Category: Side Dishes

Impress your guests with these quick and easy charcuterie cups! They’re packed with an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruit and nuts; it’s the ultimate finger food!

I’m a sucker for good charcuterie. The beauty of charcuterie boards is that you can make so many different kinds! If you’re craving something meaty, this Italian charcuterie is the way to go. If you’re wanting something sweet, a chocolate charcuterie board is a great choice! You can also make one entirely with vegetables. The options are endless!

Charcuterie in a Cup

This recipe takes everything good about a charcuterie board but makes it into individual servings. What could be better? No more fighting over that last cube of cheese! Charcuterie cups are super easy to make and will have your guests raving. They’re also sometimes known as “jarcuteries” when served in a glass jar. Not only do they look good, but they taste even better! No matter the occasion, these charcuterie cups are the perfect appetizer choice.

Like any charcuterie board, this version in a cup can easily be customized. I used a variety of nuts, olives, meats, cheeses, and fruit, but feel free to mix and match to personal preference! I like to add in a bunch of different flavors and textures to these charcuterie cups. This way, there’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re craving! You’re going to LOVE having these on hand to munch on before dinner. They’re the perfect option for dinners throughout the holiday season as well as game days and potlucks!

Start With the Cups

Any plastic cups will work, but I like to use crystal party cups because they have a nice presentation. I used 14 ounce cups to make sure they fit all of the tasty ingredients. If you want smaller portions, you can go for something like a 9 ounce cup. Additionally, you’ll need toothpicks or wooden skewers to put these charcuterie cups together.

The Recipe Critic Recommendation

The Perfect Serving Cups

Chinet Crystal Cup – 36ct/14oz

These cups are super affordable and make for great presentation! They’re also big enough to fit all of your favorite charcuterie goodies in.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Everything You’ll Need to Make Charcuterie Cups

I like to have a good mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and soft in my charcuterie cups. Feel free to leave out anything you don’t like or add in some of your other favorite snacks! The beauty of charcuterie cups is that you can easily customize them to personal preference.

• Nuts: I put these in the bottom of my charcuterie cups. They have the best crunch! I used regular salted pistachios and almonds here, but you can try out different flavors if you’d like! In addition to pistachios and almonds, pecans, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and cashews are all great things to try!
• Bread: No charcuterie is complete without some tasty crackers! For these charcuterie cups I went for long, narrow crackers so they poke out of the top of the cup. Bread and crackers is a great way to play around with flavors and textures! Here, I used sesame breadsticks and tall baked crackers.
• Olives: Skewer some olives onto a serving stick with some meat and cheese for a little extra flair! I use both black and green olives here for some variety in flavor and color.
• Meats: Sliced meats are the best way to pack flavor into your charcuterie cups. I added salami, prosciutto di parma, and peppered red wine salame to my skewers for the best mix of salty, sweet, and peppery flavor. Pepperoni also works as an inexpensive option!
• Cheeses: I like to have a sharp, flavorful cheese as well as a mild, creamy cheese in my charcuterie cups. I used cheddar cheese and mozzarella, respectively.
• Berries: I used strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries!

How to Make Charcuterie Cups

It’s SO easy. They only take a few minutes to whip up! These bad boys will impress your guests with minimal effort.

1. Add Pistachios and Almonds: To start, add the nuts to the bottom of your clear plastic cup. Then add the olives.
2. Prepare Meat Skewer: On a toothpick thread 3-4 pieces of meat and top with cheese cubes. Add to the cup.
3. Prepare Fruit Skewer: On another toothpick thread the fruit.
4. Add On Remaining Toppings: Alternate on remaining toothpicks the cheese cherry tomatoes and pickles.
5. Top With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh rosemary.

More Charcuterie Recipes

Looking for a knockout appetizer for your next event? I’ve got you covered! I love all of the charcuterie recipes on the blog, but these are just a handful of favorites‏ I think you’ll love! They’re super easy to put together and will have everyone raving.

