Clarifying the Confusion: How many calories are in a tamarin vs. a tamarind?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 20 species of tamarin monkeys exist in South American rainforests, but they are not an edible food item. The question, 'how many calories are in a tamarin?' stems from a common confusion with 'tamarind,' the edible tropical fruit. This article provides clarity on the distinction and offers the precise calorie and nutritional information for the tamarind fruit.

Quick Summary

The inquiry into calories for a 'tamarin' is a common mix-up with the fruit called 'tamarind'. Tamarin refers to a monkey species, while tamarind is a culinary fruit with a distinct calorie count and nutritional profile.

Key Points

Tamarin is a Monkey: The word 'tamarin' refers to a small monkey found in Central and South America, which is not an edible food source.
Tamarind is the Fruit: The edible item is 'tamarind,' a tropical fruit from the legume family used in many global cuisines.
Calories in Tamarind: Raw tamarind fruit pulp contains approximately 239 calories per 100 grams, mainly from its natural sugars and carbohydrates.
Nutritional Benefits: Tamarind is rich in nutrients like magnesium, potassium, iron, and B vitamins, contributing to its health benefits.
Culinary Uses: The fruit is used in various forms—from fresh pods and pressed blocks to pastes and concentrates—to add a sweet and tangy flavor to dishes.

Tamarin vs. Tamarind: Understanding the Key Difference

The initial query of how many calories are in a tamarin is based on a fundamental misconception. A tamarin is a small, arboreal New World monkey native to the rainforests of Central and South America, not an edible item for human consumption. It is the tamarind fruit, which sounds very similar, that is used in many cuisines around the world. These primates have a varied diet in the wild that includes insects, fruit, and tree sap. An adult tamarin is quite small, weighing anywhere from 8 to 30 ounces, but their primary purpose within the ecosystem is as a seed disperser, not a food source for humans.

The Omnivorous Diet of a Tamarin Monkey

While not relevant to human nutrition, understanding the tamarin's natural diet helps further illustrate that they are animals and not a fruit. Their omnivorous eating habits include:

Fruits: A major part of their diet, especially during the wet season.
Insects: A year-round source of protein.
Flowers and Nectar: Consumed seasonally.
Tree Sap: Taken from holes made by other animals.
Small Animals: Such as frogs, lizards, and eggs.

Tamarind: The Edible Fruit and Its Calorie Content

In contrast, tamarind is the fruit of the Tamarindus indica tree, a legume that produces brown, pod-like fruits with a sticky, tangy pulp. According to the USDA and other nutritional sources, raw tamarind contains approximately 239 calories per 100 grams. This caloric value is primarily from carbohydrates, as the fruit is low in fat.

A Deeper Look at Tamarind's Nutritional Profile

A 100-gram serving of raw tamarind offers much more than just calories. It's a powerhouse of nutrients, as detailed below:

Carbohydrates: 62.5g
Dietary Fiber: 5.1g
Protein: 2.8g
Magnesium: An excellent source, providing a significant portion of the Daily Value (DV).
Potassium: High in potassium, which is important for heart health.
Iron: Contains a good amount of iron.
Vitamins: Rich in B vitamins, particularly Thiamine (B1), and contains some Vitamin C.

These nutritional benefits make tamarind a valuable addition to many diets when consumed in moderation. For example, the high fiber content can aid digestion and contribute to a feeling of fullness.

Culinary Uses and Forms of Tamarind

To consume tamarind, one must remove the pulp from the pod. It is available in several forms for cooking:

Raw pods: The pulp can be eaten straight from the pod, or the fruit can be boiled to make a juice or paste.
Pressed blocks: Made from condensed pulp, these require soaking in hot water to soften before use.
Concentrate or paste: A more convenient, shelf-stable form of tamarind used in sauces, curries, and beverages.

The fruit's unique sweet and sour flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in various dishes, including marinades, chutneys, and even desserts.

Conclusion

The simple answer to the question "how many calories are in a tamarin?" is that the question is based on an incorrect premise. Tamarins are small, non-edible monkeys, while tamarind is the calorie-rich, nutrient-dense fruit used widely in cooking. For the edible tamarind fruit, the calorie count is approximately 239 calories per 100 grams, with the majority of energy coming from carbohydrates and natural sugars. Understanding the distinction is key to getting the correct information. The high content of vitamins and minerals like magnesium and potassium makes tamarind a healthy dietary component when enjoyed in moderation. A more detailed look at the health benefits of tamarind can be found via authoritative sources like WebMD. For example, its antioxidants contribute to cell protection.

Tamarin (Monkey) vs. Tamarind (Fruit) Comparison


Feature	Tamarin (Monkey)	Tamarind (Fruit)
Classification	Small, arboreal primate (genus Saguinus)	Tropical tree bearing edible fruit (Tamarindus indica)
Edibility for Humans	Not edible.	Edible fruit pulp used in cuisine.
Approximate Calories	Not applicable.	239 kcal per 100 grams (raw pulp).
Dietary Role	Omnivore, part of the rainforest ecosystem.	Used as a culinary ingredient, flavoring, or confection.
Flavor Profile	None (not a food item).	Tangy, sweet, and sour flavor.
Key Nutrients	Not applicable.	High in magnesium, potassium, iron, and B vitamins.

Link to WebMD's guide on the health benefits of tamarind

Frequently Asked Questions

A tamarin is a small monkey species native to the rainforests of South America. A tamarind is the edible, pod-like fruit of the Tamarindus indica tree, which is a legume.

No, it is not safe or ethical for humans to eat a tamarin. Tamarins are wild primates, and they are not considered a food source.

The calorie count for tamarind is typically measured per serving size, such as 100 grams. Raw tamarind pulp has about 239 calories per 100g, mostly from carbohydrates.

Tamarind is a good source of fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, iron, and B vitamins, along with antioxidants.

The tamarind tree is native to tropical Africa and is cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Southeast Asia, and Central America.

Tamarind is used as a souring agent and flavoring in a wide variety of dishes, including chutneys, curries, marinades, beverages like tamarindo, and even desserts.

Yes, tamarind pulp can be eaten raw directly from the pod. However, the taste is quite tart and it is often sweeter as it ripens.