scored 94/100
Also known as syzygium aromaticum, ground cloves, laung, clove powder
Ground cloves are an intensely aromatic flower-bud spice with extraordinary manganese and eugenol content, delivering powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
0.6 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 94.
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are the dried, ground flower buds of an evergreen tree native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, among the most aromatic and bioactive-dense spices known. Their signature compound is eugenol, which can comprise 70-90% of clove essential oil and underlies their famous analgesic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effects, supported by eugenyl acetate, beta-caryophyllene, and one of the highest polyphenol antioxidant loads of any food. Ground cloves are concentrated at about 274 kcal per 100g, providing 6g protein, 66g carbohydrate (an exceptional 34g of it fiber), and 13g fat. Their mineral profile is extraordinary: roughly 60mg manganese per 100g (one of the single richest dietary sources known), 632mg calcium, 11.8mg iron, 259mg magnesium, 1020mg potassium, and trace zinc and copper. Cloves are also a standout source of vitamin K at about 142mcg per 100g, plus vitamin C, vitamin E, and B vitamins. The longevity thesis rests on eugenol's potent radical-scavenging and NF-κB-inhibiting activity, giving cloves one of the highest ORAC ratings of any spice, alongside traditional and clinical use of clove oil as a dental analgesic. Cloves are extremely potent—typical culinary doses are well under 1g.
Eugenol and dense polyphenols give cloves one of the highest ORAC values of any food, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress
Eugenol blocks pain-signaling sodium channels and has antibacterial action, the basis for clove oil's long use in dental pain relief
Eugenol and beta-caryophyllene inhibit COX-2 and NF-κB-driven inflammatory cytokine production
Very high manganese (60mg/100g) and vitamin K (142mcg/100g) support bone formation, antioxidant enzyme function, and proper calcium utilization
Clove bioactives have no circadian dependency; the spice is used in both food and topical oral applications throughout the day.
Fasting-compatible
Negligible calories at culinary doses. Concentrated clove oil should not be ingested in large amounts due to eugenol's hepatotoxic potential at high doses.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower cloves (ground) is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Cloves (Ground) is classified as a herbs & spices. Ground cloves are an intensely aromatic flower-bud spice with extraordinary manganese and eugenol content, delivering powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
Cloves (Ground) scores 94/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Manganese, Vitamin K, Iron. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.7 g of fiber (~2% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 2 g serving, cloves (ground) is highest in Manganese (~52% DV).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.6 g of net carbs (1.3 g total minus 0.7 g fiber).
Best any time of day. Clove bioactives have no circadian dependency; the spice is used in both food and topical oral applications throughout the day.
A typical serving is around 2 g (~5 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating cloves (ground) alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
Cloves (Ground) pairs nicely with: Pair with cinnamon and nutmeg in warm spice blends because their complementary phenolics layer aroma and compound antioxidant intake; Combine with citrus and apples because eugenol's warmth balances acidity and its oils infuse fruit dishes deeply; Add to slow-braised meats and stocks because eugenol is fat-soluble and disperses fully during long, gentle cooking.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients cloves (ground) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients cloves (ground)contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.