Appetizers

Simple Charcuterie Board

Appetizers

Valentine’s Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Boards

Fruit Charcuterie Board

Appetizers

How to Make an Easy Cheese Board

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Charcuterie Cups

Impress your guests with these quick and easy charcuterie cups! They’re packed with an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruit and nuts; it’s the ultimate finger food!

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword charcuterie cups, charcuterie in a cup

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 4

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• Clear Plastic Cups

Nuts:

• Pistachios
• Almonds

Bread:

• Sesame Breadstick
• Tall Crackers

Olives:

• Green Olives
• Black Olives

Meats:

• Salami
• Prosciutto di Parma
• peppered red wine Salame

Cheeses:

• Cheddar Cheese
• Mozzarella Cheese Pearls

Fruits:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries

Other:

• Mini Pickles
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Rosemary for Garnish
• Toothpicks

Instructions

• To start, add the nuts to the bottom of your clear plastic cup. Then add the olives.
• On a toothpick thread 3-4 pieces of meat and top with cheese. Add to the cup.
• On another toothpick thread the fruit.
• Alternate on remaining toothpicks the cheese cherry tomatoes and pickles.
• Garnish with fresh rosemary.

Creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs, this Greek yogurt dip is the best addition to any veggie platter! Serve it up with fresh vegetables and your favorite crackers for a snack that’s both healthy and delicious.

Is there anything better than homemade dip? Not only does homemade dip taste better, but you can usually throw it together with just a few pantry staples. Whipped feta dip, dill pickle dip, and smoked salmon dip are a few more great recipes to try. They’re packed with tasty flavor and elevate fresh vegetables so well! Check out my full list of dips here for more mid-day snack inspiration.

Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip

If you couldn’t already tell by the million different recipes on the blog, homemade dips are my love. My kids love dips just as much as I do so I make them all the time at our house! The only downside is that dips can be pretty fatty and high in calories. (NOT the best for my New Year’s resolution of eating healthier!) Good news! With this Greek yogurt dip, you get the best of both worlds. A creamy, flavorful dip that’s also filled with protein and probiotics! This dip is totally macro-friendly and the BEST way to add a pop of flavor to your favorite vegetables. You’re going to love it.

If you’re not already convinced, this Greek yogurt dip is super easy to make too! Also, as long as you’ve got some plain Greek yogurt on hand, chances are you have everything else needed to whip it up. You only need a handful of seasonings from your spice rack! Flavors like dill, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning are what make this dip so good. Once you get a taste, you won’t be able to stop. If you’re making this dip for a crowd, you may want to double it! It goes fast. My advice? Be sure to snag some for yourself!

Ingredients for Greek Yogurt Dip

Greek yogurt, milk, and a handful of seasonings are all you need here. Because this dip uses such simple ingredients, you’ll want to make it all the time! Grab some sliced veggies and your favorite chips or crackers for a tasty, healthy snack! Note: all measurements can be found below in the recipe card.

• Greek Yogurt: I used plain, non-fat Greek yogurt here to keep things healthy!
• Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is so versatile, I love using it in homemade sauces and dips! You can buy it prepackaged or make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, and thyme. Find my full recipe here! I always like to make my own seasoning blends at home because they taste better and are free of additives and preservatives.
• Dried Dill: Dill is a must-add for this dip. It adds that classic Greek flavor!
• Onion Powder: Gives this dip a pop of sharp flavor.
• Garlic Salt and Powder: Makes each bite perfectly savory!
• Cracked Black Pepper: Add to taste.
• Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the Greek yogurt dip. Any kind of milk works!

Ready to Make This Healthy Dip?

Let’s get started! This Greek yogurt dip only takes 5 minutes to make and will have the whole family hooked. I’ve been trying to wean my kids off of ranch dressing and this yogurt dip is the perfect solution. It has incredible flavor but is also filled with protein and probiotics for guilt-free snacking!

1. Combine Ingredients: To a medium bowl, add the Greek yogurt, Italian seasonings, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, and pepper.
2. Mix: Whisk well until combined and creamy.
3. Add Milk: You can also whisk in milk if the dip is too thick. Continue to add more until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve with fresh veggies or crackers.

