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Cayenne seed Calories
Hot pepper seed used as a spice ingredient; very low calorie with trace micronutrients.
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 teaspoon (whole) of Cayenne seed (2 g) has 6 calories. That works out to 282 calories per 100 g. It contains 1 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0.3 g of fat and 0.5 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Cayenne seed Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 teaspoon (whole) · 2 g
6
KCAL / 2G
Carbs
1g
· 0% DV
Protein
0.2g
· 0% DV
Fat
0.3g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.5g
· 2% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 53% · Protein 11% · Fat 36%
Cayenne seed nutrition facts table · 1 teaspoon (whole) (2 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 6 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.3 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.05 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.6 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% |
| 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 Teaspoon of Cayenne seed?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (whole) | 2 g | 6 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 0.2 g | 1 kcal |
| 1 g | 1 g | 3 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (whole) | 6 g | 17 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 10 g | 28 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 20 g | 56 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 282 kcal |
Calculated from 282 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cayenne seed
Can you eat cayenne seed?
Yes, cayenne seed is edible and can be used as a spice. Whole seeds are firm and may feel gritty in a dish, so crush them first if you want their heat and flavor to spread more evenly.
Are cayenne seeds hotter than the pepper?
No, cayenne seeds are not usually the hottest part of the pepper. Most capsaicin is concentrated in the pale inner ribs, though seeds can pick up heat from touching them, so their spiciness varies.
How do you use cayenne seed in cooking?
Cayenne seed works in sauces, soups, pickles, and spice blends. Add a small amount whole for bursts of heat, or crush it before cooking for a more even result; its texture is firmer than ground pepper.
Can cayenne seed be ground into powder?
Yes, cayenne seed can be ground, though it will not make the same powder as dried cayenne pepper, which includes the pepper flesh. Grind only what you need and clean the grinder well to avoid transferring heat.
Should you remove cayenne seeds from a pepper before cooking?
No, you do not have to remove cayenne seeds before cooking. Leave them in if you want their texture and some added heat; remove them if you prefer a smoother dish, but taking out the inner ribs reduces more heat.
What is the difference between cayenne seed and cayenne pepper flakes?
Cayenne seed is just the seed, while cayenne pepper flakes are made from dried pepper flesh and may include seeds. Flakes bring a more recognizable pepper flavor; seeds mainly add firm texture and some heat.
Can cayenne seed be used in pickling?
Yes, cayenne seed can season pickling brine and add a gradual warmth. Use it sparingly at first, since whole seeds remain in the jar and continue flavoring the brine as the pickles sit.
Can you toast cayenne seed?
Yes, toast cayenne seed briefly in a dry pan over low heat to bring out its aroma. Keep it moving and remove it as soon as it smells fragrant; burned seeds can taste harsh and bitter.
What can I use instead of cayenne seed?
Use red pepper flakes or ground cayenne pepper when cayenne seed is unavailable. Both contain pepper flesh, so they bring a fuller pepper flavor as well as heat; add a little at a time to match the dish.
Can cayenne seed grow into a pepper plant?
Yes, a viable cayenne seed can grow into a pepper plant, but seeds sold as a spice may no longer be able to germinate after drying or storage. For planting, choose seed sold specifically for growing.
Cayenne seed Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin E
0.6mg · 4% DV
Vitamin C
1.52mg · 2% DV
Vitamin K
1.6µg · 1% DV
B3
0.17mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0.04mg · 2% DV
Potassium ⭐
40mg · 1% DV
Iron
0.16mg · 1% DV
Phosphorus
5.86mg · 1% DV
Sodium
0.6mg · 0% DV
Cayenne seed Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Cayenne seed
To burn the 6 calories in 1 teaspoon (whole) (2 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 Cayenne seed?
Cayenne seed comes from inside the dried fruit of the cayenne pepper. The seeds can be separated for use, though they are more often left in or removed from dried pepper flakes than sold as a stand-alone spice. Their heat can vary: capsaicin from the pepper’s inner membranes may cling to the seeds, giving them a sharp, peppery bite.
Use a small pinch in sauces, soups, marinades or roasted vegetables, tasting as you go; they are not a common table seasoning in the same way as cayenne powder. The seeds provide 27 g of fibre per 100 g, but a typical teaspoon weighs about 2 g, so they are used mainly for flavour rather than as a substantial source of nutrients.
How Nutritious Is Cayenne seed?
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
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 Cayenne seed 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 Cayenne seed Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Cayenne seed 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
Cayenne seed Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.05g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.04g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.14g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.