If you’re counting calories like a hawk, a level tablespoon of flour is about the size of a ping-pong ball if you rolled it up. Or, more practically, it’s about two fingers scooped together—but don’t quote me on that, because my fingers are suspiciously chubby.
Bottom line: a tablespoon of flour is almost nothing in the grand scheme of your day. It’s the equivalent of a few extra seconds of deep breathing—yes, that small. So go ahead, add that extra spoonful to your roux or your cookie dough. Your waistline won’t stage a protest.
But if you’re making a gravy and you use, say, six tablespoons? That’s 180 calories. Now we’re talking. That’s a light snack. So maybe just don’t drink the gravy, okay?
Final guilty admission
I once ate an entire tablespoon of flour straight from the bag at 2 AM. Just dry, no water, no judgment. It was terrible. But I learned something: flour tastes like cardboard and regret. So if you’re calorie-counting, at least mix it with something tasty first.
In conclusion: 30 calories per tablespoon. Use that info wisely, or use it as an excuse to double the recipe. I won’t tell a soul. Now go forth and bake—or just stare into the cabinet like I did. No shame.