Hush puppy
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A hush puppy is a savory, deep-fried ball or fritter made from a cornmeal-based batter. It boasts a delightfully crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet interior. Nutritionally, it is a carbohydrate-dense energy source, with a notable amount of fat from the frying process.
Calorie split: 8% protein · 53% carbs · 39% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love hush puppies for their irresistible combination of a crunchy shell and a tender, savory-sweet center. They are a beloved staple in Southern U.S. cuisine, often served alongside fried fish or barbecue, evoking a sense of comfort and tradition.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The deep-frying method makes them high in fat and calories, which can contribute to blood-sugar spikes due to the refined cornmeal. To counteract this, pair them with a protein-rich main like grilled fish or a fiber-rich side salad, and practice portion control by enjoying just one or two as a side.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates
- Contains some dietary fiber from cornmeal
- Source of plant-based protein
- A traditional comfort food with cultural significance
- Versatile side dish for various meals
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The name 'hush puppy' is thought to originate from hunters or fishermen who would fry cornmeal batter and toss it to their barking dogs to 'hush the puppies.'
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 36.6 g |
| Energy | 296 kcal |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 13.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 40.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 100 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 40.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 410 mg |
| Potassium, K | 256 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 813 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.73 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.14 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 26.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.17 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.07 mg |
| Niacin | 2.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.11 mg |
| Folate, total | 143 ug |
| Folic acid | 114 ug |
| Folate, food | 29.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 223 ug |
| Choline, total | 11.6 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 |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 14.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.4 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.6 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 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.83 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 7.8 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.6 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.12 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 |
FAQ
What gives hush puppies their distinct flavor?
The primary flavor comes from cornmeal, often enhanced with onion, garlic, and sometimes a touch of sugar or buttermilk for tang and sweetness.
Are hush puppies gluten-free?
Traditional hush puppies are made with cornmeal, which is naturally gluten-free. However, some recipes or pre-mixed batters may include wheat flour, so always check ingredients if you have a gluten sensitivity.
What's the difference between a hush puppy and a corn fritter?
While similar, hush puppies are typically savory, ball-shaped, and deep-fried, with a smoother batter. Corn fritters often contain whole corn kernels, can be pan-fried, and are sometimes sweeter.
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 2.96 kcal/g · 8% calories from protein · 2.9 g fiber · 3.8 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: 3.18 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.