Sweet basil

Sweet Basil · Ocimum basilicum

Basil, fresh

Nutrition facts per 100 g · edible portion

Herbs And Spices
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2 forms & preparations

Dietary labels are inferred automatically from Basil, fresh's food group, name and nutrient profile — a helpful guide, not a guarantee. Recipes and brands vary, so always read the label on packaged foods.

1%
22 kcal Calories
6%
3.2 g Protein
1%
2.7 g Carbs
1%
0.6 g Fat

Excellent nutrient density 85/100

How many beneficial nutrients Basil, fresh delivers for its calories — scored across 24 vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber, minus saturated fat and sodium. See the most nutrient-dense foods.

Caloric ratio

Where the calories in Basil, fresh come from — the split across carbs, fat & protein.

What Basil, fresh is a good source of

Stand-out nutrients per 100 g, by share of your Daily Value. Bold figures are an excellent source (20%+ DV).

Vitamin K346% Manganese50% Copper43% Vitamin A (RAE)29% Vitamin C20% Iron18% Folate (B9)17% Magnesium15% Calcium14%

Full nutrition breakdown

  • Beneficial
  • Moderate
  • Limit
  • Neutral

Bars are shaded by how a high amount affects your diet — green for nutrients to seek out (fiber, protein, vitamins), red for those best kept low (saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol), neutral where it depends. Each bar shows the % of your Daily Value per serving.

CarbohydratesAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrate2.7 g
1%
Dietary Fiber1.6 g
6%
Total Sugars0.3 g
Fats & Fatty AcidsAmount% DV
Total Fat0.6 g
1%
Saturated Fat0.0 g
0%
Monounsaturated Fat0.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat0.4 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Omega-3 Fatty Acids316.0 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids73.0 mg
Protein & Amino AcidsAmount% DV
Protein3.2 g
6%
Histidine51.0 mg
Isoleucine104.0 mg
Leucine191.0 mg
Lysine110.0 mg
Methionine36.0 mg
Phenylalanine130.0 mg
Threonine104.0 mg
Tryptophan39.0 mg
Valine127.0 mg
VitaminsAmount% DV
Vitamin A (RAE)264.0 mcg
29%
Vitamin C18.0 mg
20%
Vitamin D0.0 mcg
0%
Vitamin E0.8 mg
5%
Vitamin K414.8 mcg
346%
Thiamin (B1)0.0 mg
3%
Riboflavin (B2)0.1 mg
6%
Niacin (B3)0.9 mg
6%
Vitamin B60.2 mg
9%
Folate (B9)68.0 mcg
17%
Vitamin B120.0 mcg
0%
Pantothenic Acid (B5)0.2 mg
4%
Choline11.4 mg
2%
Betaine0.4 mg
MineralsAmount% DV
Calcium177.0 mg
14%
Iron3.2 mg
18%
Magnesium64.0 mg
15%
Phosphorus56.0 mg
4%
Potassium295.0 mg
6%
Sodium4.0 mg
0%
Zinc0.8 mg
7%
Copper0.4 mg
43%
Manganese1.1 mg
50%
Selenium0.3 mcg
1%
SterolsAmount% DV
Cholesterol0.0 mg
0%
Phytosterols~
OtherAmount% DV
Alcohol0.0 g
Caffeine0.0 mg
Theobromine0.0 mg
Ash1.5 g

About Basil, fresh

Basil is the fragrant, sweet-and-peppery herb that defines Italian summer cooking — the soul of pesto, the partner to tomato and mozzarella, and a bright finish torn over pasta and pizza. Its delicate leaves bruise and wilt easily, so it's added late and handled gently.

Used as a garnish or in a sauce it isn't a meaningful source of calories, but fresh basil carries vitamin K, vitamin A and a wealth of aromatic, antioxidant essential oils (chiefly eugenol). Its flavor fades fast with heat and time, which is why it's best added fresh and at the last moment.

A handful of fresh basil transforms a dish with its unmistakable aroma — best torn rather than chopped, and added right at the end so its fragrance survives.

Nutrition data from USDA FoodData Central & FooDB. Values are per 100 g, edible portion.

Frequently asked questions

How many calories are in Basil, fresh?

There are 22 calories in 100 g of Basil, fresh, or about 1 calories in 5 leaves (3 g).

How much protein is in Basil, fresh?

Basil, fresh contains 3.2 g of protein per 100 g.

How many carbs are in Basil, fresh?

Basil, fresh has 2.7 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

How much fat is in Basil, fresh?

Basil, fresh provides 0.6 g of total fat per 100 g.

What is Basil, fresh a good source of?

Basil, fresh is an excellent source of Vitamin K (346% DV), Manganese (50% DV), Copper (43% DV), Vitamin A (RAE) (29% DV) and Vitamin C (20% DV) and a good source of Iron, Folate (B9), Magnesium and Calcium (per 100 g). Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

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