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Balsamic Calories
Classic balsamic vinegar, popular condiment for salads and dressings.
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Balsamic (16 g) has 14 calories. That works out to 88 calories per 100 g. It contains 2.7 g of carbs, 0.1 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 5 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Balsamic Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 16 g
14
KCAL / 16G
Carbs
2.7g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.1g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 96% · Protein 4% · Fat 0%
Balsamic nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (16 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 14 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 3.68 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 2.7 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0% |
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 Balsamic?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 16 g | 14 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 5 g | 4 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 32 g | 28 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 88 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 240 g | 211 kcal |
| 1 bottle (whole) | 250 g | 220 kcal |
| 1 pack (jumbo) | 500 g | 440 kcal |
Calculated from 88 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Balsamic
What is balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is a dark, tangy-sweet vinegar made from grape must, the freshly crushed juice of grapes. Traditional varieties are aged in wooden barrels, while everyday versions are often lighter and more fluid.
What is the difference between traditional and regular balsamic vinegar?
Traditional balsamic vinegar is made from cooked grape must and aged for years in a succession of wooden barrels. Regular balsamic vinegar is generally made for everyday use, is less concentrated, and may have a sharper, less complex flavor.
How do you use balsamic vinegar in salad dressing?
Whisk balsamic vinegar with olive oil to make a simple salad dressing, then season it to taste. Its sweet acidity works especially well with tomatoes, leafy greens, and cheese; add the dressing shortly before serving so the greens stay crisp.
Can you use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar, but the result will be darker and sweeter. Use a little less at first in savory recipes, since balsamic vinegar has a more pronounced grape flavor.
How do you make balsamic glaze?
To make balsamic glaze, simmer balsamic vinegar gently in a small saucepan until it thickens and coats a spoon. Watch it closely near the end because it can burn; it will thicken further as it cools.
What foods go well with balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar pairs well with tomatoes, leafy salads, roasted vegetables, mushrooms, and cheeses. It also complements grilled meat and fruit such as strawberries; use a small drizzle so its sweet-tart flavor does not overwhelm the dish.
What can you substitute for balsamic vinegar?
Red wine vinegar is a useful substitute for balsamic vinegar, though it is less sweet and less syrupy. For a closer flavor, mix it with a little honey or grape molasses, adding gradually until the balance tastes right.
Does balsamic vinegar go bad?
Balsamic vinegar usually keeps for a long time when sealed and stored properly, though its flavor can fade over time. Discard it if you notice an unusual odor, mold, or a clear change in appearance rather than its normal sediment.
Does balsamic vinegar need to be refrigerated after opening?
No, balsamic vinegar does not need refrigeration after opening. Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight, to help preserve its flavor.
Why is balsamic vinegar sweet?
Balsamic vinegar tastes sweet because it is made from grape must, which contains naturally occurring grape sugars. Concentration during production intensifies that sweetness, while the vinegar’s acidity keeps the overall flavor tangy rather than syrupy.
Balsamic Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
B6
0mg · 0% DV
B5
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0.02mg · 1% DV
Iron
0.11mg · 1% DV
Potassium ⭐
18mg · 1% DV
Magnesium
1.92mg · 0% DV
Sodium
3.68mg · 0% DV
Balsamic Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Balsamic
To burn the 14 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (16 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 Balsamic?
Balsamic is a dark, tangy-sweet vinegar associated with Italy’s Modena and Reggio Emilia regions. Traditional balsamic is made by cooking grape must and ageing it; everyday versions may also blend grape must with wine vinegar, giving them a sharper taste and a pourable texture.
Its concentrated fruitiness works well in salad dressings, over roasted vegetables, or as a finishing touch for grilled foods and cheese. In Italian cooking it is often used sparingly, while elsewhere it is a familiar way to brighten salads and marinades. It contains 17 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, but a tablespoon-sized serving is usually enough to add plenty of flavour. Pair it with olive oil, or use a little less in a dressing if you prefer a gentler acidity.
How Nutritious Is Balsamic?
Nutrient density
Low
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
Low
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 Balsamic 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 Balsamic Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Balsamic Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Balsamic Fat Profile
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.