A Cheer for Almond Paste

sursumcorda

I love almond paste. It was a late-in-life acquired taste, introduced to me by my mother-in-law, who fed us marzipan in several forms at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Marzipan is great, and almond paste, which is not as sweet, is even better.

While making almond paste spirals (a type of pastry) this afternoon, I decided to query about the nutritional value of almond paste. This is the answer I received—I assume from Leo, as I was using the Brave browser.

Almond paste offers significant nutritional value, particularly as a dense source of healthy fats, protein, and essential micronutrients.

Macronutrients and Energy: Almond paste is calorie-dense, providing approximately 458 calories per 100 grams (or about 130 calories per 1 oz serving). It is composed primarily of healthy fats (around 28–59g per 100g depending on the source), which are beneficial for heart health, and provides a notable amount of protein (9–19g per 100g). It also contains carbohydrates (48–47g per 100g), including dietary fiber (4.8–11g) and natural sugars (36–82g).

Vitamins and Minerals: It is exceptionally rich in Vitamin E, providing up to 90–205% of the Daily Value per 100g, which supports immune function and skin health. It is also a good source of Magnesium (32–70% DV), Calcium (13–30% DV), Iron (9–20% DV), and Potassium (7–15% DV). Additionally, it contains minerals like Selenium, Zinc, and Copper, contributing to overall metabolic and cellular health.

Health Considerations: While nutrient-dense, almond paste is high in sugar and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation. It contains zero cholesterol and is naturally low in sodium, making it a heart-friendly option when portion-controlled.

"Portion-controlled." Aye, there's the rub.

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A Cheer for Almond Paste