Candied Yams (U.S.)

Candied yams are a classic American side dish, particularly popular in the Southern United States and a staple at holiday meals like Thanksgiving. The dish features sliced yams (often sweet potatoes) baked in a sweet, sticky glaze typically made from brown sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is very high in carbohydrates and added sugars, with a moderate amount of fat from the butter or glaze. A typical serving provides a good source of Vitamin A from the yams but can contain a high number of calories, often ranging from 300 to 500 per serving depending on the recipe.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	320 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	62 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	38 g
Sodium	180 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Vitamin A	1100 IU
Vitamin C	15 mg
Calcium	50 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Magnesium	35 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Manganese	0.8 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a beloved comfort food that symbolizes abundance and celebration at American family gatherings. Nutritionally, while the yams themselves are a nutrient-dense vegetable, the traditional preparation transforms them into a dish that's closer to a dessert than a savory side.