Chicken Breakfast Links
Amylu
Vegan, failsGluten-Free, passesKeto, passes
NutmegSpice
525
kcal / 100g
37
kcal / 1 tbsp
5 things to watch for
High-Protein, failsKeto, failsLow-Calorie, failsLow-Carb, failsLow-Fat, fails
Dairy-Free, passesEgg-Free, passesGluten-Free, passesLow-Sugar, passesNut-Free, passesPalm Oil Free, passesSoy-Free, passesVegan, passesVegetarian, passes
Informational only, not medical advice. Always verify against the physical product label — data may be incomplete or out of date.
Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | %DV |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 525kcal | — |
| Protein | 5.84g | 12% |
| Total lipid (fat) | 36.31g | 47% |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 25.94g | 130% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 49.29g | 18% |
| Fiber, total dietary | 20.8g | 74% |
| Total Sugars | 2.99g | — |
| Sodium, Na | 16mg | 1% |
Vitamins & Minerals
Calcium, Ca
184mg (23% NRV)
Calcium contributes to normal blood clotting EU register →
Calcium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism EU register →
Calcium contributes to normal muscle function EU register →
Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission EU register →
Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes EU register →
Calcium has a role in the process of cell division and specialisation EU register →
Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones EU register →
Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth EU register →
Iron, Fe
3.04mg (22% NRV)
Iron contributes to normal cognitive function EU register →
Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism EU register →
Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin EU register →
Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body EU register →
Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system EU register →
Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue EU register →
Iron has a role in the process of cell division EU register →
Potassium, K
350mg (18% NRV)
Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system EU register →
Potassium contributes to normal muscle function EU register →
Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure EU register →
Magnesium, Mg
183mg (49% NRV)
Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue EU register →
Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance EU register →
Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism EU register →
Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system EU register →
Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function EU register →
Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis EU register →
Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function EU register →
Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones EU register →
Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth EU register →
Phosphorus, P
213mg (30% NRV)
Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism EU register →
Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes EU register →
Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones EU register →
Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth EU register →
Zinc, Zn
2.15mg (22% NRV)
Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis EU register →
Zinc contributes to normal acid-base metabolism EU register →
Zinc contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism EU register →
Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function EU register →
Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction EU register →
Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism EU register →
Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of fatty acids EU register →
Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of vitamin A EU register →
Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis EU register →
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones EU register →
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair EU register →
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails EU register →
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin EU register →
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood EU register →
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision EU register →
Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system EU register →
Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress EU register →
Zinc has a role in the process of cell division EU register →
Copper, Cu
1.027mg (103% NRV)
Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues EU register →
Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system EU register →
Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation EU register →
Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body EU register →
Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation EU register →
Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system EU register →
Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress EU register →
Manganese, Mn
2.9mg (145% NRV)
Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism EU register →
Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones EU register →
Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue EU register →
Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress EU register →
Selenium, Se1.6µg (3% NRV)
Vitamin A, RAE5µg (1% NRV)
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid3mg (4% NRV)
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)0µg (0% NRV)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)0mg (0% NRV)
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)0µg (0% NRV)
Thiamin
0.346mg (31% NRV)
Thiamine contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism EU register →
Thiamine contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system EU register →
Thiamine contributes to normal psychological function EU register →
Thiamine contributes to the normal function of the heart EU register →
Riboflavin0.057mg (4% NRV)
Niacin1.299mg (8% NRV)
Vitamin B-60.16mg (11% NRV)
Folate, total
76µg (38% NRV)
Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis EU register →
Folate contributes to normal blood formation EU register →
Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism EU register →
Folate contributes to normal psychological function EU register →
Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system EU register →
Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue EU register →
Folate has a role in the process of cell division EU register →
Vitamin B-120µg (0% NRV)
Diet Compatibility
- VeganYes
Yes — Nutmeg is vegan.
Based on Open Food Facts ingredient analysis. How we set this
- VegetarianYes
Yes — Nutmeg is vegetarian.
Based on Open Food Facts ingredient analysis. How we set this
- Palm Oil FreeYes
Yes — Nutmeg is palm oil free.
Based on Open Food Facts ingredient analysis. How we set this
- Gluten-FreeYes
Yes — Nutmeg is gluten-free.
Based on the ingredient list and allergen data recorded in Open Food Facts. How we set this
- Dairy-FreeYes
Yes — Nutmeg is dairy-free.
Based on the ingredient list and allergen data recorded in Open Food Facts. How we set this
- Nut-FreeYes
Yes — Nutmeg is nut-free.
