Can I eat egg drop soup on keto? Homemade vs. Takeout

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Reports from multiple keto-focused food blogs indicate that homemade egg drop soup can contain as little as 2–4 grams of net carbs per serving. So, can I eat egg drop soup on keto? Yes, but with a crucial distinction between homemade and restaurant versions, primarily due to hidden thickeners and additives.

Quick Summary

Restaurant egg drop soup often contains non-keto thickeners like cornstarch, making it unsuitable for a ketogenic diet. A homemade version, however, is naturally low in carbs and can be customized to be perfectly keto-friendly.

Key Points

Restaurant vs. Homemade: Takeout versions often use carb-heavy cornstarch for thickening, making them unsuitable for a strict ketogenic diet.
Homemade is Best: Making your own egg drop soup allows you to control ingredients and ensure it remains low-carb and keto-friendly.
Low-Carb Thickeners: Use keto-safe alternatives like a small amount of xanthan gum to achieve a thicker texture without the added carbs from cornstarch.
Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: A homemade keto egg drop soup provides quality protein from eggs and can be made even more nutritious with bone broth.
Add-ins for Variety: You can customize your soup with extra protein like shredded chicken or additional low-carb vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms.

Why Restaurant Egg Drop Soup Might Not Be Keto

For many, egg drop soup is a comforting staple of Chinese cuisine, but ordering it at a restaurant can be risky for those on a keto diet. While the core ingredients of broth and egg are low-carb, many establishments add ingredients that increase the carb count significantly. The primary culprit is cornstarch, a high-carb flour commonly used to thicken the broth and give it a silky texture. Just one tablespoon of cornstarch contains over 7 grams of carbs, which can quickly push a keto dieter past their daily net carb limit. Other hidden carbs can come from certain types of soy sauce or added sugar, depending on the restaurant’s recipe.

The Advantages of Making Homemade Keto Egg Drop Soup

Fortunately, making this soup at home allows for complete control over the ingredients, ensuring it is a delicious and keto-compliant meal. A homemade version is not only low in carbs but can also be packed with nutrients.

Core Keto-Friendly Components

Broth: Use high-quality chicken or bone broth as the base. Bone broth, in particular, offers additional collagen and nutrients that are beneficial for joint and gut health.
Eggs: The signature egg ribbons are a great source of protein and essential nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and choline.
Flavorings: Stick to keto-approved flavor enhancers. Sliced green onions, grated ginger, and minced garlic add a fresh, aromatic taste with minimal carbs.
Seasoning: Use low-sodium soy sauce or a keto-friendly alternative like coconut aminos to control sodium and avoid added sugar. A dash of sesame oil adds a nutty, rich flavor.
Thickener: For those who prefer a thicker soup, a tiny amount of xanthan gum can be used as a low-carb alternative to cornstarch. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly.

How to Prepare a Simple Keto Egg Drop Soup

This recipe is both quick and easy, perfect for a light lunch or a comforting appetizer.

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken or bone broth
2 large eggs, whisked
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 minced garlic clove
2 chopped green onions
Optional: ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum for thickening

Instructions:

In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth, grated ginger, and minced garlic to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. If using xanthan gum, create a slurry by whisking it with a small amount of cold broth or water before stirring it into the simmering soup to prevent clumps.
In a measuring cup with a spout, lightly whisk the eggs until just blended. Do not overbeat.
While the broth is still at a gentle simmer, slowly and steadily drizzle the whisked eggs into the pot in a circular motion. Use a fork or chopsticks to gently stir the soup clockwise to create the characteristic delicate ribbons of egg.
Turn off the heat and stir in the soy sauce or coconut aminos. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Takeout vs. DIY Keto: A Nutritional Comparison

This table highlights the significant difference in macronutrients, primarily due to added thickeners in restaurant recipes.


Feature	Restaurant Egg Drop Soup (Traditional)	Homemade Keto Egg Drop Soup	Why It Matters for Keto
Carbohydrates	Can contain 7+ grams per serving due to cornstarch	~2–4 grams per serving (net carbs)	Keeping net carbs low is essential for maintaining ketosis.
Fat Content	Generally low fat	Easily adjusted by using fat-rich bone broth or adding a little sesame oil	Increasing healthy fat intake is a cornerstone of the ketogenic diet.
Additives	May contain added sugar, MSG, and food coloring	Free of added sugar and artificial additives	Avoids hidden ingredients that can disrupt ketosis and negatively impact health.
Protein	Contains protein from eggs and sometimes meat	Excellent source of protein from eggs and optional added meats	Protein provides satiety and supports muscle maintenance on keto.

Optional Additions for a Heartier Soup

For a more substantial meal, consider adding these keto-friendly ingredients to your homemade soup:

Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms like shiitake or cremini add an earthy flavor and extra fiber.
Protein: Add shredded cooked chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. You can also add some tofu for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Stir in chopped spinach or bok choy at the end of cooking for added nutrients and texture.

Conclusion

The good news is that yes, you can eat egg drop soup on a keto diet, but you must be mindful of the ingredients. While takeout versions often contain carb-heavy thickeners like cornstarch, preparing a homemade version from scratch is simple, fast, and entirely keto-compliant. By controlling the ingredients, you can enjoy a warm, nutritious bowl of this classic comfort food without worrying about hidden carbs. This simple recipe proves that staying in ketosis doesn't mean giving up your favorite flavorful foods. For more tips on low-carb eating, explore resources like Healthline's guide to keto-friendly Chinese foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, restaurant egg drop soup is typically not keto-friendly because it is often thickened with cornstarch, a high-carb ingredient. Making it at home is the safest way to ensure it fits your diet.

To get a thicker consistency in keto egg drop soup, you can use a tiny amount of xanthan gum or simply add an extra whisked egg. The eggs themselves provide some natural thickening.

The net carb count for a homemade keto egg drop soup is very low, often between 2 and 4 grams per serving, depending on the specific recipe and portion size.

Coconut aminos are a soy-free, gluten-free, and lower-sodium alternative to soy sauce that adds a savory, umami flavor. They are a popular keto-friendly seasoning option for Asian-inspired dishes.

Yes, you can easily add low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach to your homemade egg drop soup for extra nutrients and fiber.

It is not recommended to freeze the full soup after adding the egg ribbons, as the texture can become rubbery upon reheating. It is better to freeze just the broth and add the eggs after thawing.

To boost the fat content, you can use bone broth as the soup base and add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a knob of butter or ghee.