Calories in Thyme: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
Per 1 tsp (1g)
Per 100g
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, March 2026.
One teaspoon of dried thyme (about 0.8g) contains less than 1 calorie and contributes virtually nothing to macros. Per 100g, thyme contains 101 calories, 5.6g of protein, 24.5g of carbs, 1.7g of fat, and an extraordinary 14g of fiber. However, thyme is used in such small quantities per serving that the per-100g numbers are largely academic. The nutritional significance of thyme comes from its micronutrient concentration. Per 100g, it delivers 405mg of calcium (more than a cup of milk per 100g), 160mg of magnesium, 609mg of potassium, 17.5mg of iron, 160.1mg of vitamin C, and 238mcg of vitamin A. In a typical cooking portion of a teaspoon or two, these amounts are small but not trivial. Thyme is also rich in thymol, a natural compound with documented antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. For anyone serious about cooking quality meals, thyme is an essential herb that adds flavor with essentially zero calorie cost.
Nutrition Highlights
Calories by Serving Size
| Serving | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tsp (1g) | 0.8 | 0g | 0.2g | 0g | 0.1g |
| 0.5 tsp (0g) | 0.4 | 0g | 0.1g | 0g | 0.1g |
| 100g | 101 | 5.6g | 24.5g | 1.7g | 14g |
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Full Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 101 | 5% |
| Protein | 5.6g | 11% |
| Total Fat | 1.7g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24.5g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 14g | 50% |
| Sugars | 0g | |
| Sodium | 9mg |
Vitamins & Minerals (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 0% |
| Calcium | 405mg | 31% |
| Iron | 17.5mg | 97% |
| Potassium | 609mg | 13% |
| Vitamin A | 238mcg | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 160.1mg | 178% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3mg | 18% |
| Magnesium | 160mg | 38% |
| Phosphorus | 106mg | 8% |
| Zinc | 1.8mg | 16% |
| Folate | 45mcg | 11% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.5mg | 38% |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.8mg | 11% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
Health Benefits of Thyme
Thyme contains thymol, a phenolic compound that has been studied for its antimicrobial properties. Thymol is used in commercial mouthwashes and disinfectants for this reason. In the diet, thymol and other phenolic compounds in thyme act as antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative stress that accumulates during intense exercise.
The micronutrient density of thyme per 100g is exceptional. The 17.5mg of iron per 100g exceeds most meat sources on a per-gram basis. The 405mg of calcium per 100g exceeds milk. The 160mg of magnesium per 100g supports hundreds of enzymatic reactions. The caveat is that you do not eat 100g of thyme in one sitting. A teaspoon provides only fractional amounts, but consistent use of herbs like thyme in cooking can meaningfully contribute to micronutrient intake over time.
Thyme also contains vitamin C (160.1mg per 100g) and vitamin A (238mcg per 100g), both antioxidant vitamins that support immune function and cellular health. The 609mg of potassium per 100g supports muscle function and blood pressure regulation.
For those who cook regularly, building thyme and other herbs into meals is one of the most efficient ways to boost micronutrient intake without adding calories or macros.
Dietary Considerations
Thyme is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, and Whole30 compatible. It adds zero meaningful calories or macros to any dish. There are no dietary restrictions that conflict with using thyme as a seasoning. Fresh thyme and dried thyme are nutritionally similar, with dried thyme being more concentrated. If you cook one meal per day with thyme, you are consistently getting small amounts of iron, calcium, vitamin C, and other nutrients that add up over the course of a week.
Daily Intake (100g)
100g of thyme provides 5% of a 2,000-calorie diet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in thyme?
One teaspoon of dried thyme (about 0.8g) contains less than 1 calorie. Per 100g, thyme has 101 calories, but that is not a realistic serving size. In practical cooking use, thyme adds essentially zero calories to a dish.
Is thyme good for weight loss?
Thyme adds negligible calories and is a great tool for making calorie-controlled meals more flavorful. Flavorful food is easier to eat consistently, which supports dietary adherence. Thyme itself has no direct effect on weight loss, but it makes clean eating more sustainable.
How much protein in thyme?
One teaspoon of thyme has essentially zero protein. Per 100g, thyme has 5.6g of protein, but a typical cooking serving is under 1g of herb total. Do not count thyme as a protein source.
What does thyme taste like?
Thyme has an earthy, slightly minty, and subtly floral flavor with a faint lemony note. It pairs well with roasted meats, chicken, fish, eggs, soups, and vegetables. Fresh thyme is milder than dried thyme. Dried thyme is about three times more potent by volume than fresh.
What is thymol in thyme?
Thymol is the primary phenolic compound in thyme and gives it much of its distinctive aroma. It has documented antimicrobial properties and is used in commercial mouthwashes like Listerine. In the diet, thymol functions as an antioxidant and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects.
How do you use thyme in cooking?
Add dried thyme early in cooking so the flavor has time to develop. Add fresh thyme at the end to preserve its more delicate notes. Thyme works well in marinades for chicken, lamb, and fish. It is also classic in roasted vegetables, soups, stews, and egg dishes. A teaspoon of dried thyme per pound of protein is a solid starting point.
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