Know what’s on your plate
Capers
Calories & nutrition facts
canned
Nutrition facts
Per 100 g% DV- Calories 23 kcal —
- Protein 2.4 g 5%
- Carbohydrate 1.7 g 1%
- Fat 0.9 g 1%
- Saturated fat 0.2 g 1%
- Fibre 3.2 g 11%
- Sugars 0.4 g —
- Sodium 2348 mg 102%
- Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Vitamins & minerals
Per 100 g% DVVitamins
- Vitamin A 7 µg 1%
- Vitamin C 4.3 mg 5%
- Vitamin D 0 µg 0%
- Vitamin E 0.88 mg 6%
- Vitamin K 24.6 µg 21%
- Thiamin (B1) 0.02 mg 2%
- Riboflavin (B2) 0.14 mg 11%
- Niacin (B3) 0.65 mg 4%
- Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.03 mg 1%
- Vitamin B6 0.02 mg 1%
- Folate (B9) 23 µg 6%
- Vitamin B12 0 µg 0%
- Choline 6.5 mg 1%
Minerals
- Calcium 40 mg 3%
- Iron 1.7 mg 9%
- Magnesium 33 mg 8%
- Phosphorus 10 mg 1%
- Potassium 40 mg 1%
- Zinc 0.32 mg 3%
- Copper 0.37 mg 42%
- Manganese 0.08 mg 3%
- Selenium 1.2 µg 2%
Calories by portion
| Portion | Weight | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 g | 100 g | 23 | 2.4 g | 1.7 g | 0.9 g |
| 1 × tbsp, drained | 8.6 g | 2 | 0.2 g | 0.1 g | 0.1 g |
| 2 × tbsp, drained | 17.2 g | 4 | 0.4 g | 0.3 g | 0.1 g |
| ½ × tbsp, drained | 4.3 g | 1 | 0.1 g | 0.1 g | 0 g |
| 3 × tbsp, drained | 25.8 g | 6 | 0.6 g | 0.4 g | 0.2 g |
| 4 × tbsp, drained | 34.4 g | 8 | 0.8 g | 0.6 g | 0.3 g |
Similar foods
Questions about Capers
What are capers, and are they berries?
Capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper bush, usually pickled in brine or packed in salt. The plant’s fruit is called a caperberry; it is larger and eaten differently.
Should you rinse capers before using them?
Rinse brined capers under cold water and drain them to soften their sharp saltiness. For salt-packed capers, rinse thoroughly and soak for about 15 minutes, then pat dry.
How do you cook with capers without making a dish too salty?
Add drained capers near the end of cooking so their tangy flavour stays distinct, and taste before adding salt. For a crisp garnish, fry them in a little oil for 1–2 minutes until they open and turn crisp.
What dishes go well with capers?
Their sharp, briny taste works especially well with smoked salmon, oily fish, eggs, roast vegetables and lemony sauces. They are classic in puttanesca sauce and chicken piccata.
How should you store capers after opening the jar?
Keep brined capers submerged in their liquid in a clean, sealed jar in the fridge. Keep salt-packed capers in a tightly closed container, and use a clean, dry spoon to remove them.
Can you use caperberries instead of capers?
Not as a direct swap: caperberries are larger, milder and often served whole, while capers are small buds that season a dish throughout. Chop a caperberry finely if that is all you have, then add it gradually.
Are capers very high in sodium?
Yes. A 100 g portion has 2348 mg of sodium, and even a tablespoon of drained capers has a strongly salty taste, so rinse them and go lightly with added salt.
Can you eat capers straight from the jar?
Yes, capers are ready to eat once drained; they are preserved rather than raw fresh buds. Their brine or salt makes them intensely salty, so most people use a small amount as a seasoning.
Source: USDA FoodData Central 172238 · per 100 g · carbohydrate per EU label, fibre excluded