What to Serve With Your Greek Yogurt Dip

The creamy, savory flavor of this Greek yogurt dip works well with so many different things. Baby carrots, peppers, sliced cucumber, and celery are a must! This dip is also great with crackers, flatbread, and pita chips. You can use this dip as a spread in gyros, wraps, and over buddha bowls as well! It’s a healthy way to add extra flavor to all of your favorite dishes.

Bread

Homemade Pita Bread

Dinner

Buddha Bowl

Dinner

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

Bread

Crostini

Need More Tasty Dips in Your Life?

Here are just a few of my many favorites! They’re beyond easy to whip up and taste SO good. Make them for game days, parties, or just an afternoon snack! They also double as a tasty spread for sandwiches and wraps. Find my full list of dressings, sauces, and dips here! They’re so much better made from scratch.

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Avocado Hummus Dip

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Super Easy Dill Dip

Appetizers

5 Minute Black Bean Dip

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Greek Yogurt Dip

Creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs, this Greek yogurt dip is the best addition to any veggie platter! Serve it up with fresh vegetables and your favorite crackers for a snack that's both healthy and delicious.

Course Appetizer, dip

Cuisine Greek

Keyword greek yogurt dip, greek yogurt dip recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 36kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups non-fat, plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons milk for desired consistency

Instructions

• To a medium bowl, add the Greek yogurt, Italian seasonings, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, and pepper.
• Whisk well until combined and creamy.
• If you like a runnier dip, whisk in milk if the dip is too thick. Continue to add more until you reach desired consistency.
• Serve with fresh veggies or crackers.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 22IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Lumpia is a delicious savory fried roll filled with ground pork, carrots, and cabbage. Traditionally found in the Philippines, lumpia is a perfect appetizer that is crispy and golden and served with dipping sauce on the side.

Lumpia would be the perfect appetizer or side dish to make any Asian meal complete! Lumpia is a great addition because they aren’t too heavy and overfilled with meat. It’s the perfect size! I love to serve these alongside fried rice, vegetable stir fry, and beef and broccoli lo mein.

What Is Lumpia

Lumpia is referred to as the Filipino spring roll. Filled with ground pork and vegetables, this delicious appetizer is a favorite in the Philippines! They are light in texture and great for dipping! Lumpia is a perfectly crispy fried roll that is irresistible at any meal or celebration.

The best part about these darling little rolls is that they are perfect for dipping! I love to serve them with several different dipping sauces for my guests to enjoy. Lumpia is traditionally served with a side of dipping sauce. I love to serve it with my sweet chili sauce because it’s the best! But you can also make my homemade sweet and sour sauce or teriyaki sauce. Or even better, serve a side of all three!

Filipino Spring Roll Ingredients

The lumpia filling is made with fresh ingredients and loaded with authentic Filipino flavors. The filling is most commonly pork-based but can consist of a variety of savory meat, poultry, or seafood. Prepare the filling, assemble the rolls, then fry to crispy perfection! Everyone will enjoy these appetizers and ask for them again and again.

• Sesame Oil: Any oil works, but sesame oil gives it a great Asian flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic always.
• Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds great flavor.
• Ground Pork: Ground pork is the most common, but any type of meat works.
• Green Onion: I love that green onion isn’t too strong.
• Carrots: I like to mince the carrots really small.
• Green Cabbage: Cabbage adds great texture and crunch.
• Onion Powder: For added onion flavor!
• Salt: Salt to taste and balance flavors
• Ground Black Pepper: Pepper for seasoning.
• Soy Sauce: Adds flavor and moisture.
• Wrappers: Lumpia wrappers are thin and traditional, but if you can’t find them you can use egg roll or spring roll wrappers.
• Oil: Oil for frying.
• Water: A small bowl of water to help seal the edges of the lumpia wrapper.

