How Many Calories Are in a 5 ml Measure of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes?

One 5 ml measure of crushed red pepper flakes (about 5 grams) contains an average of 15 calories; this amount is so small it is barely noticeable in a daily calorie count. Why are crushed red pepper flakes so low in calories? Spices are generally eaten in very small amounts, so even when their calorie content is high, the energy they add to a meal is limited; crushed red pepper flakes follow this pattern. Made from dried red peppers, crushed red pepper flakes actually have a moderate calorie content per gram, but the total is low because they are used in small amounts, such as a 5 ml measure. Crushed red pepper flakes may also contain a small amount of fat, especially varieties toasted in oil (red-oil-style flakes); these have slightly more calories than plain dried flakes. Do the calories in crushed red pepper flakes matter in a dish? One to two 5 ml measures of crushed red pepper flakes added to a recipe generally make a negligible contribution to the total calories in a meal; the main calorie difference comes from the amount of oil used with them. For example, in a dish sautéed in butter and topped with crushed red pepper flakes, most of the calories come from the butter, while the flakes contribute very little. So when asking whether spicy food causes weight gain, the answer generally depends less on the spice itself and more on the amount of oil and sauce used with it. What role do crushed red pepper flakes play in nutrition? Crushed red pepper flakes contain a compound called capsaicin, which causes their spicy taste and has been suggested in some studies to slightly increase metabolism, but this effect does not create a meaningful difference in calorie intake at such small amounts. They also contain small amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants. The perceived heat of crushed red pepper flakes can vary with individual tolerance, but there is no notable calorie difference between hot and mild varieties. How do the calories compare with other ground spices? Other ground spices, such as paprika, black pepper, and cumin, are also used in small amounts, so their total contribution to a meal is generally negligible. Although their calories per gram differ, in a single 5 ml measure the difference is only a few calories. Spice blends (seasoning mixes and marinade powders) may contain salt and sometimes sugar, so they may require a little more attention than plain crushed red pepper flakes. What should you consider when counting calories? Although the calories in crushed red pepper flakes alone are negligible, the oil, butter, or prepared sauces used with them should also be recorded; many people assume a spicy dish is low in calories and overlook the added oil. When tracking calories, consider the entire recipe, not just the spice. The moisture content of crushed red pepper flakes can also change over time; flakes in a newly opened package may weigh a little more than those left open for a long time, which affects the calorie estimate only slightly.