Croissants — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 6, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 406 kcal
Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Carbs | 45 g | 16.36% |
Fiber | 3 g | 10.71% |
Sugars | 10 g | 20% |
Glycemic Index | 67 | - |
Protein | 8 g | 16% |
Sodium | 500 mg | 21.74% |
Total Fat | 21 | 26.92% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates and fats, making them a good source of immediate fuel.
- Rich in flavor and texture, making them a satisfying treat that can contribute to emotional well-being.
- Contains some protein from ingredients like butter and eggs, which support muscle growth and repair.
- Can include essential vitamins and minerals if made with fortified flour, providing nutrients like B vitamins and iron.
Health risks
- High saturated fat content particularly in butter croissants, which can contribute to increased cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease when consumed frequently.
- High calorie content which can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently or in large portions, especially when paired with calorie-dense fillings or toppings.
- High carbohydrate content which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, particularly concerning for diabetics or those on low-carb diets.
- Low nutrient density as croissants are typically made from refined white flour, offering few essential nutrients or fiber.
How to choose croissants
Croissants should have a golden-brown exterior with visible, flaky layers. They should feel light and airy, not dense or doughy. Break open a croissant to ensure it has a soft, well-aerated interior with a buttery aroma.
Avoid croissants that are pale and limp or have a greasy feel, which can indicate under-baking or poor-quality dough. Well-made croissants should have a crisp exterior that shatters slightly when bitten into.
How to store croissants
Croissants should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their flakiness. Properly stored, croissants can last up to two days.
Humidity can make croissants soggy and stale. It's best to avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can affect their texture. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness if needed.
✅ Extra Tip
How long do they last?
Croissants can last for 1-2 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If refrigerated, they can last for 5-7 days. For longer storage, croissants can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover croissants can be used in a variety of delicious ways. Slice them and use them as a base for French toast, soaking them in a custard mixture and frying until golden. Croissants are also great when turned into a bread pudding, where their buttery layers add richness to the dish.
Use croissants to make a breakfast sandwich by filling them with eggs, cheese, and bacon or ham. If you have a lot of croissants, consider using them as a crust for a savory tart, pressing them into a pan and filling with eggs, vegetables, and cheese. Croissants can also be sliced and toasted, then topped with your favorite spreads or fillings for a quick snack. For a sweet treat, try turning croissants into croissant bread pudding with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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