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Bitters Calories
Aromatic bitters used in very small amounts
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 teaspoon (small) of Bitters (5 g) has 12 calories. That works out to 275 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.3 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Bitters Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 teaspoon (small) · 4.5 g
12
KCAL / 4.5G
Carbs
0.3g
· 0% DV
Protein
0g
· 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 100% · Protein 0% · Fat 0%
Bitters nutrition facts table · 1 teaspoon (small) (4.5 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 12 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.45 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.3 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0 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 Small Teaspoon of Bitters?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 4.5 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 serving (mini) | 2 g | 6 kcal |
| 2 teaspoon (double) | 9 g | 25 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 13.5 g | 37 kcal |
| 3 teaspoon (triple) | 13.5 g | 37 kcal |
| 1 ounce (small) | 28 g | 77 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 275 kcal |
Calculated from 275 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bitters
What are bitters made of?
Bitters are concentrated extracts made by steeping botanicals such as roots, herbs, spices, and citrus peel, usually in alcohol. They are processed flavorings rather than drinks meant to be consumed by the glass, and a few dashes can noticeably change a cocktail.
Are bitters alcoholic?
Most cocktail bitters are alcoholic because alcohol extracts and preserves their botanical flavors. Alcohol-free versions are also sold, but a few dashes of standard bitters still add alcohol to a drink, even when the serving is small.
How do you use bitters in cocktails?
Add bitters by the dash to a cocktail, then taste and adjust; they are concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Angostura bitters are often used in an Old Fashioned, while orange bitters suit many gin and whiskey drinks.
What do bitters taste like?
Bitters taste intensely bitter, herbal, and spiced, with citrus, bark, or root notes depending on the variety. They are designed to season a drink rather than be sipped like a spirit, so their flavor can seem harsh on its own.
What is the difference between Angostura bitters and orange bitters?
Angostura bitters have a warm, aromatic profile with prominent spice notes, while orange bitters emphasize citrus peel. They are not interchangeable without changing a cocktail’s flavor, though either can work in recipes that simply call for a dash of bitters.
Can you drink bitters straight?
You can taste bitters straight, but they are highly concentrated and usually too intense to drink like a spirit. They are made to be used in small amounts in cocktails or mixed drinks, rather than poured as a full serving.
Do bitters expire after opening?
Alcohol-based bitters usually keep well after opening because their alcohol content helps preserve them. Store the bottle tightly closed away from heat and direct sunlight; discard it if its smell, appearance, or flavor changes noticeably.
Can you put bitters in sparkling water?
Yes, a few dashes of bitters add a complex, bitter-herbal flavor to sparkling water. Most standard bitters contain alcohol, however, so choose an alcohol-free variety if you need the drink to contain none.
Do bitters help digestion?
Bitters have a long history of use as digestive tonics, but strong evidence that cocktail bitters relieve digestive problems is lacking. They are concentrated flavorings, often alcoholic, and should not be treated as a remedy.
How do you make bitters at home?
You can make bitters by steeping selected roots, herbs, spices, and citrus peel in high-proof alcohol, then straining and blending the extracts. The ingredients and steeping time shape the result, so follow a tested recipe for reliable flavor.
Bitters Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
B3
0mg · 0% DV
B6
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0mg · 0% DV
Copper
0mg · 0% DV
Iron
0.01mg · 0% DV
Potassium ⭐
1.35mg · 0% DV
Sodium
0.45mg · 0% DV
Bitters Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Bitters
To burn the 12 calories in 1 teaspoon (small) (4.5 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 Bitters?
Bitters are concentrated aromatic seasonings made by infusing botanicals—such as herbs, roots, spices or citrus peel—in a base that is often alcoholic. They have roots in herbal preparations and became a familiar part of European and American cocktail traditions. Rather than being poured as a standalone drink, they are usually added in small amounts to shape a drink’s aroma and flavour.
Their taste can be sharply bitter, with herbal, spicy or citrus notes depending on the blend. Use a few dashes in cocktails, or try a little in soda water with citrus for a simpler serve. Bitters contribute little to a drink when used sparingly; a typical small teaspoon is about 4.5 g. If you are mixing at home, add them gradually, since their flavour can quickly dominate.
How Nutritious Is Bitters?
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 Bitters Processed?
NOVA 3
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 Bitters Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Bitters 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
Bitters Fat Profile
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.