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A loose pile of vivid green, slender branching stems, each made of closely joined, plump segments with tiny pointed tips.
●Low GI
★Natural

Sea beans Calories

Low-calorie coastal plant naturally rich in sodium and trace minerals

In season: Spring · Summer

CALORIES · 100 G

33kcal

GI

15low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

180mg

FIBER · 100 G

1.8g

Quick answer

1 cup (whole) of Sea beans (90 g) has 30 calories. That works out to 33 calories per 100 g. It contains 5.1 g of carbs, 1.6 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat and 1.6 g of fiber. Its 76.5 µg of Iodine covers 51% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Sea beans Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 cup (whole) · 90 g

30

KCAL / 90G

Carbs

5.1g

· 2% DV

Protein

1.6g

· 3% DV

Fat

0.4g

· 1% DV

Fiber

1.6g

· 6% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 67% · Protein 21% · Fat 12%

Sea beans nutrition facts table · 1 cup (whole) (90 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories30 kcal
Total fat0.4 g1%
Saturated fat0.05 g0%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium882 mg38%
Total carbohydrate5.1 g2%
Fiber1.6 g6%
Protein1.6 g3%

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 Cup of Sea beans?

ServingAmountCalories
1 cup (whole)90 g30 kcal
1 tablespoon (chopped)8 g3 kcal
1 piece (small)12 g4 kcal
1 piece (medium)25 g8 kcal
1 cup (chopped)45 g15 kcal
1 serving (small)60 g20 kcal
100 g100 g33 kcal
1 serving (medium)100 g33 kcal
1 serving (large)150 g50 kcal

Calculated from 33 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sea beans

What are sea beans?

Sea beans are the crisp, succulent stems of salt-tolerant coastal plants, commonly glasswort. They grow in salty habitats and are eaten as a vegetable, often briefly cooked or added to salads.

What do sea beans taste like?

Sea beans taste crisp, mildly grassy and naturally salty, with a fresh, coastal flavor. Their saltiness varies, so taste a small piece before seasoning a dish that includes them.

How do you cook sea beans?

Sea beans are usually blanched briefly in boiling water, then drained and dressed or added to a dish. Skip salt in the cooking water, since the stems already bring a salty flavor.

Are sea beans the same as samphire?

Sea beans are often called samphire, especially in English-speaking markets, but common names can refer to different coastal plants in different regions. Check the plant identity if you need a particular species for a recipe.

Can you eat sea beans raw?

Yes, sea beans can be eaten raw after thorough rinsing. Their stems are crunchier and often taste saltier uncooked, so use tender tips in salads and blanch them if you prefer a softer bite.

Why are sea beans so salty?

Sea beans grow in salt-rich coastal environments and naturally take on a salty flavor. Rinsing and briefly blanching them, then discarding the cooking water, can make that taste less intense.

Where do sea beans grow?

Sea beans grow in coastal salt marshes, tidal flats and other salty habitats. They are cultivated or gathered in different regions, so their availability and the species sold under the name can vary.

What part of sea beans do you eat?

The tender, fleshy stems and tips of sea beans are the parts typically eaten. Remove any tough, woody bases before cooking, as they can remain unpleasantly fibrous even after blanching.

What goes well with sea beans?

Sea beans pair well with lemon, olive oil, garlic, eggs and seafood. Their salty crunch works especially well as a side or salad ingredient, so season accompanying foods lightly rather than adding extra salt.

Can you freeze sea beans?

Yes, sea beans can be frozen, although thawed stems may be softer than fresh ones. Rinse and trim them, blanch briefly, cool and drain thoroughly, then freeze in a sealed container for later cooked dishes.

Sea beans Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin K

22.5µg · 19% DV

Vitamin C

10.8mg · 12% DV

B2

0.08mg · 6% DV

Vitamin E

0.72mg · 5% DV

Minerals

Iodine

77µg · 51% DV

Sodium

882mg · 38% DV

Manganese

0.27mg · 12% DV

Iron

1.71mg · 10% DV

Potassium ⭐

162mg · 5% DV

Sea beans Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

15
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0.8
Low

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

How to Burn Off Sea beans

To burn the 30 calories in 1 cup (whole) (90 g):

🚶

7min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

3min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

4min

Cycling

🏊

3min

Swimming

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

What is Sea beans?

Sea beans are the crisp, succulent stems of a coastal plant that grows in salt marshes and along shorelines. Also known in some places as samphire or glasswort, they have a fresh, briny taste and a satisfying snap. Blanch them briefly or sauté them, then serve in salads, alongside seafood, or as a bright vegetable side. Their natural saltiness pairs especially well with lemon, olive oil and mild, creamy ingredients.

They are low in calories and provide some fibre, but are naturally high in sodium. Rinse them well and taste before adding salt; a quick blanch can soften their intensity while keeping their crunch.

How Nutritious Is Sea beans?

Nutrient density

High

74/ 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

48/ 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 Sea beans 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 Sea beans 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 Sea beans 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

Sea beans Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.05g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.04g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.08g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 1.7:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Sea beans

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.