How many calories are in garlic herb butter? A comprehensive nutrition guide

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

A single tablespoon of garlic herb butter typically contains between 70 and 100 calories, with nearly all derived from its fat content. Understanding how many calories are in garlic herb butter is crucial for managing your dietary intake, as the specific count can vary significantly depending on the brand and preparation.

Quick Summary

Garlic herb butter calories range from 70-100 per tablespoon, primarily influenced by the type of butter used. Calorie content is dominated by fat, with minimal carbohydrates and protein, making portion control important for diet management.

Key Points

Calorie Source: The calories in garlic herb butter come almost entirely from the butter, which is primarily fat.
Calorie Range: Store-bought versions typically range from 70 to 100 calories per tablespoon, depending on the brand and formulation.
Ingredient Impact: Homemade versions allow for calorie control, as added garlic and herbs contribute minimal calories but maximum flavor.
Macronutrient Profile: Garlic herb butter is very high in fat, particularly saturated fat, and contains negligible amounts of carbohydrates and protein.
Moderation is Key: To incorporate it into a balanced diet, use garlic herb butter as a finishing flavor agent in small, measured portions to avoid excess calorie intake.

The Calorie Breakdown of Garlic Herb Butter

Garlic herb butter is a rich, flavorful condiment created by blending butter with finely minced garlic and fresh or dried herbs. Because butter itself is primarily fat, the majority of the calories in the finished product come directly from this base ingredient. The small amounts of added garlic and herbs contribute a negligible number of calories but infuse the butter with a powerful aroma and flavor. Therefore, the calorie density of garlic herb butter is high, with a single tablespoon packing a significant energy punch.

Several factors can influence the final calorie count per serving. Store-bought varieties, for example, often have their exact nutritional information listed on the packaging. Brands like Kerrygold list approximately 90 calories per tablespoon, while Land O' Lakes offers a spread version with around 70 calories per tablespoon. Homemade versions, on the other hand, offer complete control over the ingredients, allowing for custom adjustments that can slightly modify the calorie density. Using a higher-quality, grass-fed butter or a butter-margarine blend will alter the final nutritional value.

Macronutrient Profile: What Else is in Garlic Herb Butter?

Beyond just calories, the macronutrient breakdown of garlic herb butter is important to consider for a balanced diet. Given its ingredients, the profile is straightforward:

Fat: This is the primary macronutrient, with a typical tablespoon containing about 9-12 grams of fat. The majority of this is saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a heart-healthy diet.
Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is very low, often less than one gram per serving, making it a suitable option for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Protein: Garlic herb butter contains virtually no protein.
Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on whether salted or unsalted butter is used and if extra salt is added. It's wise to check labels on store-bought versions, as sodium can range from 20 to over 100 mg per tablespoon.
Vitamins: High-quality butter can be a good source of Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function. Herbs also contribute trace vitamins and antioxidants.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Closer Look at Calories

Making garlic herb butter at home offers a personalized approach to nutrition. While the base butter provides the core calories, you can control the other variables. For example, using fresh, potent garlic and herbs allows you to achieve maximum flavor with less butter, reducing the total fat and calories per portion. In contrast, some store-bought spreads might contain added oils, preservatives, or lower-fat blends that change the nutritional makeup.

For a homemade version, the recipe can be as simple as blending softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt. An example recipe using 1 cup of butter, 1 clove of garlic, and 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs yields about 16 servings with around 107 calories per serving, but this can vary depending on portion size and ingredient quantities. Careful portioning and recipe adjustments are key to keeping homemade butter in line with your dietary goals.

Comparison Table: Garlic Herb Butter vs. Other Options


Item	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat
Garlic Herb Butter (Kerrygold)	1 tbsp (14g)	90 kcal	10g	7g
Regular Salted Butter	1 tbsp (14g)	100 kcal	11g	7g
Land O' Lakes Garlic & Herb Spread	1 tbsp (14g)	70 kcal	8g	3g
Olive Oil	1 tbsp (14g)	120 kcal	14g	2g

Dietary Considerations and Tips for Use

While garlic herb butter is high in calories and fat, it can be enjoyed in a balanced diet with mindful consumption. The potent flavor means a little goes a long way, helping you enhance dishes without overloading on calories.

Tips for enjoying garlic herb butter:

Use it as a finishing touch: Rather than cooking with it, use a small pat on top of cooked steaks, grilled fish, or steamed vegetables right before serving. The intense flavor will have a big impact.
Mind your portions: Be conscious of how much you are using. Measure out a tablespoon instead of eyeballing it to accurately track your caloric intake.
Pair it wisely: Use garlic herb butter to flavor nutrient-dense foods like roasted chicken, whole-grain bread, or fresh vegetables. This ensures you're getting valuable vitamins and fiber with your treat.
Create lighter options: For a lower-calorie alternative, consider a flavored garlic and herb seasoning blend to sprinkle on food, or create a whipped spread with less butter and more herbs.

Conclusion

The number of calories in garlic herb butter varies, but the key takeaway is that it is a calorie-dense food, similar to regular butter. The flavor-to-calorie ratio is excellent, meaning a small amount can significantly elevate a dish. By being mindful of your portion sizes and choosing quality ingredients—especially when making it at home—you can enjoy this delicious addition to your meals without derailing your nutritional goals. For those on restricted-fat or low-calorie diets, moderation is essential, and lighter alternatives should be considered. Overall, garlic herb butter can be a flavorful tool in your culinary toolkit when used wisely.

Try this healthy grilled chicken recipe that incorporates garlic herb butter for a burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for homemade garlic herb butter is typically similar to store-bought, as both are primarily butter. However, homemade allows you to control the ingredients and potentially use less butter for the same flavor impact, slightly lowering the calorie count per use.

Yes, garlic herb butter is generally keto-friendly. Its high-fat, very low-carb content aligns well with the macronutrient ratios required for a ketogenic diet.

The calorie difference between regular butter and garlic herb butter is usually minimal. The added herbs and garlic contribute very few extra calories, so the count per tablespoon is comparable, generally around 100 calories for regular butter and 70-100 for garlic herb.

To reduce the calories, you can replace some of the butter with a lighter alternative, such as whipped butter or a butter-olive oil blend. You can also maximize flavor with extra herbs and fresh garlic to use less butter overall.

The primary source of calories is the fat from the butter itself. A tablespoon of butter contains approximately 11 grams of fat, which accounts for nearly all of the product's caloric value.

No, the calorie contribution from fresh herbs and garlic is negligible. These ingredients are primarily used for flavor and aroma, with a single clove of garlic containing only a handful of calories.

For short-term use, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, roll it into a log and freeze it, where it can last for several months.