Basil, fresh vs Thyme, fresh
Original comparison by NutriVerdict
Bottom line: Basil, fresh is the more nutrient-dense of the two, scoring 100 of 100 to 99 for Thyme, fresh.
Fresh basil scores 100 of 100 for nutrient density, just ahead of fresh thyme at 99. The bigger differences show up in the numbers: thyme carries more than four times the calories of basil (101 vs 23 per 100 g), over nine times the carbs (24.4 g vs 2.65 g), and nearly nine times the fiber (14 g vs 1.6 g). Thyme also has more protein (5.56 g vs 3.15 g).
Choose basil for a very low-calorie, low-carb herb used in larger fresh quantities. Choose thyme when its concentrated fiber and protein per 100 g matter, though thyme is typically used in small amounts so those totals rarely apply at real serving sizes. Basil's lower sodium (4 mg vs 9 mg) is a minor point in its favor; both work as herb-level additions rather than main nutrient sources.
Head to head, per 100 g
| Metric | Basil, fresh | Thyme, fresh |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density Score | 100 | 99 |
| Calories | 23 kcal | 101 kcal |
| Protein | 3.2 g | 5.6 g |
| Carbohydrate | 2.7 g | 24 g |
| Dietary fiber | 1.6 g | 14 g |
| Sugars | 0.3 g | - |
| Total fat | 0.6 g | 1.7 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 4 mg | 9 mg |
| Potassium | 295 mg | 609 mg |
| Calcium | 177 mg | 405 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 17 mg |
| Magnesium | 64 mg | 160 mg |
| Vitamin C | 18 mg | 160 mg |
| Vitamin A | 264 ug | 238 ug |
| Vitamin E | 0.8 mg | - |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Frequently asked questions
Is Basil, fresh healthier than Thyme, fresh?
On our Nutrient Density Score, which measures beneficial nutrients per calorie, Basil, fresh scores higher, 100 of 100 to 99. Both can fit a balanced diet; the score reflects nutrients per calorie, not a whole-diet judgement.
Which has more protein, Basil, fresh or Thyme, fresh?
Thyme, fresh has more protein, 5.6 g per 100 g to 3.2 g.
Which has fewer calories?
Basil, fresh is lower in calories, 23 kcal per 100 g to 101 kcal.
Which has more fiber?
Thyme, fresh has more dietary fiber, 14 g per 100 g to 1.6 g.