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When it comes to breakfast, there are many options available for folks looking for a delicious and hearty meal. From pancakes with butter and syrup to fried eggs with bacon, everyone has their own version of the perfect morning start-up. But for those searching for something different or unique in the cereal department, two popular choices stand out: Grits and Cream of Wheat.
In this post, we’ll dive into these two popular starches by taking an in-depth look at what they are made from, nutritional facts, texture comparisons and more! Stick around as we take a side-by-side approach to discover which cereal you should be adding to your grocery list today!
What are Grits?
Grits are a dish, commonly eaten in the Southern United States, made from ground and boiled corn. The exact process of how to make grits is as follows: take whole kernels of dent corn (also known as field corn or Indian corn), grind it into a coarse meal, bring it to a boil with salted water or milk until it reaches creamy consistency and then simmer for several hours until the desired texture is achieved. Grits can be served plain, with butter and salt or even spiced up with garlic, herbs and cheese!
What is Cream of Wheat?
Cream of Wheat is a wheat-based cereal made from farina, which is basically finely ground wheat grain. To make this breakfast favorite, you start with wheat berries, grind them into a powder-like consistency and then cook it in water or milk until it thickens up. After that, you can add butter, salt and sugar (or honey) to taste.
History of Both Foods
Grits have been a popular dish in the Southern United States since early Native Americans began cultivating and harvesting corn. It even became so popular that it was given its own name – “hominy grits”!
On the other hand, Cream of Wheat was invented by a gentleman from Grand Forks, North Dakota way back in 1893 after he had been inspired by porridge recipes from Scotland. Since then, it has become an American staple breakfast cereal enjoyed around the world.
Ingredients & Nutrition Comparison
What Goes Into Each Food?
Grits: Ground corn, salt, butter (optional).
Cream of Wheat: Farina, wheat berries, sugar/honey (optional), butter (optional).
Nutritional Facts Comparison
Grits: A one-cup serving of cooked grits contains 147 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. It also provides 1 gram of fiber and 5 grams of protein.
Cream of Wheat: A one-cup serving of cooked Cream of Wheat has 131 calories and 1 gram of fat. It also has 4 grams of dietary fiber and 5 grams of protein.
Vitamins, Minerals and Other Nutritional Content
Grits: Calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamins A and E.
Cream of Wheat: Vitamin B1 and folate are present in Cream of Wheat. It also contains some manganese and phosphorus.
Preparation Differences
How to Make Grits vs Cream of Wheat
Grits: Grits are made by boiling ground dent corn with salted water or milk for several hours until the desired texture is achieved. The grits can then be served plain, topped with butter, or spiced up with herbs, cheese and garlic.
Cream of Wheat: As mentioned before, Cream of Wheat is made from wheat berries that are ground into a powder-like consistency and then cooked in water or milk until thickened. After cooking, additional ingredients like sugar/honey, butter and salt can be added to taste.
Different Uses for Each Dish
Grits: Grits can be served as a side dish, or used as an ingredient in other recipes like casseroles or even pancakes.
Cream of Wheat: Cream of Wheat is usually eaten as breakfast cereal, but it can also be used to thicken soups and make desserts like pudding.
Flavor Profiles and Serving Suggestions
Taste Variations
Grits: Grits can be served plain, with butter and salt, or even spiced up with garlic, herbs and cheese.
Cream of Wheat: Cream of Wheat has a slightly sweet flavor that makes it perfect to eat as-is or topped with butter, sugar/honey, cinnamon and other spices.
Serving Suggestions
Grits: Grits are often served as a side dish for breakfast alongside bacon or sausage in the Southern United States. It is also popularly used in recipes such as casseroles and pancakes.
Cream of Wheat: Cream of Wheat is usually enjoyed for breakfast as cereal either hot or cold. It can also be added to soups to thicken them up and used in baking to make desserts like pudding.
Which One Is Healthier?
When it comes to healthfulness, both grits and Cream of Wheat are relatively similar. Both contain complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals. Grits may have slightly more calories but they do contain some important micronutrients like iron, potassium and zinc that you won’t find in Cream of Wheat. Both are excellent sources of B vitamins and folate.
Frequently Asked Questions | Grits vs Cream of Wheat
1. How do you cook grits and Cream of Wheat?
Both products need to be boiled and stirred frequently until they reach desired consistency. The cooking time varies depending on the type and quantity being cooked; however, it usually takes 10-20 minutes for both types of cereals.
2. Is one more nutritious than the other?
While they have some similarities nutritionally, there are some key differences. Grits are higher in fat and carbohydrates, while Cream of Wheat is lower in calories and fat but has more protein.
3. Are they both gluten free?
No, only cream of wheat is gluten-free. Grits contain gluten and are not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
4. What flavors can you find for grits and Cream of Wheat?
Grits typically come in plain or cheese flavors, while Cream of Wheat comes in plain, cinnamon spice, raisin & brown sugar, banana nut, blueberry muffin, vanilla almond and other varieties.
5. Is one type better for certain dishes than the other?
Grits are better suited for savory dishes like shrimp and grits or cheesy grits. Cream of Wheat is preferable for sweet breakfast dishes, such as pancakes or waffles.
6. Can you substitute one for the other?
Yes, you can substitute grits for Cream of Wheat in a recipe, but it may be necessary to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratios since they have different cooking requirements. Similarly, cream of wheat can be substituted for grits in recipes, although this will also require some adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Grits vs Cream of Wheat: A Side-by-Side Comparison is a great way to explore the two popular breakfast foods and decide which one suits your tastes better. While both are nutritious and can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and protein, they do differ in terms of ingredients, taste and preparation. Grits are made from ground dent corn while Cream of Wheat is made from wheat berries. Grits usually have a savory flavor while Cream of Wheat has a slightly sweet taste. Regardless of which one you choose to eat for breakfast or as a side dish, both options offer an excellent source of nutrition that can set you up for success throughout the day!
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