Spices, cloves, ground
FDC 171321tsp (2 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 92 · -1 vs Spices & herbs medianGround cloves score 92 of 100, an Elite result, though the rank of 35th of 60 in Spices & herbs falls a touch under the category median of 93. A 2 gram teaspoon serving carries 121% of the daily value for dietary fiber and 66% for iron, concentrated numbers typical of a spice used in tiny amounts.
Cloves are used sparingly in mulled drinks, baked goods, and slow-cooked meats, where their strong flavor means a little goes a long way. There's no flagged nutrient limit for this entry, though given the score sits just below the category median, anise seed is a slightly higher-ranked alternative among spices and herbs.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around spices, cloves, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 274 kcal | 14% |
| Total fat | 13 g | 17% |
| Saturated fat | 4 g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 277 mg | 12% |
| Carbohydrate | 66 g | 24% |
| Dietary fiber | 34 g | 121% |
| Sugars | 2.4 g | |
| Protein | 6 g | 12% |
| Potassium | 1020 mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 632 mg | 49% |
| Iron | 12 mg | 66% |
| Magnesium | 259 mg | 62% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 8 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 8.8 mg | 59% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 5 kcal | 0% |
| Total fat | 0.26 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.08 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 5.5 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 1.3 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.68 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 0.05 g | |
| Protein | 0.12 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 20 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 13 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.24 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 5.2 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0.16 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.18 mg | 1% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171321Original 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.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the spices & herbs median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Spices, anise seedDensity 92 vs 92Spices, caraway seedDensity 92 vs 92Spices, cinnamon, groundDensity 93 vs 92Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Ground cloves have an intense, warm-sweet aroma and are used in small amounts in pumpkin pie spice blends, chai, mulled wine and cider, curries, gingerbread, and other baked goods. Whole cloves are sometimes studded into a ham or an onion to flavor a broth or braise, then removed before serving. Because the flavor is strong and can turn bitter or medicinal if overdone, cloves are almost always paired with milder warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with apples, pork, and squash.
Ground cloves lose their potency faster than whole ones, so it helps to buy them in small quantities and store them airtight away from heat. A teaspoon (2 grams) supplies about 121% of the Daily Value for fiber and 66% for iron despite the tiny amount typically used. Sodium runs a bit higher for a spice at 277 milligrams per 100 grams, though at teaspoon-level use in a recipe this amounts to very little.
Frequently asked questions about spices, cloves
How many calories are in ground cloves?
Ground cloves have 274 calories per 100 grams, but the amount used per recipe, usually a teaspoon, is negligible.
Is ground cloves a good source of fiber?
Yes, a teaspoon provides around 121% of the Daily Value for fiber.
What are ground cloves used for?
They flavor mulled drinks, pumpkin spice blends, baked ham, and spiced baked goods.