Merengue

Dessert

Item Rating: 53/100

1 serving (30 grams) contains 77 calories, 1.3 grams of protein, 0.0 grams of fat, and 17.4 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (240g)

Calories		619.2
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		0.2 g	0%
	Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		96 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrates		139.2 g	50%
	Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
	Sugars	136.8 g
protein		10.1 g	20%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		16.8 mg	1%
Iron		0.2 mg	1%
Potassium		120 mg	2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

🧂 Low sodium

🧂 Low salt

Source of Calories

Fat: 1 cal (0.3%)

Protein: 40 cal (6.7%)

Carbs: 556 cal (93.0%)

About Merengue

Merengue, a traditional dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar, has origins in European cuisine, most notably in France and Switzerland. Its light and airy texture, created by incorporating air into the mixture, makes it a popular topping or standalone confection. Nutritionally, merengue is low in fat, containing only 0.1 grams per serving, but high in simple carbohydrates (58 grams) due to its sugar content. It also provides minimal protein (4.2 grams) and trace amounts of calcium and iron. While merengue is devoid of fiber, vitamin C, or vitamin D, its primary appeal remains in its texture and versatility in recipes rather than in its nutrient profile.

Health Benefits

• Low in fat, making it a lighter choice compared to many desserts (0.1 grams of fat per serving).
• Contains minimal protein from egg whites (4.2 grams per serving), which aids in muscle repair, albeit modestly.
• Trace amounts of calcium (7 mg) contribute to bone health, although the quantity is negligible.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains Egg

Suitable for: Vegetarian

Not suitable for: Vegan, egg-free diets, low-sugar diets, diabetic diets

Selection and Storage

Store merengue in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness, avoiding humid environments which may cause it to soften or collapse.

Common Questions About Merengue Nutrition

Is merengue high in protein?

Merengue contains 4.2 grams of protein per serving (100g), which is relatively low compared to other protein-rich foods like eggs or meat. Its main nutritional contribution is simple sugars, and it is not considered a significant source of protein.

Can I eat merengue on a keto diet?

Merengue is not suitable for a keto diet due to its high carbohydrate content, with 58 grams of carbs per 100g serving, the majority of which comes from sugar. Keto diets require very low carbohydrate intake, making merengue incompatible.

Are there health benefits or concerns associated with eating merengue?

Merengue is a low-fat treat, but its high sugar content (57 grams per 100g) can lead to rapid glucose spikes, which may be a concern for those managing blood sugar levels or trying to reduce sugar intake. It provides little dietary fiber or micronutrients, so nutritional benefits are minimal.

What is the recommended serving size for merengue?

A typical serving size of merengue is around 30-50 grams, which provides approximately 77-129 calories. Due to its high sugar content, moderation is advised, especially for individuals monitoring their calorie or sugar intake.

How does merengue compare to similar desserts like whipped cream or jelly?

Compared to whipped cream or jelly, merengue is lower in fat (only 0.1g per 100g), but much higher in sugar content (57g). Whipped cream is higher in calories and fat, while jelly often has added sugars but may include fruit-derived ingredients depending on the variety.

Data Sources & Scientific References