Culture & Lifestyle • Food

Grits

Grits are a porridge-like food made from coarsely ground dried corn, or from hominy, which is corn treated with alkali.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Grits are a porridge-like food made from coarsely ground dried corn or hominy. They are eaten primarily in the United States, especially in the American South, and are commonly served as a breakfast dish or side dish.

Definition

Grits are a coarse corn-based porridge, sometimes made specifically from hominy. Hominy is maize treated with alkali in a process called nixtamalization. The term 'grits' is used for both the coarsely ground corn or hominy ingredient and the finished dish.

Preparation and serving

Grits are commonly cooked in salted water or milk and boiled until thick. They are usually eaten as a breakfast food or as a side dish in Southern cooking, sometimes served with savoury accompaniments.

Regional and cultural use

Grits are eaten primarily in the United States and are especially identified with the Southern states, where they have a long-standing place in food traditions. In Canada, grits are less central in food culture but may appear in Southern-style cooking, breakfast menus, or imported packaged foods.

Grits are similar to other maize-based porridges such as polenta, though preparation and grain processing differ by region and tradition. Grits are made from dried corn, typically ground more coarsely than cornmeal.

Key facts

Grits are made from coarsely ground dried corn or hominy.
Hominy is maize treated with alkali in a process called nixtamalization.
The dish is strongly associated with the American South.
Grits are commonly cooked in salted water or milk and served as breakfast food or a side dish.
In Canada, grits are less central in food culture but may appear in Southern-style cooking or imported foods.

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Canadian context

Grits are less central in Canadian food culture than in the United States, but they may appear in Southern-style cooking, breakfast menus, or imported packaged foods in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What are grits?

Grits are a porridge-like food made from coarsely ground corn or hominy, usually boiled before serving.

Are grits made from corn?

Yes. Grits are made from dried corn, typically ground more coarsely than cornmeal.

What is hominy grits?

Hominy grits are grits made from hominy, which is corn treated with alkali and have had the pericarp removed.

Where are grits most common?

Grits are eaten primarily in the United States, especially in the American South.

How are grits usually served?

They are commonly served as a breakfast dish or as a savoury side dish, sometimes with meat or other seasonings.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grits
Supports: Definition of grits as coarsely ground dried corn or hominy; primary use in the United States; preparation in water or milk.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/grits
Supports: Grits as a porridge of coarsely ground grain, especially hominy, and their association with the American South.
Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/grits
Supports: Common culinary meaning: ground hominy or white corn boiled to a thick consistency and eaten as breakfast or side dish.
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/grits
Supports: Grits as a dish of hominy grain eaten especially as a morning meal.