Do Tums Have Calories? An In-Depth Look at Antacid Nutrition

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

While the active ingredient, calcium carbonate, is not a source of calories, many Tums products do contain a small amount of calories, typically around 5-10 per tablet, due to inactive ingredients like sucrose and corn starch. This is surprising for many who view the antacid solely as a medicine for heartburn relief, not a food product.

Quick Summary

Most Tums contain a very minimal number of calories from sugars and carbs for taste and binding. Some versions, like sugar-free tablets, are calorie-free.

Key Points

Not Calorie-Free: Most Tums products, particularly chewable tablets and gummies, contain a small number of calories, not zero.
Inactive Ingredients are the Culprit: The active ingredient (calcium carbonate) is calorie-free, but inactive ingredients like sugar and corn starch add the calories.
Calorie Count Varies by Product: The number of calories per serving changes significantly between Tums varieties, from around 10 for tablets to 45 for gummies.
Sugar-Free Options Exist: For those concerned about sugar or calories, Tums offers a sugar-free version with zero calories.
Impact is Generally Insignificant: For most people, the minor caloric intake from occasional Tums use is nutritionally insignificant.
Diabetics Should Choose Carefully: Individuals monitoring sugar intake should opt for sugar-free Tums to avoid added sugars.

Do Tums Have Calories? Understanding the Ingredients

Many consumers take Tums for heartburn relief without ever considering their nutritional content. The primary misconception is that because it's a medicine, it must be calorie-free. However, the truth is a bit more nuanced. The caloric content in Tums comes not from its active ingredient, calcium carbonate, but from the inactive ingredients added to make the tablets palatable and form their structure. This is why different Tums products, such as chewable tablets, gummies, and sugar-free versions, have varying calorie counts.

The Caloric Contributors: Inactive Ingredients

The calories found in Tums products, such as Extra Strength and Ultra Strength, are primarily derived from carbohydrates in the form of sugars and starches. Key inactive ingredients that contribute to this are:

Sucrose: Commonly known as table sugar, sucrose is a primary flavoring and binding agent in many Tums varieties.
Corn Starch: This ingredient helps bind the tablet together and provides a smooth texture.
Sorbitol and Sucralose: In sugar-free Tums, these sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners are used to provide flavor without adding calories.

It's important for individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes, to be aware of these inactive ingredients. While the calorie count is low, the sugar content can be a factor if consuming multiple tablets daily.

How Many Calories Are in Different Tums Products?

The calorie count for Tums can vary significantly depending on the product type. For example, a standard serving of two Extra Strength or Ultra Strength tablets is approximately 10 calories, while the popular Gummy Bites contain more, with 45 calories per three-gummy serving. Conversely, sugar-free versions contain zero calories, making them a suitable alternative for those on restricted diets.

Comparison of Tums Product Calories


Product Name	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Inactive Ingredients	Caloric Source
Extra Strength	2 tablets	10	Sucrose, Corn Starch, Talc	Sugar, Carbohydrates
Ultra Strength	2 tablets	10	Sucrose, Corn Starch, Flavors	Sugar, Carbohydrates
Naturals Ultra Strength	1 tablet	5	Calcium Carbonate, Corn Starch	Carbohydrates
Gummy Bites	3 gummies	45	Glucose Syrup, Sugar	Sugar
Sugar-Free Extra Strength	1 tablet	0	Sorbitol, Sucralose, Flavors	None

Is the Calorie Count Significant?

For most people, the minimal calories in a dose of Tums are not a concern. The average caloric intake for adults is thousands of calories per day. Consuming 10 calories to relieve heartburn is negligible in the grand scheme of a daily diet. The key takeaway is that awareness of the ingredients is important, especially for individuals with specific dietary needs, such as managing blood sugar or avoiding sugar altogether.

Considerations for Diabetics and Calorie Counters

If you have diabetes, monitoring sugar intake is critical. A couple of Extra Strength Tums tablets contain roughly 2 grams of sugar, which is minimal but can add up if taken frequently throughout the day. Opting for the sugar-free Tums is a prudent choice in this case. Similarly, for individuals on a strict calorie-controlled diet, the occasional 10-calorie dose is unlikely to hinder progress, but frequent use should be considered as part of your total daily intake.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Do Tums have calories?"—yes, most standard versions do, but only a minimal amount. This is due to inactive ingredients like sucrose and corn starch, which are included for flavor and texture. Sugar-free varieties are an option for those who wish to avoid all calories and sugar from their antacids. For most people, the low caloric content is not a dietary concern, but understanding the ingredients can help those with specific health considerations make informed choices. Ultimately, Tums are intended for fast-acting heartburn relief, and their nutritional impact is a minor footnote to their primary purpose.

Ingredients that Contribute Calories

Sucrose: Provides sweetness and acts as a binder.
Corn Starch: A binding agent and filler that adds minimal carbohydrates.
Glucose Syrup: Used in gummy versions and is a form of sugar.
Flavors and Dyes: Can sometimes contain trace amounts of caloric ingredients.
Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol used in sugar-free versions that technically contains minimal calories, though not enough to be listed on the label.

For specific ingredient information and any dietary concerns, it is always best to check the product label or consult with a healthcare professional, especially if managing a condition like diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most standard Tums products are not calorie-free. The calories come from inactive ingredients like sucrose and corn starch added for flavor and binding.

A serving of two Extra Strength or Ultra Strength Tums tablets typically contains approximately 10 calories, but this can vary by product type.

Yes, Tums Gummy Bites contain more calories than the chewable tablets. A serving of three gummies contains around 45 calories, primarily from sugars like glucose syrup.

Yes, the Sugar-Free versions of Tums are calorie-free. They use alternative sweeteners like sorbitol and sucralose instead of sugar.

Calories are present in Tums because of the inactive ingredients, such as sugars and starches, which are necessary for the tablet's taste, texture, and structural integrity.

For most individuals, the negligible amount of calories from occasional Tums use is not a factor in weight gain. Frequent, high-dose use of products with higher calorie counts, like gummies, could have a minor impact.

For individuals with diabetes, the sugar content in standard Tums should be considered, especially if taken frequently. Sugar-free Tums are the best option in this case.

The primary source of calories in standard Tums products is sucrose (sugar), which is listed as an inactive ingredient.