Snacks, corn-based, extruded, cones, plain
Whole food · Snacks
Photo: Wikipedia
These are light, airy, cone-shaped snacks made from cornmeal that has been extruded and puffed. They offer a satisfyingly crisp, crunchy texture and a mild, toasty corn flavor. Nutritionally, they are a high-energy, carbohydrate-dense food with a significant fat content from the extrusion process.
💚 Why it's loved
People love them for their addictive, light crunch and mild flavor that pairs well with dips or stands alone. Their unique cone shape is fun to eat and makes them a versatile base for toppings or a crunchy addition to snack mixes.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high carbohydrate and fat content can contribute to blood sugar spikes and excess calorie intake if not portion-controlled. They are a processed snack with low fiber and protein, offering little satiety. To counteract, pair with a protein or fat source like hummus or cheese to slow digestion, and be mindful of serving size.
Key benefits
- Provides quick, accessible energy from carbohydrates.
- Low in sugar, making it a savory option.
- Lightweight and non-perishable, ideal for on-the-go snacking.
- Gluten-free, suitable for those with celiac disease.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The extrusion process that creates these cones uses high heat and pressure to puff the cornmeal, a technology that revolutionized the snack industry in the 20th century.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 2.0 g |
| Energy | 510 kcal |
| Energy | 2134 kj |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 26.9 g |
| Ash | 2.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 62.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 3.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 11.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 44.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 81.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1022 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.21 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.09 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 3.8 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.32 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.24 mg |
| Niacin | 1.4 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.23 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 3.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 3.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 3.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 16.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 318 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 22.8 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 2.0 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 1.6 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 11.7 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 4.4 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.2 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.74 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.7 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.7 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.78 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.78 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.22 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.21 g |
| Leucine | 0.71 g |
| Lysine | 0.16 g |
| Methionine | 0.12 g |
| Cystine | 0.10 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.29 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.24 g |
| Valine | 0.29 g |
| Arginine | 0.29 g |
| Histidine | 0.18 g |
| Alanine | 0.44 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.41 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.1 g |
| Glycine | 0.24 g |
| Proline | 0.51 g |
| Serine | 0.28 g |
FAQ
Are these corn cones gluten-free?
Yes, they are typically made from corn and are naturally gluten-free, making them a safe snack for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Always check the label for cross-contamination warnings.
Why are they so high in fat?
The fat content comes from oils added during the extrusion and manufacturing process to achieve the desired texture and flavor. This is common for many extruded snack foods.
Can I use them as a substitute for tortilla chips?
They can work for scooping dips, but their texture is lighter and crunchier, and they are more fragile. They will absorb moisture from wet dips faster than a denser chip.