Arepa de Maíz
Arepa de Maíz is a traditional, round, flat corn cake that is a staple food in Venezuela and Colombia. It is primarily made from precooked corn flour, water, and salt, often formed into a disk and cooked on a griddle or fried. The arepa is incredibly versatile, frequently split open and filled with a wide variety of ingredients like cheese, beans, meats, or avocado.
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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
As a corn-based food, an arepa is predominantly a source of carbohydrates, providing energy. It is relatively low in fat and protein on its own, but becomes more nutritionally balanced when filled, and offers key nutrients like iron and B vitamins from the corn.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 215 kcal |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Carbs | 44 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.5 mg |
| Folate | 80 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
| Selenium | 6 mcg |
Per 1 plain arepa (approx. 100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The arepa is more than just food; it's a cultural icon and a daily ritual for millions, with entire shops dedicated to its preparation. Its dough is uniquely gluten-free, making it a naturally accessible staple for those with gluten sensitivities.
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AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms