What is polenta made of?

Polenta is primarily made from cornmeal and water.

How do you prepare polenta?

Polenta is boiled and stirred until it thickens, then can be served immediately or chilled.

Yes, polenta is gluten-free as it is made from corn.

Grains

Polenta is a dish made from boiled cornmeal, often served as a base or side dish for various meals.

Per 100 g

70 kcal

1 serving

70 kcal

(100 g)

Protein	Carbs	Fat
2 g / 100g	15 g / 100g	1.5 g / 100g

Where the calories come from

Protein 10% · Carbs 73% · Fat 17%

Share of energy: 4 kcal per gram of protein and carbs, 9 kcal per gram of fat.

1 serving (100 g, 70 kcal) is 4% of a 2,000 kcal day. 2,000 kcal is the reference day used on nutrition labels, not a personal target.
Burning 1 serving takes about 17 min of brisk walking. Estimate for a 70 kg adult walking briskly (about 4 kcal a minute).

Polenta is number 1 of 6 by calories per 100 g, lowest first. The similar foods average 137 kcal per 100 g.

Food	kcal / 100 g	Protein / 100 g
Polenta	70	2 g
Nutty Barley Salad	120	4 g
Turmeric Rice Salad	130	3 g
Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries	140	4 g
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa	143	4.1 g
Bulgur and Roasted Veggie Bowl	150	5 g

Nutrition data updated June 12, 2026.

6/10

A low-calorie option that can be healthy when prepared without excessive fat.

What is polenta made of?: Polenta is primarily made from cornmeal and water.
How do you prepare polenta?: Polenta is boiled and stirred until it thickens, then can be served immediately or chilled.
Is polenta gluten free?: Yes, polenta is gluten-free as it is made from corn.

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