Grits are made from Hominy, which generally means white corn that has been hulled (the Native Americans used lye to remove the hulls) .
I'll be honest it's not something I have ever craved, like Venice's Maypo, but if there was nothing else in the cupboard, I would be thankful for it. It does remind me of cream of wheat. Throw a little sugar, maple syrup or honey and butter on it and its all just fine.