Calories in Parmesan 🧀

Per 1 tbsp grated (5g)

21 calories
Protein 37% Carbs 2% Fat 61%

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 tbsp grated (5g)

Calories21
Total Fat1.4g
Total Carbohydrates0.1g
Dietary Fiber0g
Sugars0g
Protein1.9g
Sodium76mg
Potassium5mg

About Parmesan

Parmesan is a dairy product with a nutty sharp flavor profile, containing 21 calories per 1 tbsp grated (5g). It provides important nutrients including calcium and protein that support bone health and body composition. Parmesan is especially valued for flavor with less volume, and its rich taste makes it a welcome addition to meals and snacks. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient sources.

Health Benefits of Parmesan

Rich in Vitamin A

Parmesan is an excellent source of vitamin A, a nutrient essential for flavor with less volume. Including parmesan in your diet regularly helps ensure you meet your daily requirements for this important nutrient.

Bone Health Support

Parmesan provides calcium and other minerals essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Adequate calcium intake throughout life helps prevent osteoporosis and supports overall skeletal health.

Important Source of Calcium

Parmesan provides meaningful amounts of calcium, which plays a role in numerous bodily functions including enzyme activity, bone health, and cellular metabolism.

Ultra Low-Calorie Choice

At just 21 calories per serving, parmesan is one of the lowest-calorie options in its category. You can enjoy generous portions without significantly impacting your daily calorie budget, making it perfect for volume eating during weight management.

Calories by Serving Size

Different serving sizes of parmesan and their nutritional values:

ServingCaloriesCarbsProteinFat
Half serving (2g)100.1g0.9g0.7g
Small serving (4g)160.1g1.4g1.0g
Regular serving (5g)210.1g1.9g1.4g
Medium serving (6g)260.1g2.4g1.8g
Large serving (8g)320.2g2.8g2.1g
Double serving (10g)420.2g3.8g2.8g

Is Parmesan Good for Weight Loss?

Parmesan is an excellent choice for weight loss at just 21 calories per 1 tbsp grated (5g). Its ultra-low calorie count means you can eat generous portions without worrying about your daily calorie budget. Foods this low in calories are often called 'free foods' in many diet plans because the energy cost of digesting them nearly equals their calorie content. Pair parmesan with lean protein for a satisfying, diet-friendly meal. Tracking your intake with an app like Calory can help you see just how much room parmesan leaves in your daily calorie goal.

Parmesan and Popular Diets

How parmesan fits into common eating plans:

Keto Excellent fit. Parmesan has only 0.1g of carbs per serving, making it very compatible with a ketogenic diet that limits carbs to 20-50g per day.
Paleo Not paleo-compatible. Dairy are excluded from the paleo diet, which focuses on foods available to pre-agricultural humans. Look for paleo-friendly alternatives.
Vegetarian Suitable for lacto-vegetarians. Not suitable for vegans as it is an animal-derived product. Provides important nutrients like calcium and B12 that can be challenging on strict plant-based diets.
Low-Carb Excellent for low-carb diets. With only 0.1g of carbs per serving, parmesan fits easily into any low-carb eating plan.
Diabetic-Friendly Generally compatible. Parmesan has a low glycemic index (0), meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar. Its low carb content further helps with blood sugar management.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in parmesan?

Parmesan (1 tbsp grated (5g)) contains approximately 21 calories. The exact count can vary slightly based on size, preparation method, and specific variety. Use the Calory app for precise tracking based on your actual serving.

Is parmesan good for weight loss?

Yes, parmesan is a great choice for weight loss at only 21 calories per serving. Its low calorie count means you can enjoy it freely as part of a calorie-controlled diet. Include it as part of a balanced diet with adequate protein for best results.

Is parmesan healthy?

Parmesan provides valuable nutrients including calcium and protein. As with all dairy, choose options that fit your dietary goals. The fat content is low, making it suitable for calorie-conscious eating.

How can I track parmesan calories accurately?

Use a food scale for the most accurate calorie tracking. The Calory app lets you scan barcodes, search its database, or use AI food recognition to log parmesan quickly. Consistent tracking is the single most effective habit for weight management, according to multiple research studies.

Track Parmesan in Calory

Scan, search, or snap a photo. Calory makes logging parmesan instant with AI-powered food recognition.