Nutrition Facts

Black Pepper Nutrition

McCormick Black Pepper is one of the most widely used spices in the world, cherished for its ability to add a sharp, pungent flavor to a vast array of dishes. It is derived from the dried, unripened fruit of the Piper nigrum plant, a flowering vine native to South India. The distinct spiciness of black pepper comes from a chemical compound called piperine. While it's primarily used as a flavoring agent, it also contains a profile of nutrients, though they are present in very small amounts in a typical serving.

Calories in Black Pepper

A common question is about the calories in black pepper. In the small quantities typically used for seasoning, the calorie contribution is minimal. A serving of 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) of ground black pepper contains approximately 5 calories. For an even smaller serving, such as the 1/4 teaspoon listed on many nutritional labels, the calorie count is often rounded down to zero. This makes black pepper an excellent choice for adding robust flavor to food without impacting your daily calorie intake, fitting easily into any diet, including a calorie deficit plan.

Nutritional Profile

From a macronutrient perspective, black pepper is predominantly carbohydrate, which includes a notable amount of dietary fiber. A 1-teaspoon serving provides about 1.3 grams of carbohydrates and 0.5 grams of fiber. It is virtually free of fat, cholesterol, and sugar, and contains only a trace amount of protein. Its main nutritional contribution, however, comes from its micronutrients and plant compounds. Though the amounts per serving are small, it is a good source of manganese and Vitamin K. It also contains iron and calcium. The most studied benefit of black pepper is linked to piperine, which has antioxidant properties and may enhance the absorption of other nutrients.