Does Coriander Powder Have Calories? The Full Nutritional Breakdown

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a single teaspoon of ground coriander contains a negligible amount of calories, around 5 kcal. While many people focus on the larger macronutrients in their meals, the small additions like spices still contribute to the overall nutritional profile, even if minimally. Does coriander powder have calories? The answer is yes, but its contribution is tiny and almost insignificant in the grand scheme of a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the caloric content and complete nutritional value of coriander powder, detailing its minimal energy contribution and rich antioxidant profile. It explores the health benefits associated with the spice, compares its nutrition to other common spices, and offers practical tips for incorporating it into your diet for flavor without adding significant calories.

Key Points

Minimal Caloric Impact: A single teaspoon of coriander powder contains only around 5 calories, making its contribution to a meal's total energy count extremely low.
Rich in Antioxidants: Coriander is a source of powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation and prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Supports Digestive Health: The spice has been used for centuries to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and soothe an upset stomach.
Aids in Flavoring Healthfully: Using coriander powder allows you to add robust flavor to dishes without relying on high-calorie ingredients, supporting healthier eating habits.
Beneficial for Heart Health: Studies suggest that compounds in coriander can help lower risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
High in Fiber: Despite being used in small quantities, 100g of coriander powder contains a substantial amount of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for gut health.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient: It can be easily incorporated into a variety of recipes, from marinades and curries to spice rubs for vegetables and meats.

Understanding the Caloric Content of Coriander Powder

When evaluating a food's caloric content, it's essential to look at the serving size. For a spice like coriander powder, which is typically used in small quantities, its caloric impact on a meal is very low. A single teaspoon of ground coriander seeds contains roughly 5.36 kcal, while a half-teaspoon contains approximately 4 kcal. This is a minuscule amount of energy, making it a favorite for those aiming to flavor food without increasing their calorie count significantly. For instance, a diet focused on low-calorie, high-flavor ingredients can benefit greatly from spices like coriander.

Nutritional Breakdown Per 100g

While small amounts are used in cooking, examining the nutritional content per 100 grams provides a broader understanding of its composition.

Energy: 298 kcal
Protein: 12.3 g
Total Fat: 17.8 g
Carbohydrates: 54.0 g
Dietary Fiber: 41.0 g
Sugars: 3.3 g
Calcium: 709 mg
Iron: 8.0 mg

This breakdown shows that coriander is rich in dietary fiber and minerals, with a moderate amount of fat and protein relative to its weight. The majority of its calories come from carbohydrates, and it's also a surprisingly good source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health.

Comparison Table: Coriander vs. Other Common Spices


Nutrient (per 100g)	Coriander Powder	Cumin Powder (approximate)	Paprika (approximate)
Calories	298 kcal	375 kcal	282 kcal
Carbohydrates	54.0 g	44.2 g	53.99 g
Protein	12.3 g	17.8 g	13.99 g
Fat	17.8 g	22.3 g	12.99 g
Dietary Fiber	41.0 g	10.5 g	34.9 g

As the table illustrates, coriander powder has a lower calorie density compared to cumin and comparable to paprika on a per-gram basis. Its high fiber content is a notable distinction among these common kitchen staples.

Health Benefits Beyond Calories

Beyond its low-calorie nature, coriander powder is packed with health-promoting compounds. It is a source of powerful antioxidants that help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can combat inflammation, which is linked to a variety of chronic diseases. Moreover, research suggests that consuming coriander may help regulate blood sugar levels, which is a significant factor in managing type 2 diabetes. Its potential benefits extend to heart health as well, as some studies have found it can help lower risk factors like high cholesterol and blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory properties are also believed to be protective for brain health.

Improving Digestion and Gut Health

Traditionally used as a digestive aid, coriander seeds can stimulate appetite and soothe an upset stomach. Studies on coriander seed extract have shown that it can help reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. It supports healthy digestion and can even help treat issues like gas.

Incorporating Coriander into a Healthy Diet

Coriander powder's versatility makes it an easy addition to a wide range of dishes. From curries and marinades to rubs for roasted vegetables or meats, its nutty, slightly citrusy flavor enhances many recipes without adding excessive calories.

Spice blends: Incorporate it into your own homemade spice mixes for curries, chili, and other savory dishes.
Marinades: Add coriander powder to yogurt or oil-based marinades to flavor chicken, fish, or paneer.
Flavoring Grains: Mix a pinch of coriander powder with cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous for an aromatic twist.
Vegetable Dishes: Sprinkle over roasted or sautéed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Flavorful Spice

Does coriander powder have calories? Yes, but in such small amounts that it's practically negligible for most dietary concerns. The caloric value is not the most important aspect of this versatile spice. Its true value lies in the rich profile of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it provides, all while delivering a warm, earthy flavor to your cooking. Incorporating it into your meals is a simple and effective way to add depth of flavor and numerous health benefits without piling on calories. For anyone looking to enhance their dishes healthfully, coriander powder is an excellent choice.

Final Takeaways

Coriander powder is a low-calorie spice that offers significant health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's a useful tool for enhancing flavor in low-fat or low-sodium dishes, making healthy eating more palatable. Its contribution to digestion and heart health further solidify its place as a nutritious culinary addition. When used in typical cooking quantities, its caloric impact is minimal, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

One teaspoon of ground coriander powder contains approximately 5.36 calories, which is a very small and almost negligible amount.

While not a weight loss supplement, coriander powder can support weight management by adding flavor to low-calorie meals without adding significant calories. Its fiber content can also contribute to a feeling of fullness.

In addition to a minimal amount of calories, coriander powder is a good source of dietary fiber, iron, calcium, and antioxidants, with a moderate amount of protein and fat.

Some studies suggest that coriander seeds and oil may help lower blood sugar levels by promoting enzyme activity that removes sugar from the blood. People on diabetes medication should be mindful of its effect on blood sugar.

Coriander powder is simply ground coriander seeds, so their nutritional profile is very similar. The seeds may offer a slightly more complex texture, while the powder is more easily blended into sauces and rubs.

Coriander powder's unique, earthy, and citrusy flavor may not be a direct replacement for all spices. However, it can often be used in place of cumin or other warming spices, depending on the recipe.

Many of coriander's bioactive compounds and polyphenols are resistant to heat, meaning they retain their antioxidant properties even after being cooked.