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Plain glycerin Calories
Pure glycerin is a sugar alcohol-like compound that provides energy but virtually no micronutrients.
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Plain glycerin (15 g) has 65 calories. That works out to 430 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 5 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Plain glycerin Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 15 g
65
KCAL / 15G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
0g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 0% · Fat 100%
Plain glycerin nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 65 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0 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 Plain glycerin?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 15 g | 65 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 5 g | 22 kcal |
| 1 ounce (medium) | 28 g | 120 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (double) | 30 g | 129 kcal |
| 50 g | 50 g | 215 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 430 kcal |
Calculated from 430 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plain glycerin
What is plain glycerin?
Plain glycerin, also called glycerol, is a clear, thick liquid with a mildly sweet taste. In food, it is used mainly to hold moisture and influence texture in products such as sweets and baked goods.
Is plain glycerin safe to eat?
Yes, plain glycerin is edible when it is specifically sold as food-grade. Do not use cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or industrial glycerin as a food ingredient unless its label explicitly confirms food use, and avoid drinking it straight.
What does plain glycerin do in fondant?
Plain glycerin helps fondant stay soft and pliable instead of drying out and cracking. Add only the amount specified by the recipe: too much can make fondant sticky and difficult to handle.
Is plain glycerin the same as glycerol?
Yes, plain glycerin and glycerol are two names for the same compound. “Glycerol” is the chemical name, while “glycerin” is common on product labels; the name alone does not confirm that a product is food-grade.
Can plain glycerin replace sugar in a recipe?
No, plain glycerin is not a one-for-one sugar substitute. Although it tastes mildly sweet, it does not provide sugar’s bulk, browning, or other baking functions, and recipes generally use it for moisture or texture instead.
Why is plain glycerin added to icing and candy?
Plain glycerin can help icing and candy retain moisture and remain softer or more flexible. It does not work as a setting agent, so follow the recipe’s instructions rather than adding it to fix icing that will not set.
Does plain glycerin dissolve in water?
Yes, plain glycerin mixes readily with water. Its thick consistency can make it slow to pour, so stir it thoroughly into the water-based ingredients to distribute it evenly through a drink or recipe.
Can you bake with plain glycerin?
Yes, food-grade plain glycerin can be used in some baked goods to help them retain moisture. It is not a leavening agent, so it will not make dough or batter rise; use it only when the recipe calls for it.
How should plain glycerin be stored after opening?
Keep plain glycerin tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, following the package directions. It can draw moisture from the air, so avoid leaving the container open and discard the product if its smell or appearance changes noticeably.
Can plain glycerin be used in drinks?
Yes, food-grade plain glycerin is used in some drinks to adjust their texture or mouthfeel. It mixes with water, but it is not a drink on its own; use only the amount specified in a recipe.
Plain glycerin Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
0µg · 0% DV
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
B3
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Calcium
0mg · 0% DV
Iron
0mg · 0% DV
Magnesium
0mg · 0% DV
Zinc
0mg · 0% DV
Sodium
0mg · 0% DV
Potassium ⭐
0mg · 0% DV
Plain glycerin Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Plain glycerin
To burn the 65 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 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 Plain glycerin?
Plain glycerin is glycerol: a clear, thick liquid with a mildly sweet taste. In food, it is used in small amounts to retain moisture and soften the texture of items such as confectionery, baked goods and some packaged foods. It is generally an ingredient rather than something eaten on its own; check that a product is intended for food use before adding it to a recipe.
Its syrupy consistency can make foods feel fuller or stickier, so a little usually goes a long way. Plain glycerin provides energy but virtually no micronutrients; the supplied nutrition data lists 430 calories per 100 g. It can be useful in recipes where a soft, moist texture matters, but it is not a nutrient-dense everyday staple.
How Nutritious Is Plain glycerin?
Satiety score
Low
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 Plain glycerin 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 Plain glycerin Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Plain glycerin Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
— Not suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Plain glycerin Fat Profile
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.