Cookies, gingersnaps
Whole food · Baked Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Gingersnaps are crisp, amber-hued cookies defined by the sharp, warming bite of ginger and the deep, molasses-like sweetness of brown sugar. Their texture is a satisfying snap that gives way to a slightly chewy center, creating a perfect contrast. Nutritionally, they are a dense source of quick energy from carbohydrates, with a modest amount of protein.
Calorie split: 5% protein · 74% carbs · 21% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love gingersnaps for their complex, spicy-sweet flavor profile that feels both comforting and invigorating, especially in cooler weather. They are a versatile treat, perfect on their own, dunked in milk, or used as a flavorful crust for cheesecakes and pies.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Their high sugar and refined carbohydrate content can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, making them a poor choice for those managing diabetes or seeking sustained energy. To counteract this, pair a single cookie with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts or a piece of cheese) to slow sugar absorption and increase satiety.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates
- Contains ginger, which may aid digestion
- Offers a small amount of dietary fiber
- Can satisfy a sweet craving with a flavorful option
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The name 'gingersnap' comes from the cookie's characteristic 'snap' sound when broken, a result of its low moisture content during baking.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 5.3 g |
| Energy | 416 kcal |
| Energy | 1741 kj |
| Protein | 5.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 9.8 g |
| Ash | 2.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 76.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.2 g |
| Total Sugars | 19.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 77.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 6.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 49.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 83.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 346 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 555 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.55 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.30 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 1.6 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 5.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.20 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.29 mg |
| Niacin | 3.2 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.38 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.10 mg |
| Folate, total | 87.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 82.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 145 ug |
| Choline, total | 8.8 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 2.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.97 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.5 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.5 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.1 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.4 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.3 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.08 g |
| Threonine | 0.15 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.21 g |
| Leucine | 0.38 g |
| Lysine | 0.20 g |
| Methionine | 0.09 g |
| Cystine | 0.12 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.26 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.16 g |
| Valine | 0.25 g |
| Arginine | 0.21 g |
| Histidine | 0.11 g |
| Alanine | 0.17 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.25 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.8 g |
| Glycine | 0.19 g |
| Proline | 0.61 g |
| Serine | 0.29 g |
FAQ
Why are gingersnaps called 'snaps'?
The name refers to the crisp, audible 'snap' the cookie makes when broken in half, a hallmark of its dry, crunchy texture.
Can gingersnaps be part of a balanced diet?
Yes, when enjoyed mindfully as an occasional treat. Their strong flavor means a small serving can be satisfying. Pairing with protein or fiber helps balance the meal.
What gives gingersnaps their distinctive color and flavor?
The deep brown color and rich, complex flavor come primarily from molasses and brown sugar, while the signature spicy heat comes from ground ginger, often complemented by cinnamon and cloves.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 4.16 kcal/g · 5% calories from protein · 2.2 g fiber · 19.9 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.60 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.