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Basil seeds Calories
High in fiber and minerals
In season: Summer · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Basil seeds (12 g) has 53 calories. That works out to 442 calories per 100 g. It contains 7.7 g of carbs, 1.8 g of protein, 1.7 g of fat and 2.7 g of fiber. Its 91.2 mg of Phosphorus covers 13% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Basil seeds Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 12 g
53
KCAL / 12G
Carbs
7.7g
· 3% DV
Protein
1.8g
· 4% DV
Fat
1.7g
· 2% DV
Fiber
2.7g
· 10% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 58% · Protein 14% · Fat 28%
Basil seeds nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (12 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 53 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1.7 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 0.18 g | 1% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.96 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 7.7 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% |
| Protein | 1.8 g | 4% |
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 Basil seeds?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 12 g | 53 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 5 g | 22 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 15 g | 66 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (double) | 24 g | 106 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 25 g | 111 kcal |
| 1 ounce (large) | 28.4 g | 125 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 442 kcal |
| 1 pack (large) | 100 g | 442 kcal |
| 1 cup (whole) | 144 g | 636 kcal |
Calculated from 442 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basil seeds
How do you use basil seeds?
Soak basil seeds in water until they swell and develop a gelatinous coating, then stir them into drinks, yogurt, or pudding. Don’t swallow them dry; they expand quickly when wet.
How long should you soak basil seeds?
Soak basil seeds for about 15 minutes, or until a clear, gel-like layer forms around each seed. Drain them if needed, then add them to a drink or recipe.
Are basil seeds the same as chia seeds?
No. Basil seeds and chia seeds come from different plants, although both swell in liquid and form a gel-like coating. Basil seeds are especially common in South Asian drinks and desserts such as falooda.
What are basil seeds called in Indian drinks?
In many Indian recipes, basil seeds are called sabja or tukmaria seeds. They are soaked until swollen and added to falooda and other chilled drinks; the names usually refer to sweet basil seeds, not necessarily holy basil seeds.
Can basil seeds help with weight loss?
Basil seeds do not cause weight loss on their own. Their fiber and swelling texture may make a drink or snack more filling, but adding them does not replace the broader eating habits that affect body weight.
How do you make a basil seed drink?
Soak basil seeds in water until they swell, then mix them into lemonade, milk, or a sweetened drink. Add the soaked seeds rather than dry ones, and stir well so they are evenly distributed.
Can you use basil seeds instead of chia seeds?
Yes, basil seeds can replace chia in some puddings and drinks, but they swell faster and have a different texture. Soak them separately first, then adjust the liquid or resting time to suit the recipe.
Do basil seeds need to be cooked?
No, basil seeds are usually soaked rather than cooked before eating. Once they have swollen in water and developed their gel-like coating, you can add them to cold drinks, desserts, or other dishes.
What happens if you eat too many basil seeds?
Eating a large amount of basil seeds may cause bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort, particularly if you are not used to high-fiber foods. Start with a small amount and drink enough fluid.
Are basil seeds safe during pregnancy?
Basil seeds used in ordinary food portions are different from concentrated supplements, but safety data for large amounts during pregnancy are limited. Ask your prenatal care professional before using them regularly or in unusually large quantities.
Basil seeds Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B3
0.49mg · 3% DV
B1
0.02mg · 2% DV
Folate
6µg · 2% DV
B6
0.02mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Phosphorus
91mg · 13% DV
Manganese
0.29mg · 13% DV
Copper
0.1mg · 11% DV
Magnesium
37mg · 9% DV
Potassium ⭐
56mg · 2% DV
Sodium
0.96mg · 0% DV
Basil seeds Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Basil seeds
To burn the 53 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (12 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 Basil seeds?
Basil seeds come from the basil plant. The tiny dark seeds swell when soaked, developing a clear, jelly-like coating around a crisp centre. Often called sabja or tukmaria in South Asian cooking, they are used in drinks and desserts rather than as a dry topping.
Their flavour is mild, so they add more texture than taste. Stir them into falooda, lemonade, smoothies or puddings, or try them in yoghurt. They are notably high in fibre, with 22.6 g per 100 g. Soak them thoroughly before serving, then start with a small spoonful; their soft, slippery texture pairs well with fruity drinks and creamy desserts.
How Nutritious Is Basil seeds?
Nutrient density
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
Medium
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 Basil seeds 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 Basil seeds Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Basil seeds 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
Basil seeds Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.18g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.31g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.79g
Omega 6:3 ratio 14.6:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (14.6:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.