Cloves

Good

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3

Harmful ingredients 1

Summary

Whole dried cloves — one of the most nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich spices in the world. Eugenol, cloves' primary compound, has powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anesthetic properties. ORAC antioxidant value is among the highest of any food. Fresh whole cloves retain maximum volatile oils vs pre-ground. No additives, no fillers. Simple single-ingredient spice with exceptional health credentials.

Key ingredients 4

Antioxidant Density (ORAC)

Very Good

Among the highest ORAC antioxidant values of any spice; combats oxidative stress

See more about Antioxidant Density (ORAC) →

Manganese

Very Good

Exceptional manganese source — one serving provides over 100% DV; essential for bone health and enzyme function

See more about Manganese →

Volatile Essential Oils

Good

Whole cloves preserve eugenol and acetyl eugenol oils that degrade rapidly in ground form

See more about Volatile Essential Oils →

Eugenol

Bad

EU-listed fragrance allergen.

See more about Eugenol →

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

Common questions

Is Cloves healthy?

Cloves scores 83/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. Whole dried cloves — one of the most nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich spices in the world.

How processed is Cloves?

Cloves is NOVA Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods.

How does Cloves compare to other spices?

Cloves ranks #13 of 35 spices in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Vera Salt Flake Spring Salt - Microplastic Free at 97/100.

Which ingredients drive Cloves' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Antioxidant Density (ORAC), Manganese, Volatile Essential Oils count in its favor; Eugenol is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

Vera Salt Flake Spring Salt - Microplastic Free

Vera Salt

Mccormick All Natural Peppercorn Medley Grinder Bottle

Mccormick

McCormick Gourmet Organic Whole Black Peppercorns Bottle

McCormick Gourmet

Mccormick Non-GMO Black Pepper Grinder Bottle

Mccormick