Herbs & Spices: Nutrition Facts and Calories

Herbs and spices are plant-based ingredients used to add flavor to food. They can be found in dried or fresh forms, and are often sold ground, whole, or as blends. This category includes a wide variety of items like basil, oregano, cinnamon, cumin, and chili powder. When choosing packaged herbs and spices, check the ingredient list to see if any salt (sodium) or added sugars have been included, especially in blends or seasoned salts. For most plain, single-ingredient dried herbs and spices, the Nutrition Facts label will show minimal calories, sodium, and sugar, and may list dietary fiber. The primary goal is to enhance the taste of your meals without adding significant amounts of sodium or sugar. Look for products where the herb or spice itself is the first ingredient listed, indicating a pure product. These items can be a great way to add variety and depth to your cooking, supporting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans' recommendation to use less sodium. All values are shown per 100 g so products can be compared.