MARTHA WHITE 5 POUND YELLOW CORN MEAL SELF RISING EACH
Martha White 5 Pound Yellow Corn Meal Self Rising scores 48/100 (Decent) due to its **high sodium content**, which significantly impacts its overall nutritional profile.
FoodScore: 48/100 (Decent), indicating a moderate nutritional value.
Contains 1441.18mg of sodium per 100g, a primary nutritional concern.
Provides 2.9g of fiber and 5.88g of protein per 100g.
Classified as NOVA class 3 (processed), typical for self-rising grain mixes.
Best used in moderation as a component of a balanced meal.
Scores +1 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Martha White 5 Pound Yellow Corn Meal Self Rising receives a FoodScore of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of some beneficial nutrients and significant drawbacks. On the positive side, the product earns bonus points for its fiber content (2.9g per 100g) and protein (5.88g per 100g). It also provides notable amounts of micronutrients such as potassium (15% DV), calcium (10% DV), and iron (16% DV) per 100g, contributing positively to its score. However, the most significant penalty comes from its high sodium content, at 1441.18mg per 100g, which is a substantial amount and a key factor in lowering the score. Additionally, as a processed food (NOVA class 3), it incurs a penalty. The inclusion of enriched degerminated yellow corn meal and enriched flour means that while some nutrients are added back, it is not a whole grain product. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this Martha White product lacks the full spectrum of nutrients found in intact whole grains and has a considerably higher sodium level.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in martha white 5 pound yellow corn meal self rising each actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Essential Minerals
This corn meal provides a source of several essential minerals, including iron (16% DV), potassium (15% DV), and calcium (10% DV) per 100g. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, while potassium supports nerve function and blood pressure regulation. Calcium is vital for bone health. Incorporating foods that contribute to these mineral intakes can help meet daily nutritional requirements, especially when consumed as part of a varied diet.
Contribution to Fiber Intake
With 2.9g of fiber per 100g, Martha White 5 Pound Yellow Corn Meal Self Rising can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for maintaining digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. While not a primary source of fiber, this product, when combined with other fiber-rich foods like vegetables and whole grains, can help individuals reach their recommended daily fiber goals.
Provides Protein
This product offers 5.88g of protein per 100g, which contributes to daily protein needs. Protein is fundamental for muscle repair and growth, enzyme production, and overall bodily functions. While not a high-protein food, the protein content in this corn meal can supplement other protein sources in a meal, supporting satiety and nutrient intake.
Martha White 5 Pound Yellow Corn Meal Self Rising scores 48/100 (Decent) due to its high sodium content, which significantly impacts its overall nutritional profile.
How to eat it
Self-rising corn meal is typically used in baking to create items like cornbread, hushpuppies, and fried green tomatoes. It's designed to be a convenient base, with leavening agents already included. A common serving size is 3 tablespoons, which is a relatively small amount, but it's often consumed in larger portions within a finished dish. Be mindful of portion sizes of the final cooked product.
To balance the high sodium, pair cornbread made with this product with unsalted vegetables or lean protein.
Consider using a smaller portion of the self-rising corn meal and supplementing with plain cornmeal to reduce overall sodium.
When making cornbread, use low-fat milk or buttermilk and avoid adding extra salt to the recipe.
Incorporate into recipes that feature a high proportion of fresh ingredients to dilute the sodium concentration.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for Martha White 5 Pound Yellow Corn Meal Self Rising is its high sodium content (1441.18mg per 100g). Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with high blood pressure or heart conditions, should consume this product in moderation. The ingredient list includes "Wheat Flour" and "Malted Barley Flour," indicating that this product contains gluten, making it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The leavening agents, including "Sodium Aluminum Phosphate," are common food additives generally recognized as safe, but some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of such processed ingredients.
Is Martha White 5 Pound Yellow Corn Meal Self Rising healthy?
Martha White 5 Pound Yellow Corn Meal Self Rising scores 48/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. While it provides some fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and potassium, its high sodium content is a significant nutritional drawback. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with low-sodium foods.
How does Martha White Self Rising Corn Meal compare to a generic whole-grain cornmeal?
Compared to a generic whole-grain cornmeal, Martha White Self Rising Corn Meal is more processed (NOVA class 3) and contains added leavening agents and salt. A whole-grain cornmeal would typically offer more dietary fiber and a broader range of micronutrients inherent to the whole grain, with significantly less sodium.
What is 'enriched degerminated yellow corn meal'?
'Enriched degerminated yellow corn meal' means that the germ and bran have been removed from the corn kernel, and then certain nutrients, such as niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, have been added back to restore nutritional value. This process extends shelf life but removes some natural fiber and nutrients.
What is a reasonable portion size for this corn meal?
The declared serving size is 3 tablespoons (approximately 25.5g). However, this is for the dry product. When prepared into dishes like cornbread, a typical slice might contain a larger amount. It's important to consider the sodium contribution of the prepared dish and adjust other sodium sources in your meal accordingly.
Can I use this corn meal for gluten-free recipes?
No, Martha White 5 Pound Yellow Corn Meal Self Rising is not suitable for gluten-free recipes. Its ingredient list explicitly includes "Wheat Flour" and "Malted Barley Flour," both of which contain gluten. Individuals requiring a gluten-free diet should look for products specifically labeled as gluten-free.
How does this compare to other self-rising cornmeal brands like Aunt Jemima?
Nutritional profiles can vary between self-rising cornmeal brands. While specific comparisons would require checking individual labels, many self-rising cornmeal products, including those from brands like Aunt Jemima, tend to have similar high sodium levels due to the added leavening and salt. Always check the nutrition facts panel for the most accurate comparison.