Cottonseed brittle
Cottonseed brittle is a traditional sweet confection made primarily from cottonseed kernels (also known as cottonseed meats) cooked with sugar or syrup until the mixture hardens into a brittle, crunchy candy. It is often flavored with vanilla or other aromatics and may include nuts or seeds for added texture. This treat has historical roots in the American South, where cotton was a major crop and cottonseed was a plentiful byproduct.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Cottonseed brittle is typically high in carbohydrates from sugar and fat from the oil-rich cottonseed kernels, with a moderate amount of plant-based protein. A standard serving (about 1 ounce or 28 grams) provides roughly 150-180 calories, along with small amounts of iron, magnesium, and antioxidants from the seeds.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
| Zinc | 0.8 mg |
| Iron | 0.7 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.5 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.1 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.5 mg |
| Folate | 10 mcg |
Per 1 piece (about 30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Cottonseed brittle is a unique example of agricultural ingenuity, transforming a byproduct of the cotton industry into a palatable treat during times when food resources were scarce. Nutritionally, cottonseed contains gossypol, a natural compound that requires processing to remove before consumption, making this brittle a historically interesting case of adapting inedible materials into safe, enjoyable food.
