Wheatena Polenta

Wheatena Polenta is a hearty, porridge-like dish made from toasted whole wheat cereal, traditionally prepared by simmering it in water or milk until thick and creamy. It is a simple, comforting staple often served as a breakfast or side dish, with roots in American home cooking. The dish is essentially a quick-cooking, whole-grain alternative to traditional cornmeal polenta.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in complex carbohydrates and a good source of dietary fiber, providing sustained energy. A typical serving offers a solid amount of iron, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, with a calorie range of approximately 150-200 kcal per cup.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbs	36 g
Fat	1 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	5 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Magnesium	60 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg
Potassium	120 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	4 mg
Folate	30 mcg
Manganese	1.8 mg

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

💡 What's interesting

Wheatena Polenta is a fascinating example of a 20th-century American 'convenience food' that repurposed a popular hot cereal into a versatile, savory side dish. Nutritionally, it stands out for being a whole-grain, high-fiber option that can be easily customized with savory toppings, bridging the gap between breakfast fare and dinner accompaniment.