Lumpia Recipe

Lumpia recipes are passed down from generations! It’s fun to hear what cute Filipino Grandma’s have added to their recipe. Add seasonings and veggies of your choice. The filling is so easy to make, and assembly can be fast if you have your kids to help! Check out the pictures for step-by-step instructions. It’s actually super easy.

Lumpia Filling

1. Heat the Oil in the Pan: Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Garlic and Ginger: Add the garlic and ginger. Cook for 20 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Pork: Add the ground pork and cook for about 6 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Add the Green Onion, Carrots, and Cabbage: Add the green onion, carrots, and cabbage. Stir until mixed well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
5. Add Salt, Pepper, and Soy Sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Taste and add more seasonings if needed. Let the mixture cool slightly before assembling.

Rolling and Frying Lumpia

1. Cut the Wrappers if Needed: If using egg roll wrappers, cut them down to a rectangular size to help achieve a thinner roll.
2. Add the Filling to the Wrapper: Scoop around 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of filling then place near the bottom half of the lumpia wrapper. Spread the filling out to make rolling easier.
3. Roll up Lumpia: Starting from the bottom, roll-up tight until completely wrapped.
4. Seal the Wrapper with Water: Dip your finger in a bowl of water and run it along the edge of the wrapper. Then seal lightly press to seal the edge.
5. Heat the Oil for Frying: Heat oil in a large skillet deep enough for frying. Deep fry lumpia on medium heat until it floats.
6. Enjoy Warm With Dipping Sauce: Remove from the oil on a plate with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

Try More Delicious Egg Roll Recipes

If you love lumpia, you’re sure to love egg rolls! Egg rolls are fun because I have too many delicious filling flavor combinations. Try some of these yummy egg roll recipes. Your family will love them!

Appetizers

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Desserts

Cheesecake Egg Rolls

Asian

Egg Rolls – Super crispy!

Dinner

Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls (Cheesecake Factory Copycat!)

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Lumpia

Lumpia is a delicious savory fried roll filled with ground pork, carrots, and cabbage. Traditionally found in the Philippines, lumpia is a perfect appetizer that is crispy and golden and served with dipping sauce on the side.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Filipino

Keyword lumpia

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 30

Calories 267kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/4 cup green onion, minced
• 1/2 cup carrots, minced
• 3/4 cup green cabbage, finely sliced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 30 wrappers, lumpia wrappers or egg roll wrappers
• 3 cups oil, for frying
• water

Instructions

Lumpia Filling

• Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and ginger. Cook for 20 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground pork and cook for about 6 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Add the green onion, carrots, and cabbage. Stir until mixed well and cook for an additional 2 minutes just to slightly soften the veggies.
• Stir in the salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Taste and add more seasonings if needed. Let the mixture cool slightly before assembling.

Rolling and Frying the Lumpia

• If using egg roll wrappers, cut them down to a rectangle size to help achieve the look of lumpia.
• Scoop around 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of filling and place near the bottom half of the lumpia wrapper. Spread the filling out to make rolling easier.
• Starting from the bottom, roll-up tight until completely wrapped.
• Dip your finger in a bowl of water and run it along the edge of the wrapper. Then seal lightly press to seal the edge. Repeat the steps until all the mixture is used.
• Heat oil in a cooking pot. Deep fry lumpia in medium heat until it floats.
• Remove from the oil on a plate with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1roll | Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 369IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Sweet potato bites are a fun twist on the classic sweet potato casserole. The comforting flavors of sweet potatoes, fluffy marshmallows, and pecans transform into a cute and delicious hand-held bite.

Everyone will love these sweet potato bites and they will be the best appetizer on the table! So make sure to bring a lot, because they are INCREDIBLE! I love when I find an easy and delicious appetizer to be a crowd-pleaser. Some of my other favorite appetizers to bring to parties are air-fried egg rolls, jalapeño poppers, or this simple little smokies recipe.

What Are Sweet Potato Bites?

Sweet potato casserole often times make an appearance at Thanksgiving dinner. The unique combination of fork-tender sweet potatoes, melted marshmallows, and pecans on top may sound questionable until you try it! These darling sweet potato bites are a delicious version of the casserole and taste identical. Every single comforting flavor is in one small bite!

