Cloves (Ground)
Ground cloves are an intensely aromatic flower-bud spice with extraordinary manganese and eugenol content, delivering powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
Nutrition · per ~2 g serving · ≈ a pinch
- Vitamin K2.8 mcg2% DV
- Vitamin E0.18 mg1% DV
- Vitamin B60.01 mg<1% DV
- Riboflavin0.00 mg<1% DV
- Thiamin0.00 mg<1% DV
- Niacin0.03 mg<1% DV
- Folate0.50 mcg<1% DV
- Vitamin A3.2 iu<1% DV
- Vitamin C0.00 mg<1% DV
- Manganese1.2 mg52% DV
- Iron0.24 mg1% DV
- Magnesium5.2 mg1% DV
- Calcium12.6 mg<1% DV
- Copper0.01 mg<1% DV
- Potassium20.4 mg<1% DV
- Zinc0.05 mg<1% DV
- Selenium0.14 mcg<1% DV
- Sodium5.5 mg<1% DV
- Phosphorus2.1 mg<1% DV
- Saturated Fat0.08 g
- Polyphenols~3.0 mg
Score · 97/100
Vitamins & minerals packed in relative to calories — the single biggest driver of the score.
How much protein it delivers, by absolute grams and per calorie.
Dietary fiber for gut health, satiety and steadier blood sugar.
Fat quality — unsaturated vs saturated, and trans-fat free.
Polyphenols, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds for this food group.
Low sugar with a high fiber-to-carb ratio scores best — gentler on blood sugar.
- Manganese2614% DV
- Vitamin K118% DV
- Iron66% DV
- Magnesium62% DV
- Vitamin E59% DV
Overview
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.
Health Benefits (4)
- Provides exceptional antioxidant protectionstrongEugenol and dense polyphenols give cloves one of the highest ORAC values of any food, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress
- Acts as a natural analgesic and antisepticstrongEugenol blocks pain-signaling sodium channels and has antibacterial action, the basis for clove oil's long use in dental pain relief
- Reduces inflammationmoderateEugenol and beta-caryophyllene inhibit COX-2 and NF-κB-driven inflammatory cytokine production
- Supplies abundant manganese and vitamin KstrongVery high manganese (60mg/100g) and vitamin K (142mcg/100g) support bone formation, antioxidant enzyme function, and proper calcium utilization
Food Pairings
- ·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
Practical Tips
- ·Use very sparingly—cloves are among the most potent spices and overuse turns dishes bitter and numbing
- ·Grind whole cloves fresh for maximum eugenol aroma; pre-ground powder fades quickly
- ·Steep whole cloves in warm liquids and remove before serving to control intensity
- ·Store airtight and dark to preserve the volatile eugenol-rich essential oil
Optimal Timing
Clove bioactives have no circadian dependency; the spice is used in both food and topical oral applications throughout the day.
Negligible calories at culinary doses. Concentrated clove oil should not be ingested in large amounts due to eugenol's hepatotoxic potential at high doses.
Systems supported
body systems this food feedsPathways supported
biochemical reactions enabled by this foodCompared to other herbs & spices
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.
What people ask about cloves (ground)
What is cloves (ground)?
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.
Is cloves (ground) healthy?
Cloves (Ground) scores 97/100 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.
Is cloves (ground) high in protein?
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Is cloves (ground) high in fiber?
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.7 g of fiber (~2% of the 28 g daily value).
What vitamins and minerals are in cloves (ground)?
In a 2 g serving, cloves (ground) is highest in Manganese (~52% DV).
Is cloves (ground) keto-friendly?
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).
When is the best time to eat cloves (ground)?
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.
How much cloves (ground) should I eat?
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.
What pairs well with cloves (ground)?
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.
Supplements that mirror Cloves (Ground)'s nutrient profile
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients cloves (ground) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
Signature nutrients in Cloves (Ground)
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.