Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →
Raw Nigella Seed Calories
Potent antioxidant, immune support, source of healthy fats
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Raw Nigella Seed (7 g) has 24 calories. That works out to 345 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.1 g of carbs, 1.2 g of protein, 1.1 g of fat and 0.7 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Raw Nigella Seed Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 7 g
24
KCAL / 7G
Carbs
3.1g
· 1% DV
Protein
1.2g
· 2% DV
Fat
1.1g
· 1% DV
Fiber
0.7g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 46% · Protein 18% · Fat 36%
Raw Nigella Seed nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (7 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 24 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1.1 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.15 g | 1% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 6.16 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 3.1 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Protein | 1.2 g | 2% |
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 Tablespoon of Raw Nigella Seed?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 7 g | 24 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 2.5 g | 9 kcal |
| 10 g | 10 g | 35 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 14 g | 48 kcal |
| 25 g | 25 g | 86 kcal |
| 50 g | 50 g | 173 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 345 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 120 g | 414 kcal |
Calculated from 345 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Nigella Seed
What are raw nigella seeds used for?
Raw nigella seeds are used as a fragrant topping and seasoning, especially on flatbreads, naan, curries, lentils, and roasted vegetables. Add them whole near the end of cooking or sprinkle them on just before serving to keep their distinct flavor noticeable.
Are raw nigella seeds the same as black cumin?
Raw nigella seeds are Nigella sativa, often sold as black seed or black cumin. Despite the name, they are not the same plant as ordinary cumin or caraway, and their peppery, slightly bitter flavor is different.
Can you eat raw nigella seeds?
Yes, raw nigella seeds can be eaten whole as a seasoning or sprinkled over food. Their flavor is strong and slightly bitter, so start with a small amount if you have not tried them before.
What do raw nigella seeds taste like?
Raw nigella seeds taste aromatic, peppery, and slightly bitter, with notes that some people compare to onion or oregano. Toasting them briefly makes the aroma more pronounced, but overheating can make the seeds taste burnt.
Do you need to toast nigella seeds before using them?
No, raw nigella seeds do not need to be toasted; they can be added directly to dough, salads, or cooked dishes. A brief dry-toast is optional when you want a more pronounced aroma, but watch them closely so they do not burn.
How should you store raw nigella seeds?
Store raw nigella seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard away from sunlight and the stove. Keep moisture out of the container, since dampness can spoil the seeds and heat or light can dull their aroma.
Can you grind raw nigella seeds?
Yes, raw nigella seeds can be ground, but grinding them is optional. For the freshest flavor, grind only what you need just before using it; ground seeds lose their aroma faster than whole seeds.
Are nigella seeds the same as onion seeds?
No, nigella seeds are not onion seeds: they come from the Nigella sativa plant, while true onion seeds come from onions. The confusing label “onion seed” is sometimes used for nigella in recipes or shops, but the plants are different.
Can you make tea from nigella seeds?
Yes, you can steep lightly crushed nigella seeds in hot water and strain them before drinking. The result has a distinctive, earthy flavor; it is a seed infusion, not nigella oil or a substitute for it.
What is the difference between raw nigella seeds and nigella seed oil?
Raw nigella seeds are whole seeds used as a spice, while nigella seed oil is extracted from them. They are not interchangeable in recipes: seeds add texture and seasoning, whereas oil is a separate, concentrated ingredient.
Raw Nigella Seed Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B6
0.04mg · 2% DV
B3
0.32mg · 2% DV
B1
0.02mg · 2% DV
Biotin
0.49µg · 2% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.08mg · 9% DV
Calcium
65mg · 7% DV
Phosphorus
40mg · 6% DV
Manganese
0.11mg · 5% DV
Potassium ⭐
125mg · 4% DV
Sodium
6.16mg · 0% DV
Raw Nigella Seed Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Raw Nigella Seed
To burn the 24 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (7 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 Raw Nigella Seed?
Raw nigella seed comes from the flowering plant Nigella sativa. The small, black seeds are used across Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian cooking, and are best known in many places as a topping for breads and savoury pastries. Their flavour is peppery and gently bitter, with hints of onion; the seeds add a little crunch as well as aroma.
Scatter them over flatbreads, rolls or roasted vegetables, or stir a small pinch into yoghurt or a salad dressing. They contain fibre, protein and fats, but their bold flavour means a little usually goes a long way. Lightly crushing the seeds just before use can release more aroma; they also pair well with lemon, herbs and tangy cheeses.
How Nutritious Is Raw Nigella Seed?
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
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 Raw Nigella Seed Processed?
NOVA 1
Unprocessed
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 Raw Nigella Seed Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Raw Nigella 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
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Raw Nigella Seed Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.15g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.26g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.62g
Omega 6:3 ratio 15:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (15:1).
Compare Raw Nigella Seed
Foods Similar to Raw Nigella Seed
Have another question about Raw Nigella Seed?
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.