Based on the ingredient list and allergen data recorded in Open Food Facts (covers tree nuts and peanuts). How we set this
- Soy-FreeYes
Yes — Nutmeg is soy-free.
Based on the ingredient list and allergen data recorded in Open Food Facts. How we set this
- Egg-FreeYes
Yes — Nutmeg is egg-free.
Based on the ingredient list and allergen data recorded in Open Food Facts. How we set this
- KetoNo
No — Nutmeg is not keto-friendly (28.49 g net carbs per 100g, over the ≤10 g net carbs bar). (may not account for sugar alcohols; per-100g basis is a rougher heuristic than per-serving.)
≤5g net carbs per serving — our bar, not a regulatory standard. How we set this
- Low-CarbNo
No — Nutmeg is not low-carb (28.49 g net carbs per 100g, over the ≤15 g net carbs bar). (may not account for sugar alcohols.)
≤15g net carbs per serving — our bar, not a regulatory standard. How we set this
- Low-SugarYes
Yes — Nutmeg is low in sugar (2.99 g sugar per 100g, within the ≤5 g sugar bar).
≤5g sugar per serving — our own criterion; the FDA defines none. How we set this
- High-ProteinNo
No — Nutmeg is not high in protein (5.84 g protein per 100g, below the ≥10 g protein bar).
≥10g protein per serving — FDA 21 CFR 101.54 (≥20% DV). How we set this
- Low-FatNo
No — Nutmeg is not low-fat (36.31 g fat per 100g, over the ≤3 g fat bar).
≤3g fat per serving — FDA 21 CFR 101.62. How we set this
- Low-CalorieNo
No — Nutmeg is not low-calorie (525 kcal per 100g, over the ≤40 kcal bar).
≤40 kcal per serving — FDA 21 CFR 101.60. How we set this
Read the sourced research
Nutmeg is the seed of the tropical evergreen tree Myristica fragrans, native to Indonesia's Moluccas islands, also called the Spice Islands. [8]
Nutmeg is low in carbohydrate at typical culinary serving sizes and is commonly regarded as keto-compatible.
Ground nutmeg does contain 49.3g carbohydrate per 100g by USDA data, including 20.8g fiber — but that's far more than any realistic single serving. [9]Single-ingredient nutmeg is on Beyond Celiac's list of spices that are naturally gluten-free. [10]
A 2013 Canadian Food Inspection Agency survey found detectable gluten in 24% of tested ground spice samples, mostly in imported products.
Whole spices like nutmeg aren't inherently gluten-containing, but cross-contamination during processing or packaging is a real risk, especially for imported or bulk-bin products. [11]Nutmeg is listed by Monash-aligned dietitian guidance as a low-FODMAP spice suitable for French, Indian/Sri Lankan, and Middle Eastern low-FODMAP cooking. [12]
Nutmeg, water chestnut, butternut squash, and shea nuts are not tree nuts, and are generally well tolerated by people with a tree-nut allergy, per the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. [13]
Nutmeg is recognized as its own distinct spice allergen, separate from tree-nut allergy.
Allergic reactions to nutmeg itself are considered rare, but can occur independently of any nut allergy. [14]
Health Benefits
Ordinary culinary nutmeg use is about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per recipe — far below reported toxic ranges.
In animal studies, the oral median lethal dose of a nutmeg extract exceeded 2,000mg/kg.
Because myristicin has MAO-inhibitor-like and enzyme-interacting properties, sources advise against combining nutmeg with serotonergic drugs like SSRIs or with CNS depressants, as a precaution rather than from direct clinical trial evidence.
Nutmeg should also be avoided in medicinal or concentrated amounts during pregnancy and lactation, since safety data at those doses are insufficient. [1]The minimum reported dose causing psychogenic or toxic effects is about 5g of ground nutmeg, containing roughly 1-2mg of myristicin. [2]
Case-series data link 10-15g of ground nutmeg to neuropsychological symptoms, and 25-28g to stronger anticholinergic effects.
An Illinois Poison Center review of 32 nutmeg exposure cases found 47% were intentional, recreational ingestions.
Myristicin is metabolized into a compound structurally related to amphetamines, with sympathomimetic and hallucinogenic effects, and also has MAO-inhibitor-like activity.
Fatal nutmeg overdoses are reported in the literature but are rare, and the most recent documented case involved another drug taken alongside it. [3]Other poison-center case data put psychogenic effects at 15-20g of ground nutmeg, roughly two to three tablespoons.
