One dessert spoon (around 5 grams) of chili flakes carries about 15 calories; that amount is small enough to barely register in a daily calorie count.
Why is chili flakes' calorie count so low?
Since spices are generally used in such small amounts, even a calorie-dense one adds little to a meal's total energy, and chili flakes follow that pattern. Made from dried red peppers, chili flakes actually carry a moderate calorie count per gram, but used in a small amount like a dessert spoon, the total figure stays low.
Chili flakes can also contain a small amount of oil, especially oil-cured red pepper flake varieties; these carry a slightly higher calorie count than the plain dried kind.
Does chili flakes' calorie contribution to a dish matter?
A spoonful or two of chili flakes added to a recipe usually contributes a negligible amount to the meal's total calories; the real calorie difference comes from the oil used alongside it. In a dish sautéed in butter and finished with a sprinkle of chili flakes, for instance, most of the calories come from the butter, with chili flakes contributing very little.
That's why the question of whether spicy food makes you gain weight usually has more to do with the oil and sauce used alongside the spice than the spice itself.
What's chili flakes' place in a diet?
Chili flakes contain a compound called capsaicin, which is what gives them their heat, and some studies suggest it can give a slight boost to metabolism, though this effect is far too small to make a meaningful calorie difference in the amounts typically used. They also provide a small amount of vitamin C and antioxidants.
How hot chili flakes taste can vary a lot from person to person; but in terms of calories, there's no real difference between spicier and milder varieties.
How does it compare with other ground spices?
Other ground spices like paprika, black pepper and cumin are also used in small amounts, so what they contribute to a meal's total calories is usually negligible too. There is a calorie difference between them gram for gram, but within a single dessert spoon that difference amounts to no more than a few calories.
Spice blends and marinade mixes can carry salt and sometimes sugar too, so they may need a bit more attention than plain chili flakes.
What should you keep in mind when counting calories?
While chili flakes' own calorie count is negligible on its own, any oil, butter or ready-made sauce used alongside it should be noted separately; many people assume a spicy dish is low-calorie and overlook the fat added to it. When tracking calories, the whole recipe should be assessed, not just the spice.
The moisture content of chili flakes can also shift over time; flakes from a freshly opened packet can weigh a little more than ones left open for a long stretch, though this barely affects the calorie count.
Attention Reader
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor before making any decision about your health.
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