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Calories in 1 tsp sugar

Nutrition facts, healthier choices and weight-loss tips. Reviewed by Dt. Alka Pal, Clinical Dietitian.

Quick answer: 1 teaspoon sugar (about 4 g) has about 16 calories, all from about 4 g carbohydrate, with no protein, fat or fibre.

Nutrition facts per serving

NutrientAmount
Caloriesabout 16 kcal
Protein0 g
Carbohydrate4 g
Fat0 g
Fibre0 g

Calories in common variations

ServingApprox. calories
1 tablespoon sugar (about 12 g)about 48 kcal
1 tsp jaggery (gur, about 5 g)about 19 kcal
1 tsp honey (about 7 g)about 21 kcal

How does sugar affect weight loss?

Sugar adds calories with no nutrition. Two teaspoons in each cup of chai can add 100 to 150 calories a day, so cutting added sugar is one of the easiest ways to lose weight.

How to cut down on sugar

  • Reduce sugar in tea gradually.
  • Avoid sweet drinks and packaged juices.
  • Jaggery and honey are still sugar; use them sparingly.

Frequently asked questions

How many calories are in sugar?

1 teaspoon sugar (about 4 g) has about 16 calories.

Is jaggery better than sugar?

Jaggery has a few minerals, but its calories and effect on sugar levels are similar.

How much added sugar per day is okay?

WHO advises keeping added sugar below 10 percent of daily calories, ideally below 5 percent.

Related foods

1 cup tea (chai)1 tsp ghee1 gulab jamunjalebiAll Indian food calories

Want to know your own numbers?

Check your BMI, body fat and daily calorie needs in two minutes, or get a personal Indian diet plan from Dt. Alka Pal.

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Reviewed by Dt. Alka Pal, Clinical Dietitian, M.Sc. (Foods & Nutrition), Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education, 10+ years of experience. Values are approximate and vary with portion size, brand and cooking method. For general information; not a substitute for personal medical advice.

Know your own calorie needs

Check your BMI, body fat and daily calories in 2 minutes, or get a personal Indian diet plan from Dt. Alka Pal.

Free body checkTrack your caloriesBook a consultation

Reviewed by Dt. Alka Pal, Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist, M.Sc. (Foods & Nutrition), Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education, 10+ years of experience. Values are approximate and vary with size, recipe and cooking method. For general information only; not a substitute for personal medical advice.