Basil is a fresh herb and, as a NOVA group 1 food, delivers naturally occurring energy and nutrients with no added sugar, salt or additives. It is a source of vitamin K, manganese and folate. Work out the numbers for any portion and age below, then see the full macro and micronutrient breakdown.
The tables below put each macronutrient against age-appropriate guidance, because what matters for a 4 year old is very different from an adult.
A small handful of leaves (about 5g) contains about 0.0g of sugar, and it is all natural (intrinsic) sugar that comes packaged with fibre and water. It has 0g of added or free sugar, so it does not count toward the daily free sugar limit the NHS sets. The table shows those limits by age; Basil contributes nothing to them.
Basil is naturally very low in fat, with about 0.03g per portion and 0g of added fat. Only around 0.0g is saturated, well within the daily maximum for every age group.
Fibre supports healthy digestion, and most people in the UK do not get enough. A portion provides about 0.08g. Because children need less fibre than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's target.
There is about 0.1g of carbohydrate per portion. There is no single daily target, but roughly half of daily energy should come from carbohydrate; the reference values below are based on that.
Percentages are share of the daily Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). Under UK and EU rules a food is a source of a nutrient at 15% NRV per 100g and high in it at 30%.
These tables show how the nutrients compare to daily needs across different ages, using UK Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs). This differs from the source of and high in labels above, which use the single adult figure (NRV) set for food packaging. Children's needs are lower, so a portion goes further.
Vitamin K is needed for normal blood clotting and healthy bones. A small handful of leaves (about 5g) contains 21ug. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target. These figures use safe intake levels, as no formal UK RNI is set.
Manganese contributes to normal bone formation and helps protect cells from oxidative stress. A small handful of leaves (about 5g) contains 0.06mg. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target. These figures use safe intake levels, as no formal UK RNI is set.
Folate is needed to make healthy red blood cells and is especially important before and during pregnancy. A small handful of leaves (about 5g) contains 3ug. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Vitamin A supports vision, healthy skin and the immune system. A small handful of leaves (about 5g) contains 13ug. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Iron is needed to make red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. A small handful of leaves (about 5g) contains 0.16mg. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target. Girls aged 11 and over and women need more iron (14.8mg) because of menstrual losses.
Vitamin C supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron from food. A small handful of leaves (about 5g) contains 0.9mg. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. A small handful of leaves (about 5g) contains 8.85mg. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
No. Basil is a NOVA group 1 whole food, the least processed category, eaten in its natural state with nothing added, which is why herbs behave very differently in the body from ultra-processed foods.
Nutrition data from McCance and Widdowson and UK FoodData Central, per 100g raw edible portion; values are reference figures and can vary by variety and ripeness. Reference intakes: EU NRVs for labelling and UK RNIs (SACN) for age-based needs. For guidance only.