15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY
 

15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventShort Dated2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaPukkaGrenadeHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
dried polenta

What is polenta? Is polenta healthy?

25 Aug 2021 • 3 min read

Interested in the health benefits of polenta? Don’t worry there’s polenta to go around!

Versatile, cheap and oh-so-easy to prepare, it’s not a surprise that polenta has grown in popularity across the globe from its humble beginnings in Northern Italy.

It’s made by cooking ground cornmeal in salted water, which transforms it into a creamy side dish or breakfast – quite similar to porridge in consistency.

But is polenta healthy? Keep on reading to find out all the wonderful health benefits polenta has to offer.

In this article, we’ll run through:

  • What polenta is
  • How healthy polenta is
  • The nutrition of polenta
  • Vegan polenta
  • Where to buy polenta
  • What it’s used for
  • 9 of the best polenta alternatives

What is polenta?

Pronounced poh-lehn-ta, polenta is a cornmeal concoction that started out as ‘peasant food’ in Northern Italy.

Nowadays you will see it served up in all kinds of restaurants, including higher-end ones where polenta has earned a gourmet status – talk about moving up in the world!

Is polenta healthy?

Without any cheese or cream, polenta is considered a relatively healthy dish.

And although it doesn’t contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, it is a great source of carbohydrates to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

Find out more about the nutrition of polenta below.

Calories in polenta

In a 100g serving of cooked polenta, there is approximately 64 calories.1

Nutrition of polenta

  Energy Carbs Fibre Sugar Protein
Amount 64kcal 13g 0.8g 0g 1.6g

Carbs in polenta

In 100g of cooked polenta, there is approximately 13.6 grams of carbohydrates, which should help you to eat the right amount of carbs every day, which the Eatwell guide says should be about a third of our intake every day.3

Can you get vegan polenta?

Yes. When you buy polenta grains, they are suitable for vegans.

However some traditional recipes use cheese, cream and milk during the cooking process – so watch out for these if you’re having it made for you.

Where to buy polenta

While it isn’t a super common ingredient that can be found in every food shop, polenta can be found in health food shops and some specialist stores.

Is polenta healthier than rice?

Polenta has a similar nutritional profile to white rice, so it is hard to distinguish if one is healthier than the other.

However, we do delve further into the details of the health benefits of polenta later in the article.

What is polenta used for?

Polenta is a versatile ingredient, and can be used in a number of ways. These include:

  • As a porridge-like side dish
  • Instead of potatoes or rice
  • As breadcrumbs
  • As a gluten-free swap for flour in baking

Is polenta suitable for everyone?

Most people should be able to enjoy polenta without any negative side effects.

As we have stated above, it is also gluten-free, allowing it to be on most people’s menus – if you enjoy the unique taste that is!

Potential side effects of polenta

Fortunately, there are little to no potential side effects of polenta.

However, it is important to highlight that a diet on polenta alone without other fresh fruits, vegetables and other sources of nutrition is not recommended.

This is because it has very minimal vitamins and minerals if eaten on its own.

9 best polenta alternatives

Whether you’ve run out or you’re just looking for foods with a similar taste, here are some of the best polenta alternatives to try:

  1. Mashed potatoes

Very similar in consistency and appearance as polenta, mashed potatoes make a great alternative to polenta.

  1. Semolina

One of the best polenta alternatives is coarse semolina, as it can be cooked in the same way as polenta.

  1. Oats

Another polenta alternative that is similar in consistency and boasts a range of nutritional benefits, porridge made from oats is the perfect breakfast polenta substitute.

  1. Pureed cauliflower

For a fibre filled, lower carb alternative to polenta, try swapping it out for pureed cauliflower instead! Especially in more savoury dishes.

  1. Pureed pumpkin

Low in calories but with an impressive nutritional profile, pureed pumpkin is another great low carb substitute for polenta.

  1. Mashed butter beans

For a slightly thicker alternative to polenta, why not try mashing up some butter beans?

  1. Mashed sweet potato

If you’re looking for a higher fibre lower carb alternative to polenta, mashed sweet potato could be just the swap you need.  

  1. Ground almonds

Used more in baking, ground almonds also make a great gluten-free alternative to flour like polenta does.

