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Muffins

For a fast breakfast, serve warm, whole-grain, low-fat muffins with fruit and yogurt.

These small, cake-like quick breads are yeast-free and leavened with baking soda or baking powder. They gained near-universal acclaim in the early 1980s as a “healthy” breakfast, but beware: many muffins may have more than 500 calories and 16 grams of fat.

Varieties

Muffins come in a nearly endless variety of flavors—usually sweet, but sometimes tart—and may contain nuts, seeds, fruit, chocolate, spices, and other ingredients. Among the most popular flavors are bran, blueberry, and corn. They’re available in low-fat, fat-free, whole-grain, wheat-free, and dairy-free versions.

Buying and storing tips

Buy muffins in the bakery section of health food and grocery stores. Choose the whole-grain and lower-fat varieties whenever possible. Store in a plastic bag at room temperature, and use within a couple of days.

Availability

Muffins are available year-round.

Preparation, uses and tips

Serve warm, whole-grain, low-fat muffins with fruit and yogurt, or soy milk, for a fast breakfast.

Nutritional Highlights

Muffin (blueberry, commercial), 1 muffin (large, 3 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches) (8.25 x 7cm)
Calories: 197
Protein: 3.9g
Carbohydrate: 34g
Total Fat: 4.6g
Fiber: 1.8g
*Good source of: Phosphorus (140mg), and Selenium (7.9mcg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.

Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for bread
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other breads. Read about health benefits and concerns for bread for a full description.