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Vanilla Bean Calories
Natural aroma, antioxidant, low calorie
In season: Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 piece (medium) of Vanilla Bean (5 g) has 14 calories. That works out to 288 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.6 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.
Vanilla Bean Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 5 g
14
KCAL / 5G
Carbs
0.6g
· 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 100% · Protein 0% · Fat 0%
Vanilla Bean nutrition facts table · 1 piece (medium) (5 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 14 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.45 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.6 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 Medium Vanilla Bean?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (medium) | 5 g | 14 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (grated) | 2 g | 6 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 3 g | 9 kcal |
| 1 piece (thin) | 4 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (chopped) | 6 g | 17 kcal |
| 1 piece (thick) | 7 g | 20 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 8 g | 23 kcal |
| 2 piece (double) | 10 g | 29 kcal |
| 1 pack (jumbo) | 15 g | 43 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 288 kcal |
Calculated from 288 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Bean
How do you use a vanilla bean?
Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out its seeds with the back of a knife. Add the seeds to batter or cream, and steep the scraped pod in warm milk or syrup to draw out more aroma.
Can you substitute vanilla extract for a vanilla bean?
Yes, vanilla extract can stand in for a vanilla bean in most recipes. Add it with the liquid ingredients; because extract strength varies by brand, adjust the amount to the level of vanilla flavor the recipe calls for.
How should you store a vanilla bean?
Keep a vanilla bean in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. Avoid refrigerating it, since cold conditions can dry it out. If it becomes stiff, briefly soak it in warm liquid before using it.
Why are vanilla beans so expensive?
Vanilla beans are costly because producing them takes considerable time and hand labor. The flowers need careful pollination, and the harvested pods undergo a lengthy curing process before they develop their familiar aroma.
Can you reuse a vanilla bean after scraping out the seeds?
Yes, the scraped pod still contains plenty of aroma. Steep it in milk, cream, or sugar, then remove it; a clean, dried pod can also be placed in a jar of sugar to make vanilla sugar.
What is the difference between a vanilla bean and vanilla bean paste?
A vanilla bean is the whole cured pod, while vanilla bean paste is a spoonable product made with vanilla seeds and other ingredients. Paste is convenient for recipes where you want visible seeds without splitting and scraping a pod.
How can you tell if a vanilla bean is good quality?
A good vanilla bean is fragrant, dark, and pliable rather than brittle. A slightly oily surface is normal; avoid beans with fuzzy mold or an off smell, which can indicate spoilage.
Are vanilla bean seeds edible?
Yes, vanilla bean seeds are edible and are commonly stirred into desserts, drinks, and sauces. The pod itself is fibrous and usually removed after steeping, though it can be reused to flavor sugar or liquids.
Can you use a vanilla bean in coffee?
Yes, you can use a vanilla bean to flavor coffee. Scrape a little of the seeds into grounds before brewing, or steep the pod in warm milk for a vanilla-flavored coffee addition.
Is vanilla bean the same as vanilla pod?
Yes, “vanilla bean” and “vanilla pod” refer to the same part of the vanilla plant: its cured fruit. “Bean” is the common name in some regions, although botanically it is a pod rather than a true bean.
Vanilla Bean Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B2
0mg · 0% DV
Vitamin E
0.01mg · 0% DV
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B3
0.01mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Potassium ⭐
7.4mg · 0% DV
Magnesium
0.3mg · 0% DV
Phosphorus
0.5mg · 0% DV
Calcium
0.6mg · 0% DV
Sodium
0.45mg · 0% DV
Vanilla Bean Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Vanilla Bean
To burn the 14 calories in 1 piece (medium) (5 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 Vanilla Bean?
A Vanilla Bean is the cured, dried pod of a tropical vanilla orchid, with tiny aromatic seeds inside. It is used as a spice rather than eaten on its own; the pod and seeds lend a fuller, more layered aroma than vanilla flavouring alone.
Its fragrance is sweet, floral and gently woody, making it a familiar addition to cakes, custards, ice cream and drinks in many parts of the world. Split the pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, or steep the pod in warm milk or cream. Because the flavour is concentrated, a little goes a long way, and it can add a sense of sweetness when you want to use less sugar.
How Nutritious Is Vanilla Bean?
Nutrient density
Low
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
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 Vanilla Bean 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 Vanilla Bean Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Vanilla Bean Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Vanilla Bean Fat Profile
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.