Nutritional Facts for Oatcakes

The oatcake is a Scottish specialty that originated in Staffordshire. It is similar to a pancake, and is made using oatmeal, flour, water and yeast. However, unlike the pancake, the oatcake is usually topped with savory foods, such as cheese and bacon. Nutritionally, oatcakes, without their high-fat and sodium toppings, are low in sodium and a good source of fiber.

Calories

Calories in oatcakes vary depending on the size. An 8-inch oatcake contains 120 calories. By comparison, an 8-inch pancake contains about 160 calories. The oatcake is a low-energy dense food, meaning it has a low-calorie content compared to its serving size. Oatcakes can help you feel full on fewer calories, which can aid in weight control.

Carbohydrates

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As a flour-based food item, most of the calories in the oatcake come from carbohydrates. But these cakes are also a good source of fiber. One 8-inch oatcake contains 34 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber. One cake meets 12 percent of your daily value for fiber. The percent daily value is a guide to help you make healthy food choices developed by the Food and Drug Administration, and is based on a 2,000-calorie diet for healthy adults. The fiber in the oatcake also helps with weight control by slowing digestion and improving satiety. The fiber also lowers blood cholesterol levels.

Protein and Fat

The oatcake is also low in fat and a good source of protein. One cake contains 4 grams of total fat, 1 gram of saturated fat and 7 grams of protein, meeting 6 percent of your daily value for total fat, 5 percent of your daily value for saturated fat and 14 percent of your daily value for protein. While the oatcake is a good source of protein, it does not provide all of the essential amino acids, making it an incomplete source of protein.

Sodium

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The oatcake is also very low in sodium. One 8-inch cake contains 1 milligram of sodium. By comparison, the same size serving of pancakes contains up to 500 milligrams of sodium. Sodium is an essential nutrient, but most Americans consume twice their daily needs, according to the Colorado State University Extension. High intakes of sodium contribute to elevated blood pressures. Limit your daily intake to 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams a day.