Agutuk with huckleberries and whale oil
Agutuk (also spelled Akutaq) is a traditional Alaskan Native dessert, often called 'Eskimo ice cream.' It is typically made by whipping animal fat (traditionally seal or whale oil, sometimes reindeer or moose fat) with water and sugar, then folding in berries like huckleberries, salmonberries, or blueberries.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in fat and calories due to the whipped animal oil base, providing a dense source of energy. It is low in carbohydrates and protein, with its primary nutrients being fat-soluble vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids from the marine oil.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 45 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Vitamin D | 10 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 5 mg |
| Vitamin K | 8 mcg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 1.2 g |
| Selenium | 12 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
| Copper | 0.1 mg |
Per 1/2 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Agutuk is a remarkable example of traditional food preservation and energy-dense nutrition, designed to sustain people in the harsh Arctic climate. The use of whale oil gives it a distinct, rich flavor and a unique, fluffy texture when whipped, setting it apart from Western desserts.
