Key findings
- 1Traditional grits contain a single ingredient: ground dried corn kernels
- 2Stone-ground grits retain more of the corn germ and hull, providing additional fiber and nutrients
- 3Instant and flavored varieties may include additives that increase the processing level significantly
Why is Grits Level 2 on average?
Stone-ground or traditional grits are made by grinding dried corn kernels, a straightforward mechanical process that has been used for centuries. The corn may be treated with lime in the case of hominy grits (nixtamalization), which is an ancient preparation technique rather than modern industrial processing. The resulting product contains just ground corn with no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Instant grits may contain additional additives, while traditional grits remain a single-ingredient staple. In our analysis, grits products average a Processing Score of 5.0, which is Level 2.
How 105 grits products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Grits brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a grits label
- 1
Look for "stone-ground" or "whole grain" on the label for the least processed versions
- 2
Check the ingredient list; traditional grits should list only ground corn or hominy
- 3
Watch for instant grits if seeking minimal processing, as they may contain added sodium, flavors, or preservatives
- 4
Note whether the product is "hominy grits" (nixtamalized corn) or "corn grits" (simply ground corn); both are simple corn products
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Frequently asked questions
Are grits processed food?
Traditional grits are simply ground dried corn, one of the most basic forms of grain processing. Instant or flavored varieties may be more heavily processed. In our analysis, grits products average a Processing Score of 5.0, which is Level 2.
Are grits healthy to eat?
That is a nutrition question rather than a processing one. On processing, traditional grits are ground dried corn and nothing else, and stone-ground versions keep the most of the kernel. What ends up on the plate depends largely on preparation and toppings.
What is the difference between grits and polenta?
Both are ground corn products. Grits are traditionally made from white dent corn ground to a coarser texture, while polenta uses yellow flint corn ground finer. Both are made the same simple way.
Are instant grits as healthy as regular grits?
Instant grits are more heavily processed to reduce cooking time and may contain added sodium or other ingredients. Stone-ground or regular grits retain more of the whole corn kernel and have a simpler ingredient list.