The Rise of 'Butter Rice Cake': A Nutritional Analysis Through Oriental Medicine

High Carbohydrate and High Fat Composition
Namwoo Lee, Director of Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital: "Excessive Intake Raises Concerns of Caloric Surplus"
"Repeated Consumption May Increase the Risk of Metabolic Diseases and Joint Strain"

Following the popularity of 'Duzzonku (Dubai Chewy Cookie)' and 'Spring Cabbage Bibimbap,' 'Shanghai Butter Rice Cake' has rapidly emerged as a new trend in the domestic distribution market. With its crisp exterior and chewy interior—referred to as 'crispy outside, chewy inside'—the dessert has quickly gained traction on social media and other platforms.

Butter rice cake is known as a reinterpretation of the Shanghai snack 'Huang You Nian Gao.' Huang You Nian Gao is a traditional Chinese New Year rice cake baked with added butter. Inspired by this, butter rice cake is made by baking a dough of glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch mixed with butter and milk. On April 2, together with Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital, we examined the oriental medicine and nutritional benefits of butter rice cake, which combines the chewy texture of rice cake with the rich flavor of butter.

Butter rice cakes displayed at the cafe. Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine

Glutinous rice, the main ingredient in butter rice cake, is a source of carbohydrates that provides quick energy and helps with stamina recovery. It contains abundant antioxidants such as vitamin E, which are effective in removing harmful free radicals from the body. Eliminating free radicals helps prevent cell damage, slows skin aging, and plays a positive role in maintaining youthful, elastic skin. According to the Donguibogam, glutinous rice "has a warm nature and replenishes energy," and the Compendium of Materia Medica states that it "restores vitality, warms the stomach, and alleviates cold symptoms and vomiting."

Milk, rich in protein and calcium, is effective in muscle formation and recovery, and plays a crucial role in maintaining bone and dental health. Vitamins A and B, as well as zinc in milk, contribute to immune function and cellular health. Milk also contains tryptophan, a substance involved in calming the nerves and inducing sleep, thus helping with restful sleep. From the perspective of oriental medicine, the protein and fat in milk support the production of qi and blood, making it suitable for those who are weak, fatigued, or recovering. It also helps alleviate dry cough and constipation. The Donguibogam describes milk as "a food that moisturizes the intestines and stomach, strengthens the functions of the internal organs, and replenishes qi and blood."

Butter is rich in butyric acid, a fatty acid that protects the intestinal mucosa, increases beneficial bacteria, and helps reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body. In addition, it contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which have a positive impact on immune function and maintaining bone health.

However, butter rice cake is a high-carbohydrate, high-saturated fat snack, and excessive consumption can place a burden on health. One piece of butter rice cake (about 100g) contains approximately 260–330 kcal, which is about half the caloric intake recommended for an adult meal. In particular, some butter rice cakes are served with condensed milk or custard cream to enhance the flavor. These ingredients are high in sugar and fat, which can lead to weight gain and spikes in blood sugar.

Repeated consumption of high-calorie, high-sugar foods causes rapid fluctuations in blood sugar and increases insulin resistance, raising the risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, overweight, and hypertension. In particular, diabetes can also lead to musculoskeletal disorders. According to research published in the SCI(E)-level international journal 'PLOS ONE' by the Spine & Joint Research Institute at Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital, the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in diabetic patients was found to be 1.26 times higher than in the control group. The researchers analyzed that diabetes can lead to impaired blood circulation, which in turn disrupts the supply of oxygen and nutrients to cartilage tissue, accelerating joint degeneration.

As body weight increases, fat tends to accumulate in the abdominal area, placing additional strain on the spine and surrounding muscles, which can lead to lower back pain. If left untreated, this pain can result in increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, potentially worsening into a herniated disc.

Additionally, individuals with weak digestive function or poor digestion should be cautious when consuming butter rice cake. Due to its high viscosity, glutinous rice is more difficult to digest. Therefore, if you have weak digestive function or poor digestion, consuming large amounts may cause abdominal bloating or digestive discomfort.

Namwoo Lee, Director of Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital, advised, "Butter rice cake is a snack high in carbohydrates and also contains fat from butter, so it can quickly replenish energy even in small amounts. However, excessive consumption can lead to excessive calorie intake or increased blood sugar, potentially causing musculoskeletal disorders. It is important to consume it in moderation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.