Some sweet potato casseroles have marshmallows, and some use brown sugar or maple syrup. The sweetness compliments the potatoes any way you choose to make them. Here is my popular sweet potato casserole using brown sugar, it really is the best! Another great classic recipe is this sweet potato pie or this easy 3 ingredient candied sweet potatoes recipe.

Ingredients For The Best Appetizer or Side Dish

This sweet potato bites recipe is easy and fast and only takes 6 ingredients to make! You will LOVE how small and perfectly they fit your hand. This will be the best appetizer or side dish recipe during the holiday season. I can’t wait for you to make them because everyone will ask for the recipe. It’s a total winner!

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose sweet potatoes that are the same size and width. This helps the rounds cook evenly.
• Butter: Melt the butter to help coat the sweet potatoes.
• Maple Syrup: A little added sweetness is delicious!
• Ground Cinnamon: I love cinnamon on sweet potatoes.
• Marshmallows: Cut each marshmallow in half because they will puff up quite large under the broiler.
• Pecan Halves: Pecan halves make the best finishing touch, but candied pecans would be yummy too!

How To Make Sweet Potato Bites

This sweet potato bites recipe is easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes. Simply toss your sweet potatoes in the maple cinnamon butter, then let your oven do all the work! All that’s left is the quick broil of the marshmallow, then a pecan on top to finish the yummy goodness. And there you have it…the best appetizer or side dish at the party. Let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat Oven/Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet pan with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Melt Butter, Maple Syrup, and Cinnamon: In a small microwavable bowl, add the butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Microwave until melted for about 30 seconds then stir to combine.
3. Toss Butter Mixture With Sweet Potato Rounds: Add sweet potato rounds to a large bowl. Then drizzle the melted butter mixture over the potatoes. Toss until evenly coated.
4. Arrange On Prepared Pan: Place the sweet potato rounds onto the prepared pan and evenly space them.
5. Bake Potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until fork tender.
6. Remove Sweet Potatoes and Set Oven to Broil: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and set the oven to broil.
7. Add Marshmallows: Top each sweet potato round with a marshmallow half. 
8. Broil Marshmallows: Broil marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes for 1-2 minutes. The marshmallow will be lightly toasted and melted. Be sure not to burn them. 
9. Remove Sweet Potatoes and Add Pecans: As soon as the sweet potatoes come out of the oven, press a pecan half into the top of the marshmallow. These bites are best served immediately.

More Delicious Holiday Appetizers

Holiday appetizers just might be my favorite part of any party! They can be sweet or savory and I have a lot of them for you to choose from! My sweet potato bites are amazing, but I have a lot of great holiday appetizer recipes. I have gone through and picked some of my tired and true favorites! Try them all or pick one for your next gathering. You will love these!

Appetizers

Raspberry Baked Brie

Appetizers

Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Amazing Cranberry Relish

Appetizers

Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Ball

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Sweet Potato Bites

Sweet potato bites are a fun twist on the classic sweet potato casserole. The comforting flavors of sweet potatoes, fluffy marshmallows, and pecans transform into a cute and delicious hand-held bite.

Course Appetizer

Keyword sweet potato bites

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 24

Calories 50kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 2 sweet potatoes, or yams (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 12 large marshmallows, halved (kitchen shears work great)
• 24 pecans, or candied pecan halves

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a small microwavable bowl, add the butter, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Microwave until melted for about 30 seconds then stir to combine.
• Add sweet potato rounds to a large bowl and drizzle the melted butter mixture over the potatoes. Toss until evenly coated.
• Place the sweet potato rounds onto the prepared pan and evenly space them.
• Bake sweet potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until fork tender.
• Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and set the oven to broil.
• Top each sweet potato round with a marshmallow half.
• Broil marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted making sure not to burn.
• As soon as sweet potatoes come out of the oven, press a pecan half into the top of the marshmallow and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sweet potato bite | Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2702IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.2mg