How many calories are in 1 tablespoon of ground cumin?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single tablespoon of ground cumin contains approximately 21 to 34 calories, varying slightly by brand and density. This makes it a low-calorie addition to meals that provides a significant flavor boost and offers notable nutritional value beyond just energy content.

Quick Summary

A tablespoon of ground cumin has around 21 to 34 calories, along with substantial iron and other beneficial nutrients. It is a flavorful, low-calorie seasoning that supports digestion and offers antioxidant properties, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Key Points

Low Calorie Content: A single tablespoon of ground cumin contains approximately 21 to 34 calories.
Rich in Iron: This spice is a very dense source of iron, with just one teaspoon providing a substantial percentage of the recommended daily intake.
Powerful Antioxidants: Cumin contains beneficial plant compounds that act as antioxidants, which help protect the body's cells from damage by free radicals.
Aids Digestion: Historically used as a digestive aid, modern research confirms that cumin can stimulate digestive enzymes and bile production.
Flavor vs. Form: While ground cumin is convenient for seasoning, whole cumin seeds have a more potent flavor and may retain slightly more nutrients.
Multiple Health Benefits: Beyond digestion, cumin has been linked to weight management, improved cholesterol levels, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Versatile Ingredient: Cumin is a staple spice in numerous cuisines, including Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern, lending a warm, earthy flavor.

Ground Cumin: A Low-Calorie Flavor Powerhouse

Ground cumin is a staple spice in many cuisines worldwide, prized for its warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor. What many home cooks might not realize is that this potent flavor comes with a very minimal caloric cost. While specific counts can vary, most sources place the caloric value of one tablespoon of ground cumin between 21 and 34 calories. This small amount of energy is accompanied by a host of other nutritional benefits that make it a healthy and valuable addition to your cooking.

Nutritional Breakdown Beyond the Calories

Beyond its low-calorie contribution, a single tablespoon of ground cumin is surprisingly rich in other nutrients. This small serving size packs a punch, contributing to your daily intake of several key minerals.

Iron: Cumin is an exceptional source of iron. A single teaspoon can provide a significant portion of the recommended daily intake for adults, making it an excellent dietary supplement for those who are iron deficient.
Dietary Fiber: Cumin offers a decent amount of dietary fiber, which is important for healthy digestion.
Minerals: It also contains notable amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are all vital for bone health and other bodily functions.
Antioxidants: The spice is loaded with beneficial plant compounds that act as antioxidants, helping to combat cell damage caused by free radicals.

Ground Cumin vs. Whole Cumin Seeds: A Comparison

While the nutritional profiles are quite similar, there are a few distinctions between using ground cumin and whole cumin seeds, which can influence both flavor and nutrient retention.


Feature	Ground Cumin	Whole Cumin Seeds
Flavor	Milder, and the flavor and aroma dissipate more quickly over time.	More potent and pungent flavor, which is released when toasted or cooked in oil.
Usage	Added directly to dishes as a seasoning, often towards the end of cooking.	Typically added to hot oil at the start of cooking to infuse flavor into the dish.
Texture	Fine powder, blends seamlessly into sauces, curries, and rubs.	Adds a slight textural element and a pop of intense flavor when chewed.
Nutrient Retention	May lose some volatile nutrients due to processing and increased surface area.	May retain slightly more nutrients due to being less processed.

The Health Benefits of Incorporating Cumin into Your Diet

Regularly including cumin in your meals can contribute to your overall well-being beyond simply adding flavor. Scientific research has supported several of its traditional medicinal uses. Cumin is known for aiding digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and may support weight management efforts in higher doses. Studies also indicate potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antimicrobial effects that could help prevent food-borne illnesses. Furthermore, cumin may offer benefits for skin health due to its vitamin E content and antimicrobial qualities. It has also been traditionally used to support lactation and may contribute to managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

How to Maximize Cumin's Flavor and Benefits

To get the most from your ground cumin, consider these simple culinary tips:

Roast Your Spices: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast whole cumin seeds in a dry pan before grinding them into a powder. This enhances their aroma and taste profile.
Add at the Right Time: When using ground cumin, adding it later in the cooking process can preserve its flavor. For whole seeds, adding them to hot oil early in the process helps infuse the entire dish.
Combine with Other Spices: Cumin pairs wonderfully with other spices like coriander, paprika, and turmeric. It forms the foundation of many complex flavor profiles in curries, chilis, and spice rubs.
Make Your Own Blends: Create homemade spice blends like chili powder or curry powder for a fresher, more intense flavor than store-bought versions.
Incorporate in Various Dishes: Don't limit cumin to just curries. Use it to season roasted vegetables, meats, soups, stews, and even in salad dressings or homemade dips.

Conclusion: A Small Spice with Big Impact

In summary, one tablespoon of ground cumin provides a very modest number of calories—typically between 21 and 34—but delivers a powerful boost of flavor and significant nutritional benefits. Rich in iron, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, this versatile spice is a healthy and impactful addition to a wide range of dishes. Whether used in its ground form for a quick seasoning or toasted and ground from whole seeds for a more complex flavor, cumin offers a simple way to elevate your cooking while providing valuable nutrients. So, the next time you season your food with this earthy spice, you can be confident that you're adding more than just flavor—you're adding a dose of healthful goodness with a minimal caloric footprint.

Learn more about the health benefits of spices

Culinary Uses of Cumin

Here are some examples of how to use cumin in different types of dishes:

South Asian Cuisine: A key ingredient in many curries, masalas, and spice rubs for dishes like tandoori chicken.
Mexican Cuisine: Essential for chili con carne, tacos, burritos, and enchilada sauces.
Middle Eastern Cuisine: Used in falafel, hummus, and rubs for grilled lamb or chicken.
North African Cuisine: Found in tagines, couscous dishes, and spice blends like ras el hanout.
American Cuisine: A common component of chili powder and barbecue rubs.
Global Dishes: Added to roasted vegetables, soups, stews, and savory baked goods for a warm, earthy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

A tablespoon of ground cumin contains a very minimal amount of sugar, typically less than a gram. The total carbohydrate content is low, with the majority being fiber.

Yes, you can substitute cumin seeds for ground cumin, but you should toast and grind them first for the best flavor integration. Whole seeds are often used at the beginning of cooking to infuse hot oil, while powder is mixed into dishes.

Some studies suggest that concentrated cumin supplements may aid in weight loss and fat reduction. However, consistently using cumin as a seasoning as part of a healthy diet is a more realistic and sustainable approach.

Ground cumin should be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container and is best used within six months, as its flavor gradually diminishes over time. Whole cumin seeds will retain their flavor for a longer period.

Ground cumin is generally safe for most people when used as a spice in cooking. However, individuals with an allergy to cumin should avoid it. High-dose supplements may have side effects and should be used with caution, especially by pregnant women or those with specific medical conditions.

Whole cumin seeds have a more potent, earthy flavor that is released when toasted. Ground cumin has a milder flavor profile that integrates more smoothly into dishes, but it can lose potency over time.

Yes, cumin contains several beneficial plant compounds, including terpenes, phenols, and flavonoids, which function as antioxidants to help protect the body's cells from damage by free radicals.

Ground cumin is a versatile spice used in many cuisines. It is a key ingredient in chili powder, curry powder, and is commonly added to soups, stews, meats, and vegetable dishes for its warm, earthy flavor.