Cloves

spices

Cloves

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 2.7

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve1 caution0 avoid
Is Cloves Healthy?

Yes — Cloves is broadly considered healthy. 10 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

Keto9/10APPROVED

Cloves contain approximately 0.4g net carbs per teaspoon. Pure spice with no additives or sugars. Potent flavor means small quantities are used, minimizing carb impact.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Cloves are dried flower buds from a plant. Entirely plant-derived with no animal ingredients.

Paleo9/10APPROVED

Cloves are dried flower buds from Syzygium aromaticum. They are a whole spice, unprocessed, and available to hunter-gatherers. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Mediterranean8/10APPROVED

Cloves are traditional Mediterranean spice with long history in Mediterranean cooking. Whole cloves are minimally processed. Potent flavor means small amounts suffice, supporting moderation principle.

Carnivore5/10CAUTION

Cloves are plant-derived flower buds. Technically excluded but used in minimal quantities by many carnivore practitioners for flavoring.

iLion Diet and strict protocols exclude all plant spices. Mainstream practitioners often include trace amounts without metabolic concern.

Whole3010/10APPROVED

Cloves are a pure spice from clove buds with no excluded ingredients. Whole, unprocessed, and explicitly allowed.

Low-FODMAP8/10APPROVED

Monash University has tested cloves and confirmed they are low-FODMAP at standard seasoning portions. Cloves contain negligible amounts of fermentable carbohydrates and are safe for the elimination phase of the low-FODMAP diet.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Cloves are sodium-free, calorie-sparse, and among the highest-antioxidant spices. Support DASH principles as a potent flavor enhancer reducing salt dependence. No cardiovascular contraindications.

Zone9/10APPROVED

Cloves are a zero-calorie spice with potent polyphenol content and anti-inflammatory properties. They contain eugenol, which supports Zone's anti-inflammatory focus. No macronutrient impact on meal ratios.

Anti-Inflammatory9/10APPROVED

Cloves are rich in polyphenols and eugenol, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. High antioxidant capacity (ORAC score among highest of spices). Supports the anti-inflammatory pyramid's emphasis on herbs and spices.

GLP-1 Friendly9/10APPROVED

Cloves are a spice with negligible calories, no sugar, no fat, and no protein requirement. They have mild warming properties that support digestion and are not irritating to the GI tract. Provide flavor enhancement for small portions without any GLP-1 side effect concerns.

Controversy Index

Score range: 510/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus2.7Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Cloves

Keto 9/10
  • Negligible net carbs
  • Pure spice form
  • Potent flavor requires minimal quantity
  • No added ingredients
Vegan 9/10
  • Plant flower bud
  • 100% plant-based
  • No animal products
Paleo 9/10
  • Whole spice
  • No processing
  • High antioxidant content
  • No anti-nutrients
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Traditional Mediterranean ingredient
  • Minimal processing
  • Potent, used sparingly
  • Antimicrobial properties
Carnivore 5/10
  • Plant flower bud origin
  • Used in minimal quantities
  • Trace carbohydrate content
  • Flavor enhancement only
Whole30 10/10
  • Whole spice
  • No processing or additives
  • Officially compliant
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Monash-tested and approved
  • Low fermentable carbohydrate content
  • Safe at all reasonable seasoning portions
DASH 9/10
  • Zero sodium
  • Exceptionally high antioxidants
  • Minimal portion needed
Zone 9/10
  • Zero-calorie spice
  • High polyphenol content
  • Anti-inflammatory eugenol
  • No glycemic impact
  • eugenol content
  • high polyphenol density
  • antioxidant power
  • minimal calories
  • Zero calories per serving
  • No sugar or fat
  • Digestive support
  • Flavor enhancement
  • No GI irritation
Last reviewed: Our methodology