Quick Answer
La Terra Fina artichoke jalapeno dip contains 60 calories per 2 tablespoon serving. This is based on the nutrition information provided on the La Terra Fina website.
Serving Size and Nutrition Facts
According to the nutrition label on the La Terra Fina website, the serving size for the artichoke jalapeno dip is 2 tablespoons (30g).
Here are the nutrition facts for a 2 tablespoon serving:
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
As you can see from the nutrition label, a 2 tablespoon serving of the artichoke jalapeno dip contains 60 calories.
Calorie Breakdown
The majority of the calories in La Terra Fina artichoke jalapeno dip come from fat.
Here is a breakdown of where the calories come from:
- Total Fat: 5g (45 calories)
- Carbohydrates: 4g (16 calories)
- Protein: 2g (8 calories)
So out of the total 60 calories, 45 come from fat, 16 come from carbs, and 8 come from protein.
The fat content makes up the majority of calories because this dip gets most of its creamy texture and flavor from oil and dairy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and buttermilk.
Calories per Ounce
Since the standard serving size is 2 tablespoons or 30 grams, we can also look at the calorie count per ounce.
There are 28.35 grams in 1 ounce. So to calculate calories per ounce, we’ll take the total calories for 30 grams (60) and divide that by 28.35 grams per ounce.
(60 calories per 30g) / (28.35g per oz) = **2.12 calories per 1 gram**
So the artichoke jalapeno dip contains approximately 2.12 calories per gram, or 127 calories per 1 ounce serving.
This can help give you an idea of calorie counts for other serving sizes besides 2 tablespoons. For example:
- 1 tablespoon (15g): 30 calories
- 3 tablespoons (45g): 90 calories
- 1/4 cup (60g): 127 calories
- 1/2 cup (120g): 255 calories
As you increase the serving size, the calories scale accordingly based on the calories per gram.
Comparing to Other Dips
La Terra Fina artichoke jalapeno dip contains fewer calories than many other popular dips.
Here’s how it compares per 2 tablespoon serving:
| Dip | Calories |
|---|---|
| La Terra Fina Artichoke Jalapeno | 60 |
| Sabra Classic Hummus | 70 |
| Tostitos Salsa Con Queso | 80 |
| Frito Lay French Onion Dip | 110 |
| Kraft Ranch Dressing | 140 |
As you can see, La Terra Fina’s artichoke jalapeno dip is on the lower end for calorie counts compared to other popular dip options. Sabra Classic Hummus and Tostitos Queso are fairly close at 70 and 80 calories per serving.
However, more oil-based dips like French onion dip and ranch dressing contain almost double the calories! So the artichoke jalapeno dip is a lighter option in comparison.
Ingredients
Now let’s take a look at the ingredients in La Terra Fina artichoke jalapeno dip to understand what accounts for the calories:
- Artichoke hearts
- Sour cream (cultured cream)
- Jalapeno puree
- Mayonnaise (soybean oil, eggs, vinegar, lemon juice)
- Cream cheese
- Buttermilk
- Garlic puree
- Salt
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Xanthan gum
- Natural flavor
The primary ingredients contributing to the calorie content are:
– Sour cream – Provides creaminess and fat
– Mayonnaise – Adds oil-based calories and richness
– Cream cheese – Provides fat and dairy calories
– Buttermilk – Adds creamy dairy flavor
The artichoke hearts, jalapeno puree, and seasonings add flavor without significant calories.
So in summary, the calories come from a combination of dairy ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, buttermilk paired with the oil content from mayonnaise. This gives the dip its rich, indulgent taste and creamy texture while keeping the calorie count reasonable compared to even higher-fat dips.
Health Benefits of Artichoke Hearts
While artichokes don’t contribute majorly to the calorie content, the artichoke hearts still provide health benefits:
- High in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin K, and flavonoids
- Good source of fiber, folate, and magnesium
- May improve digestive health and cholesterol levels
- Contains prebiotic fiber that supports gut bacteria
- Rich in polyphenol plant compounds with anti-inflammatory effects
So while the dip is high in calories from dairy and oils, the addition of artichoke hearts boosts the nutrition profile.
Artichokes contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants lacking in full-fat dairy ingredients. The prebiotic fiber in artichokes may also help digestion by feeding healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome.
Ways to Make It Healthier
If you’re looking to lighten up this artichoke jalapeno dip, here are some tips:
- Use Greek yogurt or skim milk instead of sour cream – Saves 40 calories per serving
- Substitute low-fat cream cheese – Reduces calories by 25 per serving
- Try light mayonnaise – Saves about 40 calories per serving
- Mix in pureed cauliflower – Adds nutrients and fiber for fewer calories
- Serve with raw veggies instead of chips – Increases fiber and nutrients
- Portion into 150 calorie servings – Helps control portion sizes
With some simple substitutions and smart serving tips, you can still enjoy the bold flavors of artichoke jalapeno dip while making it more diet-friendly.
Cooking and Baking Substitutions
In cooking and baking, you can also substitute La Terra Fina artichoke jalapeno dip in place of higher calorie ingredients:
- Instead of full-fat cream cheese in dips or spreads
- In place of sour cream on baked potatoes or tacos
- As a sandwich spread instead of regular mayo
- On top of chicken breasts or fish before baking
- Swapped for salad dressings or heavy oil-based sauces
- As a flavor boost in savory omelets or frittatas
- As a topping on lean burgers instead of cheese
Because it’s lower in calories but still rich, creamy, and flavorful, the dip can seamlessly replace higher calorie ingredients in recipes. This helps cut calories and fat without sacrificing taste.
Storing and Reheating
To retain freshness and prevent spoilage, store La Terra Fina artichoke jalapeno dip in the refrigerator after opening. Keep for up to 10 days.
To reheat, place desired portion in a microwave-safe container and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm throughout, stirring halfway.
Or, heat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until warm.
Avoid boiling or overheating the dip, as high heat can cause separation. Reheated dip can be stored in the fridge for another 3-4 days.
Conclusion
In summary, La Terra Fina artichoke jalapeno dip contains approximately 60 calories per 2 tablespoon serving. The calories come primarily from dairy ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, and buttermilk along with the oil in mayonnaise. This gives the dip its rich, indulgent taste and creamy texture.
Compared to oil-based dips like ranch dressing or French onion dip, the artichoke jalapeno dip is moderately lower in calories. And the addition of artichoke hearts provides beneficial fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
To lighten it up, try substitutions like Greek yogurt or serve with raw vegetables. Or use it in place of higher calorie ingredients in recipes. Stored properly in the fridge, the dip retains freshness for up to 10 days. Reheated gently, it can add flavor to meals and snacks while keeping calories in check.