Symptoms — tachycardia, hallucinations, disorientation, vomiting — typically start 3-8 hours after ingestion and can last hours to days. [4]Nutmeg extracts show antibacterial activity against bacteria like E. coli in test-tube studies, but human clinical evidence is lacking.
High-dose animal studies found nutmeg supplementation lowered cholesterol and triglyceride markers, though human trials haven't confirmed this. [5]Preclinical and animal research links nutmeg compounds to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood-sugar-lowering activity, in some rodent diabetes studies performing comparably to standard diabetes drugs.
Moderate-dose extracts also showed liver-protective effects in mice.
But higher, prolonged-dose animal studies — around 1000mg/kg for 7-14 days — found increased markers of liver and kidney damage in rats, showing a dose-dependent trade-off. [6]
Storage & Buying Tips
Ground nutmeg keeps its quality for about 6 months when stored properly — sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture.
Whole nutmeg seeds stay sharp and aromatic for about 2 years.
Fresh, good nutmeg smells prominently spicy, sweet, and aromatic.
A dull or musty smell means it's past its prime. [7]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nutmeg safe to consume during pregnancy?
In the small amounts typically used to season food — a pinch to a fraction of a teaspoon — nutmeg is considered safe during pregnancy.
Concerns about nutmeg and pregnancy relate specifically to large, concentrated, or medicinal doses, not ordinary culinary use.
Large doses are advised against during both pregnancy and lactation, since safety data at those doses are insufficient. [15]
Can nutmeg cause hallucinations?
Yes, at high enough doses.
Nutmeg's psychoactive effects come mainly from myristicin, which the body metabolizes toward a compound related to amphetamines with hallucinogenic, anticholinergic-type effects.
This requires doses far beyond normal culinary use — generally several grams of ground nutmeg at minimum. [16]
Is nutmeg a tree nut allergen?
No.
Despite the name, nutmeg isn't a tree nut — it's a seed from the fruit of the Myristica fragrans tree.
Major allergy organizations say nutmeg is generally well tolerated by people with tree-nut allergy, though nutmeg can rarely cause its own independent spice allergy, unrelated to tree-nut allergy. [13]
Nutmeg vs. cinnamon - what's the difference?
They come from different parts of different plants and taste quite different.
Cinnamon is made from the dried inner bark of Cinnamomum trees and has a sweet, warm flavor used across sweet and savory dishes in fairly large amounts.
Nutmeg is a ground seed with an earthier, more potent aroma, used in much smaller quantities — using it in cinnamon-sized amounts would be both overpowering and unsafe, given nutmeg's much lower toxicity threshold. [17]
Found in these products
1 product in our database contains Nutmeg.
Sources & Last Updated
Nutrition data: USDA FoodData Central, “Spices, nutmeg, ground” (SR Legacy, fdcId 171326), updated 2026-08-28.
Research reviewed 2026-08-28.
- News-Medical — Is Nutmeg Good for You? Evidence-Based Benefits for Brain, Heart, and Immunity (2025-11-23)
- N.A.A et al., International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology (2015) (2015-01-01)
- E. et al., Journal of Medical Toxicology (2014-05-31)
- Nov 23, 2020: Nutmeg, a Potentially Uninvited Holiday Guest? | Tennessee Poison Center | FREE 24/7 Poison Help Hotline 800.222.1222
- Healthline — 8 Science-Backed Benefits of Nutmeg (2019-06-12)
- Tariq et al., Food Science & Nutrition (2025-10-13)
- Nutmeg Recipe & Nutrition - Precision Nutrition's Encyclopedia of Food (2019-07-04)
- Encyclopedia Britannica — Nutmeg | Tree, Uses, History, Description, & Facts | Britannica
- Spices, nutmeg, ground - Nutrients - SR Legacy | USDA FoodData Central
- Beyond Celiac — Which Spices, Seasonings and Herbs are Gluten-Free? | BeyondCeliac.org (2025-11-07)
- Allergic Living — Are Spices Safe for a Gluten-Free Diet? (2014-07-02)
- Monash Fodmap — Using herbs & spices on a low FODMAP diet (2017-11-07)
- Everything You Need to Know About Tree Nut Allergy
- Wyndly — Nutmeg Allergy: Facts, Misconceptions, and Safety Tips 2026 (2024-06-10)
- Is nutmeg safe during pregnancy? — Avo — Pregnancy & Food Tracker
- Office for Science and Society — Is Nutmeg Really Hallucinogenic? (2024-04-19)
- Wikipedia — spice from trees in the genus Myristica (2002-02-10)