Ingredient

Nigella Seeds

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Nigella seeds are primarily used as a spice and flavoring agent, adding a slightly …

What it is

Nigella seeds, also known as black cumin, are small, black, crescent-shaped seeds from the flowering plant *Nigella sativa*. The seeds are harvested from dried seed pods and are used whole or ground.

Why it's used

Nigella seeds are primarily used as a spice and flavoring agent, adding a slightly bitter, pungent taste to foods. They are often sprinkled on breads, crackers, and curries, and are also found in some chutneys and pickles.

Health notes

Nigella seeds are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. Some studies suggest potential health benefits, but more research is needed. International bodies like EFSA have not specifically evaluated nigella seeds for food additive purposes.

Allergen info

Nigella seeds are not one of the nine major allergens. However, they are botanically related to ranunculus, and some individuals may have sensitivities. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Nigella Seeds

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
Premium Mango Chutney GEETA'S Premium Mango Chutney Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 255kcal 0.8Protein 0.2Fat 62Carbs Aqua-Clear Tackle Patak's, Potato & Spinach Curry With Rice, Mild, Mild Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 113kcal 2.1Protein 4.2Fat 16.2Carbs Katmandu Mango Chutney Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 120kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Macrina Baking Company Seeded Rye Panini, Seeded Rye Breads & Buns 250kcal 9.6Protein 2.9Fat 48.1Carbs Macrina Baking Company Rye Loaf, Rye Breads & Buns 241kcal 8.6Protein 1.7Fat 50Carbs Macrina Baking Company Onion Rye Loaf, Onion Rye Breads & Buns 213kcal 6.4Protein 1.1Fat 42.5Carbs The Ryvita Company Ltd. Caramelized Onion Flatbreads Thins, Caramelized Onion Crackers & Biscotti 429kcal 10.7Protein 7.1Fat 75Carbs Macrina Baking Company Rye Crostini, Rye Breads & Buns 407kcal 11.1Protein 14.8Fat 59.3Carbs Thin Multi Seeds Cracker Thin Multi Seeds Cracker Cookies & Biscuits 455kcal 13.6Protein 18.2Fat 68.2Carbs Black Caraway Sliced Russian Rye Bread Times Mirror Magazines Black Caraway Sliced Russian Rye Bread Breads & Buns 219kcal 9.4Protein 0Fat 53.1Carbs The Sourdough Project Everything Sourdough Crackers, Everything Sourdough Crackers & Biscotti 357kcal 14.3Protein 7.1Fat 50Carbs
Sea Salt (7 products) Yeast (6 products) Water (6 products) Wheat Flour (6 products) Reduced Iron (5 products) Enzyme (5 products) Niacin (5 products) Salt (4 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (4 products) Caraway Seeds (4 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.