Are There Any Carbs in Spices?

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

While most people consider spices to be calorie-free, many actually contain small amounts of carbohydrates. Spices, derived from seeds, fruits, roots, and barks, are plant-based and, therefore, a natural source of carbs, especially if used in larger quantities or found in pre-made blends with added sugars.

Quick Summary

Most spices contain minimal carbohydrates per serving, but these can add up in larger quantities or in seasoning blends with added sugars. This article details the carbohydrate content of common spices, providing a comparison to help those on low-carb or keto diets manage their intake effectively.

Key Points

Not Carb-Free: Most spices, derived from plants, contain a small amount of carbohydrates.
Low Amounts Per Serving: The typical teaspoon serving size of a spice has a negligible carb count for most people.
Watch for Hidden Sugars: Pre-made seasoning blends are a major source of hidden carbs from added sugars and starches.
Make Your Own Blends: To avoid added carbs, make your own seasoning mixes from individual spices.
Track Large Quantities: If using large amounts of spices, especially garlic or onion powder, track their carbs on a keto or low-carb diet.
Check Labels Carefully: Always read the ingredients and nutrition facts, especially for seasoning blends, to identify added carbs.

Do Spices Contain Carbs?

Yes, spices do contain carbohydrates. Although the amount is generally very small per teaspoon, they are not entirely carb-free. Since spices are derived from various parts of plants, such as seeds, fruits, and roots, they naturally contain macronutrients, including carbohydrates. For most people, the trace amounts of carbs in spices used for flavoring are negligible. However, for those on strict low-carb or ketogenic diets, tracking these hidden carbs can become important, especially when using larger quantities or relying on pre-mixed seasonings.

The Source of Carbs in Spices

The carbohydrate content in spices comes from several components:

Dietary Fiber: A significant portion of the carbs in spices comes from dietary fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest, so it doesn't impact blood sugar levels in the same way as sugar or starch. The 'net carb' count on many diets (like keto) excludes fiber from the total carb count.
Natural Sugars and Starches: Some spices, particularly those from fruits or roots, contain natural sugars and starches. Garlic powder and onion powder are common examples that have a higher concentration of carbs compared to leafy herbs.
Added Ingredients in Blends: A major source of concern for people monitoring their carb intake is store-bought seasoning blends. Many commercial mixes, such as taco seasoning or barbecue rubs, contain anti-caking agents, sugars, and starches to enhance flavor or prevent clumping. Always check the ingredients label to avoid hidden carbs in these products.

Common Spices and Their Carb Content

To help you better understand the carb distribution, here is a list of some common spices and their typical carbohydrate content per teaspoon. Note that these are approximations and can vary slightly depending on the source and processing.

Garlic Powder: Roughly 2g net carbs per teaspoon.
Onion Powder: Higher in carbs than fresh onions, it contains a moderate amount per teaspoon.
Paprika: Approximately 0.4g net carbs per teaspoon.
Black Pepper, Ground: Contains about 0.9g net carbs per teaspoon.
Cumin, Ground: Roughly 0.7g net carbs per teaspoon.
Cinnamon, Ground: Approximately 0.6g net carbs per teaspoon.
Dried Basil: Very low, at about 0.2g net carbs per teaspoon.
Cayenne Pepper: About 0.3g net carbs per teaspoon.

Comparison Table: Carbs in Spices (per tablespoon)

While a teaspoon is a more common serving size, looking at a tablespoon provides a clearer picture of how quickly carbs can add up, especially in larger recipes.


Spice	Amount (1 tbsp)	Net Carbs (approx.)	Notes
Garlic Powder	1 tbsp	5.3g	One of the highest, use sparingly on low-carb diets.
Cinnamon, Ground	1 tbsp	1.7g	A moderate option with added health benefits.
Black Pepper, Ground	1 tbsp	2.4g	Still a very low-carb choice.
Cumin, Ground	1 tbsp	2.1g	A moderate carb spice, widely used in savory dishes.
Dried Parsley	1 tbsp	0.3g	Extremely low in carbs, making it very diet-friendly.
Taco Seasoning (pre-made)	1 tbsp	Variable	Can contain added sugars and starches; check label carefully.

Managing Carb Intake from Spices

For those on low-carb or keto diets, managing spice-related carbs is a matter of mindful consumption and preparation.

Read the Labels

This is the most critical step, especially with pre-mixed seasoning blends. Many commercial brands add sugar, potato starch, or cornstarch to improve texture, flavor, or as a preservative. A quick glance at the nutrition facts and ingredients list will help you avoid these hidden carbs.

Make Your Own Blends

If you want complete control over your carb intake, creating your own seasoning blends from individual spices is the best approach. This allows you to avoid any unwanted added sugars or starches. It's often more flavorful and cost-effective in the long run.

Use Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs generally have a lower concentration of carbohydrates compared to their dried, powdered counterparts. Opting for fresh basil, parsley, or dill can significantly reduce the carb count in your dishes, especially if you use generous amounts.

Measure Your Spices

When following a specific diet, it's wise to be precise with your measurements. While a tiny pinch of a high-carb spice won't derail your progress, using a tablespoon or more in a recipe can add up. Measuring your spices can help you accurately track your intake.

Conclusion

So, are there any carbs in spices? The answer is a definitive yes. While most individual spices contain minimal carbs per serving, it is not accurate to assume they are entirely carb-free. For the average person, these amounts are insignificant, but for those on specific dietary plans like keto, understanding and tracking these small amounts can be crucial. By reading labels, making your own blends, and being mindful of serving sizes, you can continue to enjoy flavorful food without compromising your dietary goals.

For more detailed nutritional information on spices and other foods, consult reliable databases like the USDA's food composition databases.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most spices do not add a significant amount of calories to your food. Their caloric and carbohydrate impact is usually very small per serving, especially when compared to other ingredients in a dish.

Yes, most individual spices are perfectly fine for a keto diet when used in moderation. The main thing to watch for is pre-made blends that contain added sugars or starches, which can increase the carb count.

Dried herbs are generally very low in carbohydrates. Examples like parsley and basil contain minimal carbs per teaspoon, making them excellent, low-carb flavor enhancers.

Some of the spices with a slightly higher carb content include garlic powder and onion powder. These are still low overall but have more carbs than leafy herbs like dried parsley.

For most diets, the small amount of carbs in spices is negligible. However, for very strict diets like a ketogenic diet, or if using large quantities of spices like garlic or onion powder, it's a good idea to count them.

Store-bought taco seasoning blends can be high in carbs due to added sugars and starches. It is always recommended to check the nutrition label or make your own blend to control the ingredients.

In general, yes. Fresh herbs have a higher water content, so per tablespoon, they tend to have fewer concentrated carbohydrates than their dried, ground counterparts.