Fats & oils

Oil, apricot kernel

FDC 171032tablespoon (14 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 30 · +8 vs Fats & oils median

Apricot kernel oil scores 30 of 100, a Low band, and ranks 16 of 60 in Fats & oils, with vitamin E its main strength at 27% DV per serving, the only nutrient concentrated enough here to stand out.

It is pressed from apricot pits and used mainly as a light, faintly nutty finishing or salad oil rather than a high-heat frying oil, and a tablespoon (14g) is entirely fat with no protein, carbohydrate, or sodium recorded. Saturated fat still runs to 6.3 g per 100 g, lower than several other oils in this batch but still enough to keep portions modest.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around oil, apricot kernel, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 0 g · 0%Carb 0 g · 0%Fat 100 g · 100%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories884 kcal44%
Total fat100 g128%
Saturated fat6.3 g32%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium0 mg0%
Carbohydrate0 g0%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars0 g
Protein0 g0%
Potassium0 mg0%
Calcium0 mg0%
Iron0 mg0%
Magnesium0 mg0%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E4 mg27%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171032

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Vitamin E27% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the fats & oils median

Nutrient density30 vs 22 median
Protein / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g0 vs 0 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Oil, oatDensity 30 vs 30Oil, poppyseedDensity 31 vs 30Oil, peanut, salad or cookingDensity 33 vs 30

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Apricot kernel oil is pressed from the pits inside apricot stones, yielding a light, faintly sweet and nutty oil similar in character to almond oil, since the two are botanically related. In the kitchen it is used mainly as a finishing oil, drizzled over salads, whisked into dressings, or used in baking in place of a neutral oil where a subtle nutty note is welcome, and it is not typically used for deep frying because delicate oils like this are better suited to lower, gentler heat.

Keep the bottle sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate it, since exposure to light and warmth speeds rancidity in pressed nut and kernel oils. Used by the tablespoon, 14 grams, it carries 884 calories per 100 grams and is entirely fat, 100 grams per 100 grams, with none of the protein, carbohydrate, sodium, or sugar found in whole foods. Its standout nutrient is vitamin E, at 27 percent DV per 100 grams, making a drizzle over a finished dish a way to work a little more of that vitamin into a salad or vegetable side.

Frequently asked questions about oil, apricot kernel

How many calories are in apricot kernel oil?

Apricot kernel oil has 884 calories per 100 grams, with a tablespoon serving weighing 14 grams.

Is apricot kernel oil a good source of vitamin E?

Yes, it provides 27 percent DV of vitamin E per 100 grams.

How is apricot kernel oil used in cooking?

It is used mainly as a finishing oil for salads and dressings, or in baking, rather than for high-heat frying.

View the USDA source record