1 teaspoon (medium) of Spices (3 g) has 6 calories. That works out to 250 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.3 g of carbs, 0.3 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 5 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Spices Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

250

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

50g

· 18% DV

Protein

10g

· 20% DV

Fat

· 4% DV

Fiber

25g

· 89% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 75% · Protein 15% · Fat 10%

Spices Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin A

1200µg · 133% DV

1.2mg · 71% DV

Vitamin K

70µg · 58% DV

Biotin

10µg · 33% DV

Minerals

Manganese

3mg · 130% DV

Iron

20mg · 111% DV

Copper

1mg · 111% DV

Calcium

700mg · 70% DV

How Nutritious Is Spices?

Nutrient density

Very high

80/ 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

High

60/ 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.

Spices Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

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

How to Burn Off Spices

To burn the 250 calories in 100 g:

🚶

62min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

26min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

34min

Cycling

🏊

29min

Swimming

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

Is Spices 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 Spices 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 Spices 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

Spices Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.7g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.9g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.1g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 2.5:1

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

Compare Spices

🧂vs🌰

Spices vs Cinnamon3 kcal more per 100 g

→🧂vs🌿

Spices vs Sumac150 kcal more per 100 g

→🧂vs🌶️

Spices vs Black Pepper5 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🧂vs🧂

Spices vs Spice Mix70 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Spices

🌰

Cinnamon

247 kcal

🌿

Sumac

100 kcal

🌶️

Black Pepper

255 kcal

🧂

Spice Mix

320 kcal

🌱

Vanilla Extract

288 kcal

🌱

Mustard

66 kcal

🌿

Oregano

265 kcal

🌶️

Red pepper flakes

282 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Spices

When should spices be added during cooking?

Ground spices can often be added toward the end of cooking to preserve their aroma. Whole spices, such as cumin or coriander seeds, develop more flavor when briefly warmed in oil first.

Why do spices sometimes taste bitter or burnt?

Ground spices burn easily when left in very hot oil or over high heat, creating a bitter taste. Use medium-low heat and toast them only briefly before adding other ingredients.

Can spices be used to reduce salt in cooking?

Yes. Garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, and citrus zest can add flavor so less salt is needed. Choose salt-free spice blends, since some ready-made mixes contain substantial added salt.

What is the best way to store spices?

Keep spices in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, dark cupboard. Heat, sunlight, and steam from the stove make them lose their aroma faster.

Are spices safe to use after their best-before date?

Properly stored dried spices do not usually spoil immediately after their best-before date, but they become less aromatic over time. Discard them if there is mold, insect activity, moisture clumping, or an unusual smell.

Can spices be stored in the freezer?

Freezing can help preserve flavor, particularly for larger quantities of whole spices. Store them in an airtight container and let the container reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.

Can spices interact with medications?

Normal culinary amounts are unlikely to cause problems for most people, but concentrated spice supplements may interact with medicines. People using blood thinners, diabetes medication, or blood-pressure medicine should seek professional advice before taking high-dose turmeric, cinnamon, or ginger supplements.

Can spices upset the stomach?

Chili, black pepper, and strongly spiced blends may worsen heartburn or digestive discomfort in some people, especially those with reflux or a sensitive gut. Reducing the amount and choosing milder herbs and spices can help.

Which spices pair well with meat, vegetables, and legumes?

Cumin and coriander work well with lentils, chickpeas, and beans, while oregano and rosemary suit vegetables and meat dishes. Turmeric and ginger are useful in soups, rice dishes, and chicken, and lemon, garlic, yogurt, or olive oil can round out the flavor.

Can spices replace antibiotics?

No. Some spices show antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies, but culinary amounts cannot treat an infection or replace prescribed antibiotics. Suspected bacterial infections need medical assessment.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: August 21, 2026