Do Any Seasonings Have Calories? The Surprising Truth About Your Spice Rack

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Most people assume herbs and spices are calorie-free, but that is not entirely true. Yes, seasonings do have calories, though the amount is often negligible in the small quantities typically used. The real surprise is discovering where hidden calories might lurk in your spice cabinet, especially in pre-made mixes.

Quick Summary

This article explains that while pure herbs and spices contain minimal calories, certain store-bought blends can introduce significant amounts of sugar, salt, and oils. It details which seasonings are lowest in calories, compares pure spices with blended mixes, and provides guidance for making smarter flavoring choices to support your health goals.

Key Points

Yes, seasonings have calories: All plant-based herbs and spices technically contain calories, but usually in negligible amounts per serving.
Pure spices are very low-calorie: Common single spices like cinnamon, cumin, and black pepper add minimal calories to a dish when used in small quantities.
Pre-made blends can contain hidden calories: Be wary of commercial seasoning mixes (like taco or chili seasoning), which often include added sugar, oil, and fillers that increase the calorie count.
Salt is calorie-free but high in sodium: As an inorganic mineral, pure salt has no calories, but it should still be used in moderation due to its high sodium content.
Control your intake with DIY blends: Mixing your own seasonings from pure ingredients is the best way to control both calories and sodium.
Zero-calorie alternatives exist: Use acids like vinegar, lemon juice, or hot peppers to add significant flavor without any caloric impact.
Check nutrition labels for hidden ingredients: Always read the labels on packaged seasonings to identify potential sources of unexpected calories from additives.

The Core Concept: Calories in Pure Herbs and Spices

To answer the question, "do any seasonings have calories?", the short answer is yes. All plant-based seasonings, which includes herbs and spices, contain some calories because they are derived from organic plant matter. However, the key distinction is the serving size. A typical dish calls for a teaspoon or less of a single spice, making the caloric contribution so small that it is often rounded down to zero on a nutrition label. For example, a single teaspoon of many common dried spices like basil, oregano, or thyme contains fewer than five calories.

Pure, unprocessed seasonings like:

Black pepper
Cumin
Dried oregano
Ground cinnamon
Paprika

These generally fall into the very low-calorie category. While they technically contain calories, using them to flavor your food is a smart choice for adding flavor without adding a noticeable amount to your daily intake.

The Sneaky Culprits: Hidden Calories in Blended Seasonings

Where people can get into trouble is with pre-made seasoning blends. Manufacturers often add extra ingredients to enhance flavor, texture, or shelf life. These additives can quickly increase the calorie count, and sometimes, the sugar and fat content as well.

Common additives found in blended seasonings include:

Sugar and corn syrup solids: Used in many BBQ rubs, curry powders, and marinades to provide a sweet flavor profile.
Starch and flour: Act as anti-caking agents or thickeners in dry mixes like taco or chili seasoning.
Oils: Found in some wet rubs and pastes, significantly increasing fat and calorie content.

For instance, a single serving of a brand-name taco seasoning mix could contain 18-30 calories, whereas making your own from scratch using individual spices would be a fraction of that.

The Zero-Calorie Exceptions

Not all flavor enhancers contain calories. Some are inorganic minerals or acids derived from plants, which our bodies don't digest as energy.

Examples of genuinely zero-calorie seasonings include:

Salt: A mineral that adds flavor without calories. However, excessive sodium intake can lead to other health issues like high blood pressure, so it's wise to use it in moderation.
Vinegar: Whether it's apple cider, red wine, or distilled, vinegar adds a sharp flavor with a negligible calorie count. Balsamic vinegar has slightly more, but it is still minimal.
Lemon and Lime Juice: The juice and zest from citrus fruits offer a bright, calorie-free flavor boost.

Comparison Table: Pure Spices vs. Blended Seasonings


Feature	Pure Spices (e.g., cumin, basil)	Pre-made Blended Seasonings (e.g., taco mix)
Calorie Count	Generally very low, often negligible per serving.	Can be significantly higher due to added sugars, flours, and oils.
Ingredients	Single, pure spice or herb.	Multiple spices plus added salts, sugars, anti-caking agents, and sometimes oils.
Control	Complete control over ingredients and portion size.	Less control; contents and nutritional information are determined by the manufacturer.
Sodium Content	Very low to non-existent unless mixed with salt.	Often very high in sodium to enhance flavor.
Versatility	Can be combined to create your own unique flavors.	Pre-set flavor profile, though can be useful for convenience.

Making Healthy Flavor Choices

For those who are counting calories, the best strategy is to rely on pure herbs and spices as much as possible. Creating your own seasoning blends allows you to control exactly what goes into your food, avoiding any hidden sugars or excessive sodium.

Tips for choosing healthier seasonings:

Read the label: Always check the nutrition facts on store-bought blends, especially for sugar and sodium content.
Opt for fresh: Fresh herbs often contain a more concentrated flavor, meaning you can use less to achieve the same taste.
DIY blends: If you enjoy specific flavor combinations, try recreating them at home. There are many recipes available for low-sodium or salt-free all-purpose seasoning blends.
Experiment with zero-calorie options: Use citrus juice, vinegar, or hot peppers to add zest without a single calorie.

Conclusion

While the answer to "do any seasonings have calories?" is a definitive "yes," the practical impact on your diet depends entirely on your choices. Pure, unprocessed herbs and spices add a burst of flavor with a truly negligible caloric cost. The real danger lies in relying too heavily on convenience-based pre-made seasoning blends, which can contain surprising amounts of hidden sugars, fats, and sodium. By understanding the difference and opting for whole ingredients or DIY mixes, you can ensure your seasonings support your health goals rather than hindering them.

Disclaimer: For personalized dietary advice, please consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, all plant-based spices have calories because they are derived from organic material. However, the amount is so small that it is generally considered negligible in typical serving sizes.

Pre-packaged seasoning mixes often contain added ingredients like sugar, flour, and anti-caking agents that increase the overall calorie count per serving. In contrast, pure spices and herbs contain only the natural calories from the plant.

No, pure table salt and sea salt are inorganic minerals and contain zero calories. However, they are high in sodium, and excessive intake should be avoided for health reasons.

Many pure, dried herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley are extremely low in calories, with most containing only 1-5 calories per teaspoon. Citrus juices and vinegars also add flavor with very few calories.

For pure herbs and spices, the caloric amount is so minimal that it is usually not worth counting. However, if you are using pre-made blends, it is a good practice to check the nutrition label, especially if you are on a strict diet.

Seasonings can help with weight loss indirectly by adding significant flavor to foods without adding many calories, especially when used as a replacement for high-fat sauces or condiments. Some spices, like cayenne, may also have minor metabolism-boosting properties.

The best way is to use pure herbs and spices. Create your own seasoning blends at home to avoid hidden sugars and fillers. Using zero-calorie options like fresh lemon juice or vinegar is also an effective strategy.