Calories In One Corn On The Cob With Butter
Summer is just around the corner, and that means one thing: it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy some seasonal food. One of the staples of summer cuisine is corn on the cob, particularly when slathered in butter. But how many calories are in a single ear of corn with butter, and is it a healthy choice? Let's take a closer look.
The Nutritional Value of Corn on the Cob
First, let's talk about the nutritional value of corn on the cob without any additions. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one ear of yellow corn on the cob (approximately 6-3/4" to 7-1/2" long) contains:
- 77 calories
- 3 grams of protein
- 1 gram of fat
- 17 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of fiber
- 3 grams of sugar
Corn on the cob is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.
The Calories in Butter
Now, let's talk about the butter. One tablespoon of butter contains approximately 102 calories, 12 grams of fat, and no protein or carbohydrates. In other words, butter is a high-calorie, high-fat addition to your corn on the cob.
Calculating the Total Calories in One Corn on the Cob With Butter
If you add one tablespoon of butter to your ear of corn on the cob, the total number of calories increases to 179. That's almost three times the number of calories found in the corn alone. If you add more butter or eat multiple ears of corn, the calorie count will continue to rise.
Are Corn on the Cob With Butter Healthy?
So, is corn on the cob with butter a healthy choice? The answer, as with most foods, is that it depends on how much you eat and how often you consume it. Corn on the cob is a nutritious vegetable that provides important vitamins and minerals. However, the addition of butter adds a significant amount of calories and fat.
If you're watching your weight or trying to eat a healthy diet, you may want to limit your consumption of corn on the cob with butter or find ways to enjoy it without adding extra calories. Some options include grilling the corn and seasoning it with spices or using a low-calorie butter substitute.
The Bottom Line
Corn on the cob with butter is a delicious summertime treat, but it's important to be aware of the calorie count. One ear of corn with one tablespoon of butter contains almost three times the number of calories found in the corn alone. If you're trying to eat a healthy diet, consider limiting your consumption or finding alternative ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite.