Bay Leaf
An aromatic leaf simmered into stocks, stews and pulses.
Nutrition per 100 g
Standardised to 100 g of bay leaf for fair comparison. Typical serving: 1 leaf (0.6 g) — 2 kcal per 0.6 g serving.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving (0.6 g) | Per 100 kcal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 333 kcal | 2 kcal | 100 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Carbohydrate | 66.7 g | 0.4 g | 20 g |
| Fat | 16.7 g | 0.1 g | 5 g |
| Fibre | 33.3 g | 0.2 g | 10 g |
Figures are typical values and vary with variety, preparation and brand.
Micronutrients
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g of bay leaf, with a typical serving and FDA Daily Value for adults.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving (0.6 g) | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin B6 | 0.086 mg | 0.001 mg | 5% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 35.1 mg | 0.21 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.26 mg | 0.002 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 11.3 mg | 0.068 mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 34.4 mg | 0.21 mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 235 mg | 1.4 mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 12.7 mg | 0.076 mg | <1% |
| Zinc | 0.25 mg | 0.002 mg | 2% |
| Copper | 0.024 mg | 0 mg | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg | 0.001 mg | 9% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central — Cabbage, napa, leaf, destemmed, raw
% DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults. Nutrients that USDA does not report for this entry are omitted. Values vary with variety, preparation and brand.
Why eat bay leaf?
- Adds background depth for zero calories.
- Cheap and lasts a year in the cupboard.
How to include it
- Add at the start of long simmering.
- Use with beans, stocks and tomato sauces.
Things to consider
- Must be removed before serving — the leaf is a choking hazard.
- Old leaves have little flavour.
Educational content. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Speak to a qualified health professional about your individual circumstances.
Related foods
Thyme, dried
A hardy Mediterranean herb that holds its flavour through long cooking.
- kcal
- 300
- protein
- 10 g
- fibre
- 40 g
per 100 g · Typical serving: 1 tsp dried (1 g)
Oregano, dried
A Mediterranean herb with one of the highest antioxidant densities of any food.
- kcal
- 300
- protein
- 10 g
- fibre
- 40 g
per 100 g · Typical serving: 1 tsp dried (1 g)
Rosemary, fresh
A resinous evergreen herb used with roasts, breads and potatoes.
- kcal
- 118
- protein
- 5.9 g
- fibre
- 11.8 g
per 100 g · Typical serving: 1 tbsp fresh (1.7 g)
Get smarter about food and fitness.
Practical nutrition and wellness information, delivered without the hype.