Olive oil is a staple in many kitchens, and it’s often touted for its health benefits.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might be wondering: Just how many calories are in a teaspoon of olive oil? Understanding this can help you track your daily intake.
How many calories are in a teaspoon of olive oil?
One teaspoon of olive oil comes in at about 39.78 calories. Almost all of those calories come from fat. A teaspoon contains about 4.5 grams of fat.
Olive oil doesn’t contain any:
- protein
- carbohydrates
- sugar
- fiber
What’s in a teaspoon of olive oil?
Olive oil is mostly fat, but there’s more to it than that.
Types of fatty acids
In a teaspoon of olive oil, you’ll find:
- 0.62g of saturated fatty acids
- 3.28g of monounsaturated fatty acids (the “healthy” kind!)
- 0.47g of polyunsaturated fatty acids
Micronutrients
Olive oil also contains small amounts of Vitamin E (0.65 mg of alpha-tocopherol) and Vitamin K (2.71 mcg of phylloquinone).
To Conclude
A teaspoon of olive oil is a concentrated source of calories, primarily because of its high fat content. Each teaspoon contains around 40 calories.
While olive oil is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamins, it’s still important to keep portion sizes in mind when you cook with it or add it to your food.