Peppermint extract contains oil of peppermint that imparts a peppermint flavor to sweet or savory foods, and can also be used as a digestive aid. Peppermint extract comes in three varieties, each containing a negligible amount of calories.
Alcohol-based Extract
Alcohol-based peppermint extract contains approximately 89 percent alcohol, the rest being water and oil of peppermint. A standard 1/4 tsp. serving contains no significant nutritional value. This means less than 0.5 calories per serving and less than 0.5 g of fat, alcohol, carbohydrate or protein per serving.
Alcohol-free Extract
Alcohol-free peppermint extract contains glycerin -- a carbohydrate from coconuts -- water and peppermint oil. A 1/4 tsp. serving contains 9.4 calories per serving. One-hundred percent of the calories come from carbohydrate. Alcohol-free extract contains less than 0.5 g of fat or protein per serving.
Extract Powder
Peppermint extract powder is prepared from peppermint oil, dextrose -- a form of carbohydrate -- and silicon dioxide to prevent caking. As with alcohol-based peppermint extract, a standard 1/4 tsp. serving contains no significant nutritional value, including less than 0.5 g of fat, carbohydrate or protein.
