Thyme Nutrition Benefits and Facts

Nutritional summary

Thyme contains high concentrations of thymol and carvacrol, phenolic compounds (naturally occurring plant chemicals) that provide the herb with its characteristic aroma and well-established antimicrobial properties .
The herb is a significant source of polyphenols and flavonoids (antioxidant compounds), which contribute to its role in the Mediterranean diet as a functional condiment for enhancing food flavor while reducing the need for added salt or fats .
Thyme contributes to the overall antioxidant capacity of a meal, as its bioactive components like rosmarinic acid and vitamin E help protect cells from oxidative damage .
Early research in animal models suggests that thyme extracts may have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects, though more human clinical trials are needed to confirm these specific medicinal benefits in a standard diet .

Interesting fact

In Ancient Greece, thyme was so highly regarded for its ability to impart courage that the phrase 'to smell of thyme' was used as a high compliment for someone who displayed great bravery.

Standout nutrients

EPIC

SOURCE

Manganese

EPIC

SOURCE

Iron

EPIC

SOURCE

Calcium

SUPER

SOURCE

beta-Carotene

kcal per 100g

Protein2.25g

Fat1.85g

Carbs7.30g

Fiber7.65g

Sugar3.90g

Fat breakdown

Polyunsat0.40g

Monounsat0.15g

Saturated0.90g

Seasonality

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeakIn seasonOther months

Diet

VeganVegetarianPescatarianGluten FreeDairy FreeKetoLow FodmapPaleo

Sustainability

Lighter footprint

Perennial herbs like thyme require minimal water and can be grown in poor soils with low fertilizer needs.

Confidencemedium

Storage

Refrigerate

1–2 weeks

Wrap in a damp paper towel and place in a reusable bag.

Freeze

3–6 months

Can be frozen in oil or water in ice cube trays.

Keep Dry

1–2 years

Applies to dried thyme stored in an airtight container.

Flavour

Data & Sources

Harmonized from 3 validated sources

Phenol-Explorer

1 contributing source food

Swiss Food Database

1 contributing source food

McCance & Widdowson

1 contributing source food

Claim citations

Effects of supplementing diet with Thyme (Thymuas vulgaris L.) essential oil and/or selenium yeast on production performance and blood variables of broiler chickens - PMC

[2]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds of Basil, Thyme and Sage Plant Additives and Their Functionality on Broiler Thigh Meat Quality - PMC

[3]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Synergistic Beneficial Effect of Thyme Honey and Olive Oil against Diabetes and Its Complications Induced by Alloxan in Wistar Rats - PMC

[5]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dietary Antioxidants in the Mediterranean Diet - PMC

[8]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention and Treatment - Herbal Medicine - NCBI Bookshelf

[9]www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coverage

Nutrients

FoodCompass

95.1

Version

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