Cereals, QUAKER, Instant Grits, Redeye Gravy & Country Ham flavor, dry

Breakfast Cereals Instant Grits

Quaker Redeye Gravy & Country Ham Instant Grits are a savory instant breakfast cereal made from corn grits. One 28g packet contains ~96 calories, ~2.8g protein, ~0.44g fat and ~21.2g carbohydrates along with notable iron levels (~11.8mg, ~65% DV) and B vitamins like thiamin and niacin. Although convenient and low in fat, these flavored grits are high in sodium and are best consumed as part of a balanced meal rather than alone.

⚡ Quick Facts

Calories
≈96 kcal per 28g packet
Key Nutrient
Protein: ~2.8g
Key Nutrient
Carbohydrates: ~21.2g
Key Nutrient
Dietary Fiber: ~1.3g

What Is Quaker Instant Grits? Origin and Varieties

Quaker Instant Grits are a type of ready‑to‑prepare corn based breakfast cereal that hail from the American South, where grits have been a staple for centuries. Grits themselves are made from dried corn kernels — often dent corn — that are coarsely ground and then processed into various textures, from coarse stone‑ground to finely milled instant forms. The instant variety, like the Redeye Gravy & Country Ham flavor, is pre‑cooked and dehydrated, allowing it to prepare in under two minutes by simply adding hot water or microwaving. These grits are flavored to emulate a savory Southern breakfast with imitation ham bits and gravy seasoning, catering to consumers seeking convenience without sacrificing bold tastes. Traditional grits date back to Native American culinary practices long before commercial brands existed, serving as an economical and filling meal. Over time, grits entered mainstream American diets, particularly in the Southeast, where they accompany eggs, shrimp, cheese, and meats. Commercial grits now come in many varieties including original (unflavored), cheese, butter, bacon, and specialty savory or sweet options. While stone‑ground grits retain more of the whole grain structure and nutrients, instant grits trade some fiber and micronutrients for rapid preparation, often enriched or fortified with iron and B vitamins to compensate. Variations across brands include different grain sources — such as yellow versus white corn — and additions like herbs and spices. However, all grits start from the same core ingredient: coarsely ground corn (maize).

❤️ Health Benefits

Source of Essential Micronutrients

Fortification and intrinsic nutrient content provide iron and B vitamins that support oxygen transport and energy metabolism.

Evidence: moderate

⚖️ Comparisons

Vs. Stone‑ground grits

Stone‑ground grits retain more fiber and whole‑grain nutrients than instant varieties, which have the germ and bran removed.

🧊 Storage Guide

🏠
Counter
Up to 12 months dry before opening
⚠️ Signs of Spoilage:
  • smell: musty or rancid odor
  • visual: clumping from moisture, insects or webbing
  • texture: hard lumps indicating moisture
  • when to discard: evidence of pests, mold growth

👥 Special Considerations

elderly

Why: Sodium may affect blood pressure.

Recommendation: Monitor sodium intake

athletes

Why: Provides carbohydrate energy but should be paired with protein.

Recommendation: Good for quick energy

children

Why: High sodium may be unsuitable for young children.

Recommendation: Limited portions

pregnancy

Why: High sodium and imitation ingredients may not be ideal; iron and folate are beneficial but best from whole foods.

Recommendation: Consume in moderation

breastfeeding

Why: Serves as energy source; pair with fruits/veggies for nutrients.

Recommendation: OK with balanced meal

🔬 Detailed Nutrition Profile (USDA)

Common Portions

1.00 packet (1 NLEA serving) (28.00g)
1.00 packet (1 NLEA serving) (28.00g)
Nutrient Amount Unit
Water 7.0600 g
Energy 342.0000 kcal
Energy 1430.0000 kJ
Protein 9.8300 g
Total lipid (fat) 1.5800 g
Ash 5.6700 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 75.8600 g
Fiber, total dietary 4.6000 g
Total Sugars 0.7100 g
Calcium, Ca 441.0000 mg
Iron, Fe 42.0300 mg
Magnesium, Mg 32.0000 mg
Phosphorus, P 79.0000 mg
Potassium, K 172.0000 mg
Sodium, Na 1805.0000 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.4800 mg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 0.0000 mg
Thiamin 0.8500 mg
Riboflavin 0.7400 mg
Niacin 8.9700 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.1500 mg
Folate, total 187.0000 µg
Vitamin B-12 0.0000 µg
Vitamin A, RAE 0.0000 µg
Vitamin A, IU 1.0000 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.1100 mg
Fatty acids, total saturated 0.2300 g
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated 0.4100 g
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 0.7300 g
Fatty acids, total trans 0.0500 g
Cholesterol 0.0000 mg

Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 172992)

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