Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →
Curcumin Calories
Potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, active compound in turmeric
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 teaspoon (medium) of Curcumin (3 g) has 9 calories. That works out to 354 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.6 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat and 0.5 g of fiber. Its 0.2 mg of Manganese covers 8% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 5 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Curcumin Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 teaspoon (medium) · 2.5 g
9
KCAL / 2.5G
Carbs
1.6g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.2g
· 0% DV
Fat
0.2g
· 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 71% · Protein 9% · Fat 20%
Curcumin nutrition facts table · 1 teaspoon (medium) (2.5 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 9 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.08 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.95 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.6 g | 1% |
| 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.
Log this food in EatBetter
100,000+ people use it
- Get your daily calorie target
- Snap your meal, log it in seconds
- See every vitamin and mineral
📸 Scan the code to get the app free.
How Many Calories in 1 Teaspoon of Curcumin?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (medium) | 2.5 g | 9 kcal |
| 1 g | 1 g | 4 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 1.5 g | 5 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 5 g | 18 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 5 g | 18 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 5 g | 18 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 7 g | 25 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (large) | 10 g | 35 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 25 g | 89 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 354 kcal |
Calculated from 354 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curcumin
What is curcumin?
Curcumin is a natural compound that gives turmeric its yellow colour. Turmeric is the whole root spice and contains curcumin along with other plant compounds, while a curcumin supplement typically provides a more concentrated form.
What is the difference between curcumin and turmeric?
Curcumin is one compound found in turmeric; turmeric is the root spice that contains it, along with other substances. A curcumin supplement is therefore not interchangeable with the turmeric you add to a curry or soup.
What are the benefits of curcumin?
Curcumin has antioxidant activity and can affect processes involved in inflammation, but that does not mean it treats a disease. Research on supplements is ongoing, and results from concentrated products should not be assumed to apply to ordinary culinary turmeric.
Does black pepper help you absorb curcumin?
Yes. Piperine, a compound in black pepper, can increase curcumin absorption. Curcumin is also poorly soluble in water, so taking it with a meal containing some fat may help; supplement products can differ in how they improve absorption.
Can you cook with curcumin?
You can add curcumin powder to food, but most recipes call for turmeric, which naturally contains curcumin. Turmeric works well in curries, soups, rice and roasted vegetables; adding black pepper and a little oil pairs well with it.
What are the side effects of curcumin?
Curcumin supplements can cause nausea, stomach discomfort or diarrhoea in some people, particularly at concentrated amounts. Culinary turmeric is used differently from a supplement; stop taking a product if it causes persistent symptoms and follow its directions.
How much curcumin should you take per day?
There is no single daily amount suitable for every curcumin supplement, because concentrations and formulations vary. Follow the specific product directions rather than using a turmeric recipe as a dosing guide, and avoid taking extra servings to compensate for missed doses.
When is the best time to take curcumin?
Taking curcumin with a meal is a practical choice because food may support absorption and reduce stomach upset. There is no established best time of day for everyone; consistency with the product directions matters more than choosing morning or evening.
Does curcumin help with joint pain?
Curcumin may help some people with joint discomfort, but study results vary and it should not replace prescribed care. Supplements differ in strength and can interact with medicines, so discuss use with a healthcare professional if you have a condition or take medication.
Can you take curcumin on an empty stomach?
Yes, but you do not need to take curcumin on an empty stomach, and doing so may upset your stomach. Taking a supplement with food is often more comfortable and may support absorption, especially when the meal contains some fat.
Curcumin Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B3
0.12mg · 1% DV
Vitamin E
0.11mg · 1% DV
Vitamin C
0.65mg · 1% DV
B5
0.03mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0.2mg · 9% DV
Iron
1.03mg · 6% DV
Potassium ⭐
63mg · 2% DV
Copper
0.02mg · 2% DV
Sodium
0.95mg · 0% DV
Curcumin Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Curcumin
To burn the 9 calories in 1 teaspoon (medium) (2.5 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 Curcumin?
Curcumin is the yellow plant compound found in turmeric. It is present in turmeric powder and is also sold in more concentrated powders and supplements; it is not usually used on its own as a kitchen spice. In many cuisines, turmeric powder is the familiar way to add its colour and earthy flavour to food.
Its gently bitter, earthy taste works well in curries, lentils, rice and roasted vegetables, while a small amount can give a dish a vivid golden hue. The nutrition figures describe a concentrated ingredient; in cooking it is generally used sparingly, with a typical serving listed as about 2.5 g. Stir turmeric into a stew or mix it with oil or yoghurt for a mellow, easy-to-use seasoning.
How Nutritious Is Curcumin?
Nutrient density
Very 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 Curcumin 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 Curcumin Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Curcumin 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
Curcumin Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.08g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.06g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.07g
Compare Curcumin
Foods Similar to Curcumin
Have another question about Curcumin?
Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.
Scan calories with your camera
Instant AI nutrition analysis
Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.