  1. Buckwheat

And finally, another alternative with a similar consistency to polenta is buckwheat.

Just be aware that it has a unique taste, so choose the meals that you use it in carefully.

What are the health benefits of polenta?

Polenta is a complex carbohydrate with some extra nutrition to sweeten the deal.

  1. Complex carbohydrate 

Although polenta is made from corn, it’s not the same as the sweet corn on the cob variety that you stick on a BBQ. This corn is far starchier.

A great alternative to refined carbs like white bread and pasta, polenta takes longer to break down in your digestive system, which can help you stay feeling fuller for longer and provide long-lasting energy to use throughout the day.

  1. Low in sugar

Although polenta is pretty carb-heavy, it is naturally low in sugar.

This is a great combination as you will get the benefits from its impressive carbohydrate content, without having all the excess sugar that often comes along with high-carb foods.

  1. A decent source of plant protein

Plants have protein too, and while polenta might not have the highest plant protein content, every little counts.

As you can see from the nutritional information above, a 50g (raw) serving contains 3.5g of protein by itself – if you just cook it with plain old water. If you use cow’s milk or plant milk you can increase the protein even more.

Polenta is usually served up as a side anyway, so when you add additional proteins like meat, fish, meat alternatives or other veggies, you’re serving yourself up a well-balanced meal.

Handpicked content: Your ultimate guide to plant-based protein

  1. Is polenta gluten free? Yes!

Corn is gluten free, so guess what? Polenta is gluten free, too!

This means you can enjoy all the benefits of complex carbohydrates without having to get gluten involved.

Always make sure to study the ingredients carefully, as some manufacturers may add ingredients containing gluten.

Some products may be manufactured in a factory that handles gluten-containing foods, too, so there may be a cross-contamination risk.

  1. Rich in antioxidants

The cornmeal used to make polenta is naturally rich in protective compounds called antioxidants.

Most of them are fall into the ‘carotenoid’ and ‘phenolic’ categories, which can help to protect cells in your body from oxidative stress and damage.

Handpicked content: The benefits of an antioxidant-rich diet

How to cook polenta

One of the greatest things about polenta is its versatility. There are multiple ways you can enjoy this Italian go-to.

Let us take you through some of the best ways how to make polenta.

How to cook traditional polenta

If you want to enjoy polenta in the traditional Italian style, you’re in for a treat because it is so simple.

1

Bring your water or milk to the boil and continually whisk while you add the polenta.

2

Keep stirring regularly and wait for the starch to break down into a smooth consistency, which should take about 50 minutes, depending on how coarse the cornmeal is.

3

Then add a knob of butter, some grated cheese and plenty of your favourite seasonings to make it tasty. Simple!

More ways of cooking with polenta

Polenta can also be used for other dishes! Here are just a few ideas. 

1. Crunchy coating

Try dusting polenta on potatoes, fish, tofu or meat before roasting for a satisfying crunch.

2. Bread

If you haven’t tried cornbread yet, what are you waiting for! Polenta bread is essentially cornbread (if you use coarse cornbread). Most recipes call for a mix of polenta and standard bread flour, resulting in a flavourful and nicely crisp bread.

3. Tart

Polenta makes a great gluten-free tart base. Try it out by following our vegan polenta and rosemary tart with roasted garlic and white beans.

4. Cake

We told you it was versatile! Polenta can make a fabulous alternative to regular flour in cakes. Get inspired with our manuka honey and orange polenta cake with pistachios.

The final say

Want some more inspo for cooking polenta?

Check our our 12 polenta recipes.

We hope that has got you clued up on all things polenta and inspired you to give this Italian favourite a try.

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Last updated: 25 August 2021

amy-talbot

Amy Talbot

Author

Regulatory Affairs Associate

Joined Holland & Barrett: August 2005

Amy originally started her career with Holland & Barrett in August 2005 with the Labelling Regulatory team for Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements. 

Amy moved over to support the Food Regulatory Team in October 2020 and was promoted to her role of Regulatory Affairs Associate (Food) in February 2021.

In her spare time, Amy likes to go to the gym, listen to a variety of podcasts, read and socialise with friends.

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.