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Kalou paste Calories
A paste made from the seeds of the kalou tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), common in West Africa. Rich in healthy fats and protein.
In season: Spring · Summer
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Kalou paste (18 g) has 112 calories. That works out to 620 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.2 g of carbs, 2 g of protein, 9.7 g of fat and 1.4 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 10% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Kalou paste Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 18 g
112
KCAL / 18G
Carbs
3.2g
· 1% DV
Protein
2g
· 4% DV
Fat
9.7g
· 12% DV
Fiber
1.4g
· 5% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 12% · Protein 7% · Fat 81%
Kalou paste nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (18 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 112 kcal | |
| Total fat | 9.7 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat | 4.14 g | 21% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 1.26 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 3.2 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% |
| Protein | 2 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 Kalou paste?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 18 g | 112 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 6 g | 37 kcal |
| 1 ounce (medium) | 28 g | 174 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 30 g | 186 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 36 g | 223 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 50 g | 310 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 620 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 250 g | 1550 kcal |
Calculated from 620 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalou paste
What is Kalou paste made from?
Kalou paste is made from the seeds of Vitellaria paradoxa, a tree common in West Africa. It is a minimally processed seed paste, rather than an extracted oil, and has a rich, oily consistency.
How is Kalou paste used in West African cooking?
Kalou paste can be stirred into dishes such as sauces or soups to add a dense, seed-based richness. Start with a small spoonful and mix it thoroughly, since its oily texture can thicken a dish. Follow the maker’s instructions if provided.
Does Kalou paste taste like shea butter?
Not exactly. Kalou paste contains ground seed material, so its taste and texture are more seed-like and substantial; shea butter is the fat extracted from the same tree’s seeds. Cosmetic shea butter is not a substitute for food-grade paste.
Can you spread Kalou paste on toast?
Yes, food-grade Kalou paste can be spread on toast or bread. Its strong, fatty texture may be easier to enjoy with a little fruit or another topping, but try it plain first to learn its flavor.
Can you cook with Kalou paste?
Yes. You can mix Kalou paste into a sauce, soup, or other dish, but it may make the result thicker and richer. Add a little at a time and check whether the specific product is intended to be heated.
What does Kalou paste taste like?
Kalou paste has a rich, seed-like taste, though roasting and grinding methods can change its flavor. If you are unfamiliar with it, try a small amount on bread or stirred into a mild dish before using more.
How should you store Kalou paste after opening?
Keep Kalou paste tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, and use a clean, dry utensil each time. Follow any refrigeration directions on the package. Discard it if its smell or taste has turned noticeably stale or rancid.
Can you use Kalou paste instead of tahini?
Sometimes. Kalou paste can add richness in recipes that use a seed paste, but it will not taste exactly like sesame-based tahini. Start with less than the recipe calls for and adjust the seasoning and texture as needed.
Is it safe to eat Kalou paste without cooking it?
Food-grade Kalou paste can generally be eaten without cooking unless its package says otherwise. Do not eat cosmetic shea products: they are not the same as a paste made and sold for food.
Can eating too much Kalou paste cause weight gain?
It can contribute to weight gain if large amounts regularly add more energy than your body uses. Kalou paste is rich in fat, so spreading a modest amount or measuring it into recipes can help keep portions from creeping up.
Kalou paste Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin E
1.26mg · 8% DV
B1
0.05mg · 4% DV
Biotin
0.9µg · 3% DV
B3
0.45mg · 3% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.09mg · 10% DV
Manganese
0.22mg · 10% DV
Magnesium
22mg · 5% DV
Phosphorus
32mg · 5% DV
Potassium ⭐
76mg · 2% DV
Sodium
1.26mg · 0% DV
Kalou paste Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Kalou paste
To burn the 112 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (18 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 Kalou paste?
Kalou paste is made by grinding the seeds of Vitellaria paradoxa, the shea tree native to West Africa. It is a thick, oily ingredient rather than a sweet spread, and is used in the region’s cooking, including in sauces and porridges.
Its flavour is gently nutty and earthy, with a dense texture. If you are trying it outside West Africa, stir a little into a stew, vegetable dish or grain porridge; it can add body as well as richness. Kalou paste is concentrated in fat and also provides protein: 100 g contains 54 g of fat and 11 g of protein. Start with a small spoonful, then adjust to taste, since its richness can easily dominate a milder dish.
How Nutritious Is Kalou paste?
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 Kalou paste 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 Kalou paste Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Kalou paste 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
Kalou paste Fat Profile
SATURATED
4.14g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.78g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.58g
Omega 6:3 ratio 12.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (12.5:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.