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Canned capers Calories
Very low-calorie, high-sodium, aromatic preserved capers
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (whole) of Canned capers (8 g) has 2 calories. That works out to 23 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.4 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 0.3 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Canned capers Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (whole) · 8 g
2
KCAL / 8G
Carbs
0.4g
· 0% DV
Protein
0.2g
· 0% DV
Fat
0.1g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.3g
· 1% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 48% · Protein 24% · Fat 28%
Canned capers nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (whole) (8 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 2 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.02 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 237 mg | 10% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.4 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% |
| Protein | 0.2 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 Canned capers?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (whole) | 8 g | 2 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (whole) | 5 g | 1 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 15 g | 3 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (whole) | 16 g | 4 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 30 g | 7 kcal |
| 0.25 cup (whole) | 35 g | 8 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 45 g | 10 kcal |
| ½ cup (whole) | 70 g | 16 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 23 kcal |
Calculated from 23 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canned capers
What are canned capers, and where do they come from?
Canned capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper bush, preserved in brine or vinegar. They are harvested before the flowers open, then cured; that process gives them their distinctive salty, tangy flavor.
What do canned capers taste like?
Canned capers taste salty, tangy, and sharply aromatic, with a slight bitterness. Their brine intensifies those flavors, so start with a small amount in a dish and add more only after tasting.
Do you need to rinse canned capers before using them?
No, canned capers are ready to use without rinsing. Rinse and drain them if the brine tastes too salty or vinegary for your dish; doing so softens the flavor without removing it completely.
How do you use canned capers in cooking?
Canned capers add a punchy, briny flavor to fish, pasta, salads, sauces, and sandwiches. Drain them first, then stir them into a dish near the end of cooking so their bright aroma does not fade.
How should you store canned capers after opening?
Store opened canned capers in the refrigerator, fully covered by their brine, in a tightly closed container. Use a clean utensil each time and follow the package’s storage directions; discard them if you notice mold, an off smell, or an unusual appearance.
Can you eat canned capers straight from the jar?
Yes, canned capers can be eaten straight from the jar because they are preserved and ready to eat. Their brine can make them intensely salty, so drain or rinse them first if you plan to snack on them or add them to a lightly seasoned dish.
Are capers and caper berries the same thing?
No, capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper plant, while caper berries are the larger fruits that form after flowering. Both are often preserved in brine, but berries have a different size, texture, and use.
What can you use instead of canned capers?
Chopped green olives are the closest easy substitute for canned capers, since they also bring a briny, savory taste. They are less sharp and tangy, so a little lemon juice can help bring the flavor closer.
Can you cook canned capers, or should you add them at the end?
You can cook canned capers, but adding them near the end usually preserves more of their lively, tangy flavor. For a milder taste, let them simmer in a sauce; for a more pronounced bite, stir them in just before serving.
Are canned capers in brine interchangeable with salt-packed capers?
They can be used in the same kinds of dishes, but canned capers in brine are wetter and often less intensely salty than salt-packed capers. Drain and taste them before adjusting a recipe, and rinse salt-packed capers especially well.
Canned capers Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin K
1.97µg · 2% DV
B2
0.01mg · 1% DV
Vitamin E
0.07mg · 0% DV
Folate
1.84µg · 0% DV
Minerals
Sodium
237mg · 10% DV
Copper
0.03mg · 3% DV
Iron
0.13mg · 1% DV
Magnesium
2.64mg · 1% DV
Potassium ⭐
3.2mg · 0% DV
Canned capers Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Canned capers
To burn the 2 calories in 1 tablespoon (whole) (8 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 Canned capers?
Canned capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper bush, preserved in brine or vinegar. They are closely associated with Mediterranean cooking, where their sharp, salty, tangy flavour brings a lot of character in small amounts. They are usually used as a seasoning rather than eaten on their own.
Try them in salads, pasta, sauces or alongside fish, as cooks do across the Mediterranean; they also add a punch to sandwiches and dressings. They are low in calories and provide some fibre, but can be quite salty. If you prefer a gentler flavour, rinse them briefly before adding them, and pair them with lemon, olive oil or other fresh ingredients.
How Nutritious Is Canned capers?
Nutrient density
Medium
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 Canned capers 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 Canned capers Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Canned capers 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
Canned capers Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.02g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.02g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.