When seasoning your meals, the focus is often on flavor rather than nutritional value. But have you ever wondered if those spices, seasonings, and herbs add any calories to your dishes? Are some of the ingredients not so good? In this article, we’ll explore whether seasonings have calories and what you need to know to keep your meals both flavorful and healthy.
Understanding Calories in Seasonings
Seasonings are typically used in small amounts to enhance the flavor of your dishes. Given their minimal quantities, many people assume that seasonings don’t contribute significantly to calorie intake. However, there are seasonings blends that use ingredients such as brown sugar, which while in small quantities is not a a big deal, large amounts can boost up those calorie numbers.
Understanding the calorie and nutrition content of different seasonings and can help you make informed choices, especially if you’re monitoring your calorie intake.
Do Seasonings Have Calories?
1. Spices and Herbs: The Basics
Most spices and herbs contain a negligible amount of calories. For example:
- Salt: Salt itself has no calories, but be mindful of sodium intake.
- Pepper: Black pepper has about six calories per teaspoon, but you generally use it in small amounts.
- Garlic Powder: One teaspoon of garlic powder has roughly 5 calories.
2. Seasoning Blends
Seasoning blends, such as taco seasoning or curry powder, often contain a mix of spices, herbs, and sometimes added sugars or fats. These blends may have slightly more calories, but the amounts used are still typically small. For instance, a tablespoon of a seasoning blend might have around 10-20 calories, depending on its ingredients.
Some companies are doing a great job at keeping their seasonings blends calories-free and using clean ingredients. Although these are generally smaller companies and small batch production, they do take the time and effort to craft amazing, clean products with not only little to no calories but also natural ingredients.
For example, there is a company out of Winter Garden, Florida, called Stella On Fire Co. This company started small, and they do things their way, but their seasonings are spectacular. The company is family-owned, and they are known for making the purest seasonings, zero chemicals, or even preservatives.
3. Sauces and Marinades
Sauces and marinades often have higher calorie content due to added ingredients like oil, sugar, or honey. For example:
- Barbecue Sauce: One tablespoon can contain between 15-30 calories.
- Teriyaki Sauce: This sauce may have around 20-30 calories per tablespoon.
Healthier Choices for Flavorful Meals
1. Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley offer vibrant flavors without adding calories. They can be a great way to boost flavor without impacting your calorie count.
2. Opt for Low-Calorie Seasonings
Focus on seasonings that are low in calories and high in flavor. Spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin can enhance your dishes without significantly adding to your calorie intake. Also, seasoning blends like Savory Delight and Anything Wings from Stella On Fire Co. do not have sugars, chemicals, or calories.
3. Read Labels
For pre-made seasoning blends and sauces, always check the nutrition label to be aware of any added calories. Opt for products with lower sugar and fat content when possible.
Conclusion
While most seasonings and spices have minimal calories, it’s still important to be mindful of how much you use, especially with seasoning blends and sauces that may contain added sugars or fats. By choosing low-calorie seasonings and fresh herbs, you can enjoy flavorful meals without worrying about significant calorie increases. Seasonings can enhance your dishes without compromising your health goals—so season wisely and savor every bite!
