How Many Calories Are in 2 Tablespoons of Balsamic Glaze?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 2-tablespoon serving of balsamic glaze contains approximately 60 calories, which come almost entirely from sugar. This concentrated, syrupy condiment is much higher in calories than plain balsamic vinegar, and its nutritional profile is worth understanding.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze typically hovers around 60, but can vary by brand and preparation. This is significantly more than regular vinegar due to the concentration and addition of sweeteners, making moderation key for calorie counting.

Key Points

Calorie Count: 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze typically contain around 60 calories, which come almost entirely from sugar.
Ingredient Impact: The final calorie count is affected by whether the glaze contains added sweeteners like brown sugar or honey.
Comparison with Vinegar: Balsamic glaze is much more calorically dense than regular balsamic vinegar, which has only about 14 calories per tablespoon.
Health Consideration: Due to its high sugar content, balsamic glaze should be used in moderation by those watching their sugar or calorie intake.
Homemade Option: Making your own glaze by reducing pure balsamic vinegar allows for complete control over added sugars and calorie content.
Flavor vs. Calories: Its intense, concentrated flavor means that a little goes a long way, allowing for mindful consumption.

The Calorie Breakdown of Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic glaze is a concentrated reduction of balsamic vinegar, and its calorie count is directly tied to this process. A typical 2-tablespoon serving contains around 60 calories, with virtually all of these coming from carbohydrates in the form of sugar. Unlike many dressings, it contains no fat and negligible amounts of protein, making it an energy-dense, sugar-rich addition to a meal. The exact calorie count can fluctuate between brands. Some store-bought varieties may add extra sweeteners like honey or sugar, while a homemade reduction from pure balsamic vinegar might vary depending on how long it is simmered. Therefore, it is always best to check the nutrition label for the most accurate information on a specific product.

Balsamic Glaze vs. Balsamic Vinegar: A Nutritional Comparison

Understanding the difference between balsamic glaze and its base ingredient, balsamic vinegar, is crucial for managing your intake. Balsamic vinegar is a low-calorie condiment, while the glaze is a concentrated and often sweetened version. This comparison table highlights the significant nutritional differences between the two based on a 2-tablespoon serving.


Feature	Balsamic Glaze	Balsamic Vinegar (Typical)
Calories	Approximately 60 kcal	Approximately 28 kcal
Fat	0g	0g
Carbohydrates	Approximately 14g	Approximately 5.4g
Sugar	High (concentrated sugars)	Low (natural sugars)
Consistency	Thick, syrupy	Thin, watery

Factors That Affect Calorie Count

The final calorie count of balsamic glaze is not a universal constant and can be influenced by several factors:

Added Sweeteners: Many commercial brands and home recipes add sweeteners like brown sugar or honey to speed up the reduction process and enhance the syrupy consistency and sweetness. These additives significantly increase the total calories and sugar content.
Reduction Time: The longer the balsamic vinegar is simmered, the more water evaporates, and the more concentrated the sugars become. This increases the calorie density per tablespoon.
Vinegar Quality: Higher-quality, aged balsamic vinegar is naturally sweeter and thicker to begin with, meaning less reduction (or no added sugar) is needed to achieve a glaze, potentially resulting in a lower calorie count compared to a glaze made from inexpensive vinegar with extra sugar.

Mindful Consumption and Alternative Ideas

For those watching their calorie and sugar intake, mindful use of balsamic glaze is key. A little drizzle goes a long way due to its intense flavor. You can also explore healthier alternatives or preparation methods.

Healthier Glaze Options:

Pure Reduction: Make your own glaze by simply reducing high-quality balsamic vinegar without any added sugar.
Vinegar Spritz: Use a spray bottle to apply a fine mist of pure balsamic vinegar over your food for a flavor boost with minimal calories.
Alternative Sweeteners: If making a homemade glaze, consider using natural, no-calorie sweeteners like stevia, though this will alter the taste profile.

Creative Uses for Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic glaze can elevate a wide variety of dishes beyond just salads. Its rich, tangy, and sweet flavor profile makes it a versatile ingredient for both savory and sweet applications. The key is using it sparingly to maximize flavor without overdoing it on the sugar.

Here are some popular ways to use balsamic glaze:

Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots for a caramelized finish.
Caprese Salad: A classic pairing, a light drizzle enhances the fresh flavors of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes.
Meat and Poultry: Brush onto grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or steak during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, flavorful crust.
Desserts: A small amount complements fresh fruit, particularly strawberries, peaches, or figs, and can be drizzled over ice cream.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze typically contain around 60 calories, primarily derived from concentrated sugars. This is a significantly higher calorie count than plain balsamic vinegar due to the reduction process and potential addition of sweeteners. While the glaze adds a burst of flavor to dishes, its high sugar content means it should be used in moderation, especially for those mindful of their calorie or sugar intake. Understanding the factors that influence its nutritional profile, such as added sugars and reduction time, empowers you to make healthier choices. For the most calorie-conscious option, consider making a simple homemade reduction with pure balsamic vinegar to control the ingredients and enjoy its concentrated flavor responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, balsamic glaze is high in sugar, as it is a concentrated reduction of balsamic vinegar, often with added sweeteners. A 2-tablespoon serving can contain around 14 grams of carbohydrates, primarily sugars.

Yes, making a simple balsamic reduction at home is an excellent way to control the ingredients and avoid added sugars, relying solely on the natural sweetness of the aged vinegar.

Balsamic vinegar is very low in calories (approximately 14 per tablespoon), while the reduced, syrupy glaze is much higher due to the evaporation of water and the concentration of natural and added sugars.

To get a similar tangy flavor with fewer calories, consider using pure, high-quality aged balsamic vinegar, a drizzle of lemon juice, or a homemade reduction without any added sugar.

While it adds delicious flavor, balsamic glaze is high in sugar, so it should be used sparingly if you are monitoring your sugar or calorie intake. The healthy properties of the base vinegar are often overshadowed by the concentrated sugar.

After letting it cool completely, transfer the homemade glaze to an airtight container or jar and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to two weeks.

Due to its high sugar content, balsamic glaze can cause a more significant blood sugar spike than plain balsamic vinegar, which has been shown to help regulate blood sugar. Individuals with diabetes should be mindful of their portion size.