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Soft, glossy onion slices lie in loose strands, translucent and pale golden with a few light brown edges.
●Low GI

Lightly caramelized onion Calories

Sweet, lightly caramelized, low fat

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

55kcal

GI

35low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

146mg

FIBER · 100 G

1.7g

Quick answer

1 tablespoon (medium) of Lightly caramelized onion (15 g) has 8 calories. That works out to 55 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.8 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0.3 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Lightly caramelized onion Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 15 g

8

KCAL / 15G

Carbs

1.8g

· 1% DV

Protein

0.2g

· 0% DV

Fat

0g

· 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 90% · Protein 10% · Fat 0%

Lightly caramelized onion nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories8 kcal
Total fat0 g0%
Saturated fat0 g0%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium0.6 mg0%
Total carbohydrate1.8 g1%
Fiber0.3 g1%
Protein0.2 g0%

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 Lightly caramelized onion?

ServingAmountCalories
1 tablespoon (medium)15 g8 kcal
1 slice (medium)20 g11 kcal
2 tablespoon (large)30 g17 kcal
1 serving (medium)50 g28 kcal
1 piece (small)60 g33 kcal
1 cup (medium)90 g50 kcal
100 g100 g55 kcal
1 piece (large)100 g55 kcal

Calculated from 55 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lightly caramelized onion

How do you make lightly caramelized onion?

Lightly caramelized onion is made by cooking thinly sliced onion gently in a pan until soft and lightly golden. Stir occasionally and take it off the heat before it turns deep brown; that keeps its flavor sweet but mild.

What is the difference between lightly caramelized onion and sautéed onion?

Lightly caramelized onion cooks more slowly than sautéed onion, allowing the onion’s natural sugars to develop a mild sweetness. Sautéed onion is usually cooked more quickly and may stay pale, with a sharper, fresher onion flavor.

Why won’t my lightly caramelized onion brown?

Lightly caramelized onion may not brown if the pan is overcrowded or the onions release more moisture than can evaporate. Spread them out in a wider pan and let the moisture cook off; stirring constantly can also slow browning.

Do you need to add sugar to lightly caramelized onion?

No, you do not need to add sugar to lightly caramelized onion. Onion contains natural sugars that become sweeter as it cooks, while added sugar can make the result overly sweet and obscure the onion’s savory flavor.

Which onions are best for lightly caramelized onion?

Yellow onions are a dependable choice for lightly caramelized onion because they soften well and develop a balanced sweetness. White onions work too but can taste sharper, while red onions bring a more distinctive flavor and color.

What can you serve with lightly caramelized onion?

Lightly caramelized onion works well on burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, savory tarts, and alongside roasted vegetables or meat. Its gentle sweetness adds depth without the intense, dark flavor of deeply caramelized onions.

Why does lightly caramelized onion taste bitter?

Lightly caramelized onion tastes bitter when it browns too quickly or burns against a hot pan. Use moderate heat, stir now and then, and remove it when it is soft and lightly golden rather than waiting for a dark color.

How long does lightly caramelized onion last in the fridge?

Lightly caramelized onion keeps in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days in a covered container. Cool it before storing, use a clean utensil when serving, and discard it if you notice mold or an off smell.

Can you freeze lightly caramelized onion?

Yes, lightly caramelized onion freezes well. Cool it completely, portion it into airtight containers, and thaw it in the refrigerator or add it straight to a hot dish; the texture may be softer after thawing.

Can you make lightly caramelized onion without oil?

Yes, you can make lightly caramelized onion without oil in a good nonstick pan. Cook it gently and stir as it softens; if the pan starts to dry out or the onion sticks, add a small splash of water.

Lightly caramelized onion Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin C

1.05mg · 1% DV

B6

0.02mg · 1% DV

Folate

2.85µg · 1% DV

B1

0.01mg · 1% DV

Minerals

Manganese

0.02mg · 1% DV

Copper

0.01mg · 1% DV

Potassium ⭐

22mg · 1% DV

Phosphorus

4.35mg · 1% DV

Sodium

0.6mg · 0% DV

Lightly caramelized onion Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

35
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0.6
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Lightly caramelized onion

To burn the 8 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g):

🚶

2min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

1min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

1min

Cycling

🏊

1min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Lightly caramelized onion?

Lightly caramelized onion is made by cooking sliced onions gently until soft and just golden, bringing out their natural sweetness without the deep colour and concentrated flavour of a longer cook. It can be prepared with little added fat, so it adds savoury-sweet flavour without making a dish especially rich.

A familiar topping in many cuisines, it works well in sandwiches, burgers, savoury tarts, soups and grain bowls. Its soft texture pairs nicely with sharp cheese, mushrooms, roasted vegetables or grilled meats. It is mostly a source of carbohydrates, with a small amount of fibre and very little fat; use it to add flavour to a meal, or cook it with minimal oil for a lighter result.

How Nutritious Is Lightly caramelized onion?

Nutrient density

Medium

45/ 100

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

45/ 100

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 Lightly caramelized onion 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 Lightly caramelized onion Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Lightly caramelized onion Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Lightly caramelized onion Fat Profile

SATURATED

0g

MONOUNSATURATED

0g

POLYUNSATURATED

0g

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.