Does Cinnamon Have Calories? The Complete Nutritional Breakdown

Yes, cinnamon does contain calories, but the amount is minimal. One teaspoon (2.6 grams) of ground cinnamon contains approximately 6 calories, primarily from carbohydrates. This small calorie count makes cinnamon an excellent low-calorie flavor enhancer for those monitoring their dietary intake.

When considering whether does cinnamon have calories, the straightforward answer is yes—but in such small quantities that it's generally negligible in most dietary contexts. Understanding the precise nutritional profile of cinnamon helps clarify why this popular spice remains a favorite among health-conscious individuals and those following specific dietary plans.

Nutritional Profile of Cinnamon Per Serving

Measurement	Calories	Total Carbohydrates	Dietary Fiber	Sugar
1 teaspoon (2.6g)	6 kcal	2.1g	1.0g	0.1g
1 tablespoon (7.8g)	18 kcal	6.3g	3.0g	0.3g
100 grams	247 kcal	80.6g	53.1g	2.2g

The data above, sourced from the USDA FoodData Central database, shows that cinnamon's calorie content comes almost entirely from carbohydrates, with dietary fiber comprising a significant portion. This nutritional composition explains why cinnamon calorie count per teaspoon remains so low in typical usage scenarios.

Understanding Cinnamon's Caloric Impact

When evaluating how many calories are in a teaspoon of cinnamon, it's essential to consider real-world usage. Most people use between 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in recipes or beverages. At these amounts, the caloric contribution is minimal—approximately 1.5 to 6 calories.

Compared to common sweeteners:

Ingredient	Measurement	Calories	Sugar Content
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon	6	0.1g
Honey	1 teaspoon	21	5.7g
White Sugar	1 teaspoon	16	4.2g
Maple Syrup	1 teaspoon	17	4.5g

This comparison clearly demonstrates why is cinnamon low calorie is a relevant question for those seeking sugar alternatives. Cinnamon provides robust flavor with minimal caloric impact, making it an excellent choice for flavor enhancement without significant calorie addition.

Ceylon vs. Cassia: Calorie Comparison

When researching does ceylon cinnamon have calories versus Cassia cinnamon (the more common variety), the nutritional profiles are remarkably similar. Both types contain approximately 6 calories per teaspoon, with negligible differences in macronutrient composition.

The primary distinction between these varieties lies in their coumarin content rather than caloric value. Ceylon cinnamon contains significantly less coumarin, which may be relevant for those consuming cinnamon regularly in larger quantities, though this doesn't affect the fundamental answer to does ground cinnamon have calories.

Nutritional Benefits Beyond Calories

While examining cinnamon nutrition facts without sugar, it's worth noting that cinnamon offers valuable nutrients beyond its minimal calorie content:

• Manganese: One teaspoon provides about 18% of the daily recommended intake
• Antioxidants: Cinnamon ranks highly among spices for antioxidant activity
• Fiber: Contributes to digestive health with 1g per teaspoon
• Anti-inflammatory compounds: May offer various health benefits

These attributes make cinnamon a nutritionally valuable addition to foods, providing flavor and potential health benefits with minimal caloric cost—addressing the underlying concern behind is cinnamon high in calories.

Practical Applications for Calorie-Conscious Diets

Understanding calories in cinnamon for weight loss contexts reveals why this spice is popular in dietary plans:

• Keto diets: The 2g of net carbs per teaspoon fits within most keto parameters
• Diabetic meal planning: Minimal impact on blood sugar compared to sweeteners
• Weight management: Provides flavor satisfaction without significant calorie addition
• Healthy substitutions: Can reduce need for higher-calorie sweeteners in recipes

For those specifically monitoring intake, how many calories in 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon would be approximately 1.5 calories—essentially negligible in most dietary calculations.

When Cinnamon Calories Might Matter

While the question does cinnamon have a lot of calories generally yields a "no" answer, there are rare scenarios where cinnamon's caloric content becomes relevant:

• Commercial food production where large quantities are used
• Specialized medical diets with extremely strict calorie limits
• Nutrition labeling requirements for packaged foods containing cinnamon
• Scientific studies measuring precise nutrient intake

For the vast majority of home cooking and personal consumption, however, the caloric contribution of cinnamon remains insignificant compared to other ingredients in a recipe.

Conclusion

The answer to does cinnamon have calories is definitively yes, but with crucial context: the amount is so minimal that it rarely impacts daily caloric intake. With only 6 calories per teaspoon and valuable micronutrients, cinnamon represents an excellent way to enhance flavor without compromising dietary goals. Whether you're monitoring cinnamon calories for weight loss or simply curious about its nutritional profile, this versatile spice remains a smart choice for health-conscious consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a teaspoon of cinnamon?

One teaspoon (approximately 2.6 grams) of ground cinnamon contains about 6 calories. These calories come primarily from carbohydrates, with dietary fiber making up a significant portion of the carbohydrate content.

Is cinnamon suitable for a low-calorie diet?

Yes, cinnamon is excellent for low-calorie diets. With only 6 calories per teaspoon and valuable nutrients like manganese and fiber, it provides significant flavor with minimal caloric impact. It's particularly useful as a sugar substitute in beverages and recipes.

Does cinnamon break a fast?

Technically, the 6 calories in a teaspoon of cinnamon would break a strict water-only fast. However, many intermittent fasting protocols consider spices like cinnamon acceptable during fasting periods due to their minimal caloric content and lack of significant metabolic impact.

How does cinnamon compare to sugar in terms of calories?

Cinnamon contains only 6 calories per teaspoon compared to sugar's 16 calories per teaspoon. More importantly, cinnamon has just 0.1g of sugar per teaspoon versus sugar's 4.2g. This makes cinnamon a much lower-calorie, lower-sugar alternative for flavoring foods and beverages.

Can I eat unlimited cinnamon without worrying about calories?

While cinnamon is low in calories, consuming extremely large quantities (multiple tablespoons daily) would contribute meaningful calories. More importantly, excessive cinnamon intake, particularly Cassia variety, can lead to coumarin toxicity. Moderate use (1-2 teaspoons daily) provides flavor benefits without significant caloric impact or health risks.