Quick Answer
Yes, Metamucil does contain calories, though the amount is relatively low compared to other dietary supplements. The calories in Metamucil come from its main inactive ingredients – sugars and starches that are used to add bulk and texture to the powder. However, the number of calories varies based on the specific Metamucil product.
How Many Calories Are In Metamucil?
The number of calories contained in Metamucil depends on the specific product and flavor. Here is a breakdown of the calorie content per serving for some common Metamucil products:
Metamucil Original Powder
| Flavors | Calories per Serving |
| Original | 70 |
| Orange | 60 |
| Pink Lemonade | 60 |
| Berry Burst | 60 |
The original unflavored Metamucil powder contains 70 calories per serving. The flavored options like orange, pink lemonade, and berry burst contain slightly fewer calories at 60 per serving.
Metamucil Sugar-Free Powder
The sugar-free versions of Metamucil powder contain even fewer calories:
| Flavors | Calories per Serving |
| Orange | 40 |
| Pink Lemonade | 40 |
| Berry Burst | 40 |
Without the added sugars, the sugar-free powders only have 40 calories per serving.
Metamucil Capsules
Metamucil capsules contain the least calories per serving:
| Product | Calories per Serving |
| Metamucil MultiHealth Fiber Capsules | 10 |
| Metamucil Premium Blend Capsules | 15 |
The MultiHealth Fiber capsules have 10 calories per serving, while the Premium Blend capsules contain 15 calories.
Metamucil Wafers
| Flavors | Calories per Serving |
| Chocolate | 130 |
| Cinnamon Spice | 140 |
Metamucil’s fiber wafers are more like a dessert or snack bar, so they unsurprisingly have the most calories per serving at 130-140.
What Ingredients Contribute Calories?
Though Metamucil contains the active ingredient psyllium husk fiber which is low calorie, there are several other additional ingredients that add calories:
Sugars
Ingredients like sucrose, fructose, dextrose, and fruit juice concentrates are sugars that contain calories – 4 calories per gram to be exact. The original, non-sugar-free Metamucil powders get up 60-70 of their calories from added sugars. The sugar-free versions use alternative sweeteners like sucralose instead.
Starches
Starches like wheat dextrin, maltodextrin, and modified cellulose are sometimes added to Metamucil powders to improve texture and mixability. Like sugars, starches also provide 4 calories per gram.
Cocoa Powder
For chocolate or cocoa flavored products like the wafers, cocoa powder provides additional calories at 12 calories per teaspoon.
Vegetable Oil
Small amounts of oils may be used in Metamucil capsules and wafers for smoothing and binding purposes. Oils are very calorie-dense at around 120 calories per tablespoon.
Nutritional Profile of Metamucil
Here is the full nutritional information for a single serving of original, unflavored Metamucil powder:
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | 3% |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 115mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 57mg | 1% |
| Total Carbs | 16g | 5% |
| – Dietary Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| – Sugars | 9g | |
| Protein | 2g |
As you can see, a single serving provides 70 calories, mostly from 16g total carbohydrates. 3g comes from dietary fiber (the active psyllium husk ingredient), while 9g comes from added sugars.
There are also trace amounts of sodium, potassium, and protein. Aside from carbohydrates, Metamucil does not provide significant amounts of any other macros like fat or protein.
Daily Calorie intake
How many calories you get from Metamucil will depend on how often you take it each day. The dosage directions recommend:
– For powder: 1 serving (one rounded teaspoon) 1-3 times daily
– For capsules: 2-6 capsules (depending on type) up to 3 times daily
– For wafers: 2-3 wafers 1-3 times daily
If you take the minimum doses, you would get:
– Powder: 60-210 calories per day
– Capsules: 20-90 calories per day
– Wafers: 260-390 calories per day
At the maximum doses, you would get:
– Powder: 180-420 calories per day
– Capsules: 60-180 calories per day
– Wafers: 390-780 calories per day
So in most cases, Metamucil’s calories will account for a relatively small percentage of your total daily calorie intake. However, the calories can add up if you take larger doses or use the higher calorie wafers multiple times per day.
Tips for Reducing Calories
If you are concerned about limiting calories while taking Metamucil, here are some tips:
– Choose sugar-free or low-sugar versions when possible. The sugar-free powders contain 20-30 fewer calories per serving.
– Stick to the recommended serving size – don’t heap additional powder. The per-serving calorie count is based on precise measurements.
– Take capsules instead of powders or wafers, as they are lowest calorie option.
– Use Metamucil only 1-2 times daily if needed for regularity vs. 3 times a day.
– Account for Metamucil’s calories in your daily intake and adjust other foods accordingly.
– Drink Metamucil with water instead of mixing into food or beverages that have additional calories.
– Be mindful of snacking habits, as added sugar and starches in Metamucil may increase cravings.
Weight Loss Claims
Some Metamucil products are marketed for weight loss or weight management. However, Metamucil itself does not directly cause weight loss – it simply provides a source of fiber to support regular bowel movements and satiety.
The potential weight loss benefits come from:
– Reduced calorie absorption from fiber bulking up stools
– Fiber promoting feelings of fullness, allowing you to eat less
– Fiber stabilizing blood sugar, preventing spikes and crashes
But Metamucil only facilitates weight loss indirectly. To lose weight, you still need to follow an overall reduced calorie diet and exercise program. Replacing higher calorie foods with Metamucil can help create a calorie deficit. But the small amount of calories in Metamucil alone will not lead to significant weight loss.
Should You Take Metamucil for Weight Loss?
Metamucil can support a weight loss diet by promoting:
– Regular bowel movements
– Satiety between meals
– Stable blood sugar control
However, it should not be solely relied on for weight loss. Make sure to also:
– Follow an overall reduced calorie meal plan
– Increase physical activity and exercise
– Make other nutrition changes like increasing protein, fiber, and water
– Use healthy cooking methods and limit processed foods
– Take other steps to support metabolism like getting enough sleep
For best results, work with a nutritionist or doctor to create a customized weight loss plan. Use Metamucil as a supplement to your lifestyle changes, not a replacement.
Conclusion
In summary, Metamucil does contain a small amount of calories, ranging from:
– 10-15 calories per serving for capsules
– 40 calories per serving for sugar-free powders
– 60-70 calories per serving for regular powders
– 130-140 calories per serving for wafers
The calories come primarily from added sugars and starches used to create the different textures and flavors.
To limit calories from Metamucil, choose lower calorie capsules or sugar-free powders, stick to the recommended servings, and account for the calories within your daily intake. While Metamucil can support weight loss through increased fiber, it should not be solely relied on without also reducing overall calorie consumption and increasing activity.