain around 284 calories per cake, showing how ingredients like cheese and buttermilk greatly increase the energy value.

Corn Cakes vs. Rice Cakes: A Calorie Showdown

For many, the choice is between a corn cake and a rice cake. Nutritionally, they are very similar, both serving as a low-calorie, crispy vessel for toppings.

Similar Calorie Ranges: Most plain puffed corn and rice cakes fall into a similar calorie range, typically between 18-40 calories per cake, depending on brand and size.
Nutritional Differences: Both offer minimal fat, with whole-grain versions providing some fiber. Some people choose corn cakes as an alternative to rice cakes to avoid potential arsenic concerns in rice.
Glycemic Index: Puffed corn cakes typically have a high glycemic index (GI), meaning they can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. This is a key nutritional point to consider for those monitoring blood sugar levels.

Making Corn Cakes a Healthy Snack

The real nutritional value of a corn cake comes from what you put on it. By adding healthy toppings, you can increase the protein, fiber, and healthy fat content, making it a more balanced and satisfying snack.

Ideas for Low-Calorie, Nutritious Toppings:

Smashed Avocado: A source of healthy fats, fiber, and flavor.
Cottage Cheese: Provides a boost of protein, making the snack more filling.
Hummus: A savory topping offering fiber and protein.
Nut Butter: A small amount of natural peanut or almond butter adds healthy fats and protein. Be mindful of portion size to keep calories in check.
Smoked Salmon with Low-Fat Cream Cheese: A balanced and flavorful combination.
Fresh Fruits: Sliced banana or berries can provide natural sweetness and fiber.

Conclusion

For those seeking a low-calorie base for a snack, puffed corn cakes are an excellent choice, with calories typically ranging from 18 to 35 kcal per cake depending on the brand. It’s important to check nutritional labels, as the total calorie count for your snack is a combination of the cake and the toppings. While homemade corn cakes often contain more calories due to added fats and sugars, packaged, puffed versions offer a versatile and simple way to enjoy a crunchy snack. Opting for whole-grain options and pairing them with nutritious, whole-food toppings like avocado, hummus, or cottage cheese can transform a simple corn cake into a satisfying and well-rounded mini-meal.

For more detailed nutritional information and recipe ideas, check out the resources at Harvard Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, plain, puffed corn cakes can be a good snack for weight loss due to their low calorie content. They are light and crispy, but it's important to be mindful of toppings, as high-calorie additions can undermine their low-calorie base.

In terms of calories, puffed corn cakes and rice cakes are very similar, both typically offering 18 to 40 calories per cake. Your choice between them often comes down to taste preference or avoiding arsenic found in rice.

Homemade corn cakes, often like fritters, are typically made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, and cooked in oil, making them much higher in calories. Packaged corn cakes are puffed from whole corn, are low in fat, and significantly lower in calories.

Healthy, low-calorie toppings include smashed avocado, low-fat cottage cheese, hummus, or fresh fruit like sliced berries. These options add nutrients without adding excessive calories.

Yes, plain, puffed corn cakes are naturally gluten-free as they are made from corn, not wheat. This makes them a suitable option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Yes, flavored corn cakes typically have a higher calorie count than plain ones. Varieties with added sugar, chocolate, or cheese will add calories, so always check the nutrition label.

Most plain, lightly salted corn cakes are relatively low in sodium. However, sodium content can increase with added flavorings or toppings, so reading the label is important.