What does nigella seeds do in food?

They act as a spice, adding a sharp, slightly bitter and onion-like flavor to breads, crackers, and pickles.

Can nigella seeds cause side effects?

In the small amounts used as a spice in packaged foods, nigella seeds are not known to cause side effects.

Is nigella seeds the same as kalonji?

Yes, kalonji is the common Indian name for nigella seeds.

Nigella Seeds

nigella seeds

Nigella seeds are small black seeds used as a spice in breads and snacks. They add a sharp, slightly bitter flavor and a bit of fiber and minerals.

Not a declarable allergen

This is not on India’s mandatory declaration list. It may still matter to you, and you can add it to your own avoid list.

What it is

Nigella seeds come from the Nigella sativa plant. The seeds are harvested, dried, and used whole or ground as a spice. They are sometimes called kalonji in India.

Nutrition

In the small amounts typically used, nigella seeds contribute minor amounts of fiber, fat, and minerals like iron. They are used more for flavor than as a significant source of nutrients.

How it can affect health

Can affect: In the small amounts typically used as a spice, nigella seeds are not known to have notable effects on the body.

Who should limit it

There is no general group that needs to limit nigella seeds beyond the small amounts typically used in food.

Where it is found

Nigella seeds are commonly sprinkled on naan, flatbreads, and crackers, and used in pickles and spice blends in packaged Indian foods.

Also written as

A different word for the same thing

kalonjien

Names in other languages

English: Nigella Seeds
हिन्दी: कलौंजी
मराठी: कलौंजी
বাংলা: কালোজিরে
தமிழ்: கருஞ்சீரகம்
తెలుగు: కలోంజి
ಕನ್ನಡ: ಕಲೋಂಜಿ

Products on Laddoo that list it

In alphabetical order.

Garlic, Ginger & Green Chilli Mix PickleJhaji · Namkeen

Matched against each printed ingredient list. A pack not listed here may still contain it under a name we have not matched: check its label.

Questions people ask

What does nigella seeds do in food?: They act as a spice, adding a sharp, slightly bitter and onion-like flavor to breads, crackers, and pickles.
Can nigella seeds cause side effects?: In the small amounts used as a spice in packaged foods, nigella seeds are not known to cause side effects.
Is nigella seeds the same as kalonji?: Yes, kalonji is the common Indian name for nigella seeds.

This page is written by AI as general information about the ingredient, not about any pack. It is not medical advice.