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Anise Calories
Aromatic spice, aids digestion, antioxidant source
In season: Summer · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Anise (6 g) has 20 calories. That works out to 337 calories per 100 g. It contains 3 g of carbs, 1.1 g of protein, 1 g of fat and 0.9 g of fiber. Its 2.2 mg of Iron covers 12% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 5 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Anise Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 6 g
20
KCAL / 6G
Carbs
3g
· 1% DV
Protein
1.1g
· 2% DV
Fat
1g
· 1% DV
Fiber
0.9g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 47% · Protein 17% · Fat 36%
Anise nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (6 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 20 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.03 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.96 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 3 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% |
| Protein | 1.1 g | 2% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Anise?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 6 g | 20 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 1 g | 3 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 2 g | 7 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 5 g | 17 kcal |
| 10 g | 10 g | 34 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 12 g | 40 kcal |
| 1 cup (whole) | 90 g | 303 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 337 kcal |
Calculated from 337 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anise
What is anise, and what part of the plant is used?
Anise is the dried fruit of Pimpinella anisum, commonly called anise seed in cooking. It is usually sold whole or ground and is minimally processed when simply dried and left whole. It is a different plant from star anise.
What is the difference between anise and star anise?
Anise and star anise come from different plants: anise is the small seed-like fruit of Pimpinella anisum, while star anise is the star-shaped fruit of an evergreen tree. Their sweet, licorice-like aromas are similar, but they are not identical ingredients.
What does anise taste like?
Anise tastes sweet, aromatic, and reminiscent of licorice, largely because both contain the flavor compound anethole. It is not the same plant as licorice. Its flavor can dominate a dish, so start with a modest amount when adding anise to a recipe.
How do you use anise seeds in cooking?
Use anise seeds in baking, spice blends, and some savory dishes, or steep them to flavor drinks. Lightly crushing the seeds releases more aroma, while leaving them whole gives a gentler flavor. Add them sparingly because anise can quickly take over other flavors.
How do you make anise tea?
Lightly crush anise seeds, pour hot water over them, and let them steep for a few minutes before straining. Crushing helps release their aroma. Use anise seeds rather than star anise if you want the flavor of the spice called anise.
Can you substitute anise for star anise?
You can sometimes substitute anise seeds for star anise when a recipe needs a similar sweet, licorice-like note, but the flavor will not be exactly the same. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste; the two spices come from different plants.
Why does anise taste like licorice?
Anise tastes like licorice because both have anethole, a compound with a sweet, distinctive aroma. That shared flavor does not mean anise is made from licorice or has the same uses. Anise is the dried fruit of a different plant.
How should you store anise seeds?
Store anise seeds in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. Whole seeds generally retain their aroma longer than ground anise. If the seeds have lost their characteristic scent, they will contribute less flavor to food.
Does anise help with digestion?
Anise is traditionally used in teas after meals, but strong clinical evidence that it treats digestive problems is limited. A cup may be a comforting drink, but ongoing or severe symptoms should not be managed with anise instead of appropriate medical care.
Is anise safe during pregnancy?
Small amounts of anise used to season food are different from concentrated teas or supplements. The safety of high or regular medicinal amounts during pregnancy is not clear, so ask your doctor before using anise in concentrated forms.
Anise Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B6
0.04mg · 2% DV
Vitamin A
18.66µg · 2% DV
B1
0.02mg · 2% DV
Biotin
0.48µg · 2% DV
Minerals
Iron
2.22mg · 12% DV
Copper
0.05mg · 6% DV
Manganese
0.14mg · 6% DV
Calcium
39mg · 4% DV
Potassium ⭐
86mg · 3% DV
Sodium
0.96mg · 0% DV
Anise Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Anise
To burn the 20 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (6 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Anise?
Anise is the small, fragrant seed of the anise plant, a spice used in Mediterranean and West Asian cooking. Its sweet, liquorice-like aroma features in baked goods and spice blends, and it also flavours drinks such as ouzo and pastis. The seeds can be used whole or lightly crushed to release more of their fragrance.
A little goes a long way: anise is often steeped as a tea or added to biscuits, breads and cakes. It brings notable fibre and protein, but recipes usually call for such a small amount that it contributes little to a serving’s overall nutrition. Try it with citrus, cinnamon or toasted nuts, or start with a pinch if you prefer a gentler flavour.
How Nutritious Is Anise?
Nutrient density
Very high
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
High
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Anise Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Anise Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Anise Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Anise Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.03g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.59g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.19g
Omega 6:3 ratio 2:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.