Cumin

spices

Cumin

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 4.5

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve0 caution1 avoid

How the diets react

Approves10
Disapproves1
Is Cumin Healthy?

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

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
375kcal
Protein
18g
Carbs
44g
Fat
22g
Fiber
11g
Sugar
2.3g
Sodium
168mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Cumin contains ~0.9g net carbs per tablespoon. Used sparingly as a spice, it has zero practical impact on ketosis. No added sugars in pure form.

VeganApproved

Pure plant-derived spice from cumin seeds. No animal products or derivatives. Whole food form.

PaleoApproved

Pure cumin seed spice with no processing concerns. Available to hunter-gatherers. No grains, legumes, dairy, or refined ingredients.

MediterraneanApproved

Cumin is a traditional spice used throughout Mediterranean regions, supports plant-based cooking, contains beneficial compounds, and adds flavor without unhealthy additives.

CarnivoreAvoid

Plant-derived spice from cumin seeds. Contains plant compounds and essential oils. Excluded from carnivore diet which permits only animal products.

Whole30Approved

Pure spice with no excluded ingredients. Whole30 explicitly allows all herbs and spices.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Cumin is a pure spice with no significant FODMAP content. Monash University confirms cumin is low-FODMAP at typical culinary serving sizes.

DASHApproved

Sodium-free spice with minimal calories. Supports DASH by enabling flavorful preparation of beans, legumes, and vegetables without added sodium.

ZoneApproved

Cumin contains polyphenols and has anti-inflammatory properties. Minimal macronutrient impact at typical serving sizes. Supports Zone's anti-inflammatory focus without disrupting ratios.

Cumin contains polyphenols and has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Supports digestive health and reduces inflammatory markers. Safe in typical culinary amounts.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Zero calories, supports digestion and reduces bloating, mild flavor profile. Well-tolerated by GLP-1 patients. Pairs excellently with beans, lentils, and lean proteins without adding fat or sugar.

Controversy Index

Score range: 210/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus4.5Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Cumin

Keto 9/10
  • Minimal net carbs
  • Typical usage amounts are negligible
  • No sugar or additives in pure spice
Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole food spice
  • No processing concerns
Paleo 9/10
  • Unprocessed plant-based spice
  • No additives or fillers
  • Digestive support properties
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Traditional Mediterranean spice
  • Supports legume and vegetable dishes
  • Minimal processing
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
Whole30 10/10
  • Pure spice
  • No additives
  • Explicitly allowed category
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • Pure spice with negligible fermentable carbohydrates
  • No fructans, GOS, lactose, or polyols
  • Standard serving sizes are very small
DASH 9/10
  • Zero sodium
  • Pairs well with DASH staples (beans, legumes)
  • No added sugars
  • Negligible calories
Zone 8/10
  • Polyphenol content
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Negligible macronutrients
  • Polyphenol content
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Digestive support
  • Anti-inflammatory compounds
  • zero calorie density
  • aids digestion
  • reduces bloating
  • no GI triggers