How Many Calories Are In 1 Tablespoon Of Bluebonnet? A Guide to Variations

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the nutrition labels, a single tablespoon of Blue Bonnet's Original Vegetable Oil Spread contains 40 calories, while other product varieties, such as the sticks, have different values. Knowing how many calories are in 1 tablespoon of Bluebonnet is important for accurate calorie counting and maintaining a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

Blue Bonnet's calorie count varies depending on the product, ranging from 40 to 60 calories per tablespoon. This difference is mainly due to the specific vegetable oil blend and its fat content, affecting its nutritional profile and culinary uses.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in 1 tablespoon of Bluebonnet differs significantly by product, ranging from 40 to 60 calories.
Original Tub (Lower Calories): The standard vegetable oil spread in a tub contains 40 calories per tablespoon, making it a lighter option for general spreading.
Margarine Sticks (Higher Calories): Blue Bonnet sticks, formulated for baking, have a higher fat content and contain 60 calories per tablespoon.
Light Options: Lighter versions of both the tub and stick spreads are available, with calories as low as 40 or 50 per serving.
Comparison to Butter: Compared to traditional butter's 100+ calories per tablespoon, Blue Bonnet provides a substantial calorie reduction for those watching their intake.
Purpose-Driven Choice: For calorie counting, choose the lower-fat tub; for baking that requires solid fat, use the sticks, but be aware of the calorie difference.

Understanding Blue Bonnet's Calorie Variations

When considering how many calories are in 1 tablespoon of Bluebonnet, it's crucial to recognize that the number is not universal across all products. The brand offers several varieties, each with a different formulation of vegetable oils and water, which directly impacts the calorie and fat content. The most common forms are the vegetable oil spread sold in tubs and the margarine-style sticks, and even within these, there can be 'light' versions with fewer calories.

Calories in Blue Bonnet Vegetable Oil Spread (Tub)

The original Blue Bonnet Vegetable Oil Spread, typically found in a tub, is a lighter option than traditional butter. A standard 1-tablespoon serving (14 grams) contains 40 calories. This is due to its lower fat concentration, typically a 31% vegetable oil blend, combined with water and other ingredients. This version is particularly useful for spreading on toast, bagels, or for general use where a strong, buttery flavor is desired without the higher calorie load of butter.

Macronutrient Breakdown (Original Tub):
- Calories: 40
- Total Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g

Calories in Blue Bonnet Sticks

For baking and cooking that requires a more solid fat, Blue Bonnet offers vegetable oil spread in stick form. These sticks contain a higher percentage of vegetable oil to maintain their solid shape, similar to butter. For the standard Blue Bonnet Vegetable Oil Spread Sticks (53% oil blend), a 1-tablespoon serving contains 60 calories. This makes them a more calorie-dense choice than the tub spread, but still a lower-calorie option than pure butter.

Macronutrient Breakdown (Original Sticks):
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g

Calories in Blue Bonnet Light Varieties

To meet consumer demand for even lower-calorie options, Blue Bonnet also produces 'light' versions. These products reduce both the fat and calorie content even further. For example, the Light Vegetable Oil Spread in a tub typically provides 40 calories per tablespoon, but with less overall fat. The Light Margarine Sticks are also lower in calories compared to their full-fat counterparts, offering around 50 calories per tablespoon.

How Blue Bonnet Compares to Butter

It's useful to place Blue Bonnet's calorie counts in context by comparing them to traditional butter. Butter, which is a dairy product, is significantly higher in both calories and saturated fat. A tablespoon of butter contains approximately 100-102 calories and about 7 grams of saturated fat. This stark difference is why many people seeking to reduce fat and calorie intake choose vegetable oil spreads like Blue Bonnet.


Product Type	Calories (per 1 tbsp)	Total Fat (per 1 tbsp)	Saturated Fat (per 1 tbsp)
Blue Bonnet Original Tub	40	4.5g	1g
Blue Bonnet Original Sticks	60	7g	2.5g
Blue Bonnet Light Tub	40-45	4-4.5g	1g
Butter	100-102	11-12g	7-7.3g

What These Numbers Mean for Your Diet

Choosing a spread is often a matter of balancing taste, texture, and nutritional goals. For those watching their calorie intake, opting for a lower-calorie spread like Blue Bonnet can make a significant difference over time. It's important to remember that all fats, including vegetable oil-based spreads, are calorie-dense. Portion control remains key, as consuming multiple tablespoons can quickly add up. For more information on the differences between margarine and butter, consider resources like those provided by the Mayo Clinic.

Best practices for using spreads:

Measure your servings: Use a tablespoon to accurately measure out your portion instead of guessing.
Opt for lighter varieties: If calories are a primary concern, stick with the 'light' tub options for the lowest count.
Consider your use case: For baking, the higher-fat sticks might be necessary, but for toast or other spreads, the lower-calorie tub is a great alternative.
Read the label: Always double-check the nutrition label for the specific product you are buying, as formulations can occasionally change.
Pair with nutritious foods: Using a spread in moderation on whole-grain toast or vegetables is a great way to enhance flavor without derailing your diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the number of calories in 1 tablespoon of Bluebonnet depends on the specific product. The Original Vegetable Oil Spread in a tub contains 40 calories, while the higher-fat stick variety has 60 calories per tablespoon. When compared to butter's 100+ calories, Blue Bonnet offers a lighter, lower-calorie alternative for various culinary applications. By understanding these variations, consumers can make conscious, informed decisions about how they incorporate spreads into their diet and baking, ensuring they meet their nutritional goals without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the calorie count varies between different Blue Bonnet products. For instance, the Original Vegetable Oil Spread in a tub has 40 calories per tablespoon, while the Original Sticks have 60 calories per tablespoon.

The Original Blue Bonnet Sticks contain 60 calories per tablespoon, which is 20 calories more than the 40 calories found in the Original Vegetable Oil Spread from a tub. This difference is primarily due to the higher fat content in the sticks.

Blue Bonnet spreads are significantly lower in calories and fat than real butter. A tablespoon of real butter contains over 100 calories, while a tablespoon of most Blue Bonnet products contains between 40 and 60 calories.

From a calorie and saturated fat perspective, Blue Bonnet is generally considered a healthier alternative to butter, especially for those concerned with heart health. However, both are high in fat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

While the tub spread works for some recipes, the stick variety is specifically formulated to be more solid for baking applications, similar to butter. For flaky baked goods, the sticks are a better choice, but for simple recipes like muffins or cakes, the tub can often be substituted.

Yes, all Blue Bonnet spreads contain 0 mg of cholesterol per serving, as they are vegetable oil-based and not derived from animal products.

To reduce calories, choose the lighter varieties of Blue Bonnet spreads. Also, practice portion control by measuring out a single tablespoon rather than spreading it on liberally.