Group · Herbs & spices
Ground cloves
Ground cloves are the spice obtained by grinding the dried flower buds of the clove tree, a tropical tree native to Indonesia. Recognisable by its warm, woody and slightly peppery scent, it is appreciated in kitchens all over the world, from slow-cooked dishes to spiced baking. This concentrated powder is used in very small amounts, so its real calorie contribution in a recipe is negligible. Nutritionally, cloves stand out for their richness in fibre, their aromatic compounds (notably eugenol) and their mineral content. Versatile and powerful, they fit easily into a balanced, varied diet, where they lift flavours without the need for salt or sugar.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 335 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 1390 kJ |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrate | 31,6 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fibre | 33,9 g |
Micronutrients per 100 g
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Manganese60,1 mg3005 %
- Vitamin K1142 µg189 %
- Iron11,8 mg84 %
- Calcium632 mg79 %
- Vitamin E8,82 mg74 %
- Magnesium259 mg69 %
- Potassium1020 mg51 %
- Copper0,37 mg37 %
- Vitamin B9dietary folate equivalents25 µg
See the other 11 nutrients
- Omega-3 ALA0,59 g30 %
- Vitamin B60,39 mg28 %
- Omega-6 LA2,56 g26 %
- Zinc2,32 mg23 %
- Vitamin B20,22 mg16 %
- Phosphorus104 mg15 %
- Vitamin B10,16 mg15 %
- Vitamin B31,56 mg10 %
- Vitamin B50,51 mg9 %
- Vitamin A3,75 µg0 %
- Vitamin C0,2 mg0 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
With around 335 kcal per 100 g, ground cloves may seem high in calories, but they are used by the pinch: a real portion is counted in fractions of a gram. Their nutrition facts show 31.6 g of carbohydrate, 13 g of fat, 5.97 g of protein and above all 33.9 g of fibre per 100 g. In practice, their interest lies more in their aromatic intensity than in any notable energy contribution.
How to use ground cloves ? A few simple ideas :
- In slow-cooked dishes, stews, curries and stocks, where their warmth pairs with ground turmeric and ground cinnamon.
- In baking, in spiced breads, compotes and autumn desserts.
- In marinades, mulled wines and fragrant infusions.
Their power calls for moderation : too much quickly drowns out the other flavours and leaves a lingering bitterness. Start with a small pinch, then adjust. To preserve its volatile aromas, keep the powder in an airtight jar, away from light and moisture, and use it within a few months of opening.
Aromatic profile and pairings. Cloves belong to the large family of herbs and spices. They are one of the so-called warm spices, alongside nutmeg, ground ginger and cardamom. They appear in many traditional blends (mixed spice, garam masala, ras el hanout). Their dominant note comes from eugenol, an aromatic compound that gives them their recognisable character.
For active people. Cloves are not a source of energy or protein : they will never replace a proper snack. Their value is in flavour. They let you lift healthy, minimally processed dishes without adding salt or sugar, which is useful when you are watching your body composition. You can, for example, flavour an oat porridge, a plain yoghurt or a post-workout compote. To structure your eating around training, a gradual move to a balanced diet remains the foundation : spices are only a flavour bonus.
Weight control. Good news : at culinary doses, cloves have almost no calorie impact. They are even a clever slimming ally since they make light dishes tasty. To compare their intake with other ingredients, consult the food calorie table. Rely on a variety of spices rather than fatty or sugary sauces to season your everyday dishes.