Decoding Soju: How many STD drinks are in soju?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Australian Government, a standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. For many drinkers, especially those enjoying Korean cuisine, a key question for managing alcohol intake is: "How many STD drinks are in soju?". The exact number varies considerably based on the brand's alcohol by volume (ABV) and bottle size, with a single 360mL bottle often containing the equivalent of several standard drinks.

Quick Summary

This article explains how to calculate the standard drink content in a bottle of soju, highlighting the difference between original and flavored varieties. It examines the nutritional impact of soju on a diet and provides practical tips for responsible consumption to minimize health risks. Included is a comparison table of various soju brands.

Key Points

Standard drink calculation: A single standard drink in Australia contains 10 grams of pure alcohol.
Original soju (360mL): A typical 16.9% ABV bottle of soju contains approximately 4.8 standard drinks.
Flavored soju (360mL): A 13% ABV flavored soju bottle has about 3.7 standard drinks but also contains significant added sugars.
Soju calories: A 360mL bottle can contain 400-600 empty calories, and flavored versions are higher in sugar.
Responsible consumption: Strategies like eating food, pacing yourself, and being mindful of flavored options are key to moderating soju intake.
Risk awareness: Despite a lower ABV than some spirits, soju's smooth taste can lead to overconsumption and related health issues.

Understanding Soju: Alcohol Content and Standard Drinks

Soju, a clear, distilled Korean spirit, has gained global popularity for its smooth, neutral taste. It is traditionally made from rice, but modern, mass-produced versions often use a mix of starches like tapioca and sweet potatoes. Its lower alcohol content compared to spirits like vodka can be misleading, as people often underestimate its strength, leading to overconsumption. A typical bottle of soju, especially in the 360mL size common in Korea and sold internationally, can contain a significant number of standard drinks, making moderation key for a balanced nutrition diet.

The Calculation: Volume and Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

In Australia, one standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. Calculating the standard drink content of a soju bottle requires a simple formula. The number of standard drinks is found by multiplying the volume in litres by the percentage of alcohol and the specific gravity of alcohol (0.789).

For a standard 360mL bottle, this calculation is:

Formula: (Volume in Litres) x (Alcohol %) x 0.789 = Standard Drinks

Using this formula, let's calculate for a common soju variety:

Original Soju (16.9% ABV): 0.360 L x 16.9 x 0.789 = 4.8 standard drinks.
Flavoured Soju (13% ABV): 0.360 L x 13 x 0.789 = 3.7 standard drinks.

Nutritional Impact and Health Considerations

While alcohol is a significant factor, the nutritional aspects of soju also impact a healthy diet. Like most spirits, soju offers empty calories, meaning it provides energy without essential vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients.

Nutritional Breakdown of Soju

Calories: A 360mL bottle of standard soju can contain between 400 and 600 calories, depending on the brand and whether it is flavored. Flavored sojus, while lower in ABV, often contain added sugars, significantly increasing their calorie and carbohydrate content.
Carbohydrates: Standard soju has minimal carbohydrates, but flavored varieties can have 10 grams or more of sugar per 100mL. A 360mL bottle of flavored soju can have over 30 grams of sugar, comparable to a can of soda.
Fat and Protein: Soju contains no fat or protein.

Comparing Soju Brands: Standard Drinks and Calories

The following table compares several popular 360mL soju brands, detailing their alcohol content, standard drink count (in Australia), and estimated calories, based on information from suppliers and nutritional data.


Soju Brand (360mL)	Alcohol by Volume (ABV)	Standard Drinks (Approx.)	Estimated Calories
Jinro Chamisul Fresh	16.9%	4.8	450-550
Chum Churum Original	17.5%	4.8	460-560
Jinro Peach Flavored	13.0%	3.7	400-500
Chum Churum Grape	12.0%	3.4	400-500
Chum Churum Saero (Zero Sugar)	16.0%	4.6	360-460

Tips for Enjoying Soju Responsibly

Navigating the social and dietary aspects of drinking soju can be done mindfully with a few strategies:

Understand Serving Sizes: A single shot glass is a customary way to drink soju, but it's important to recognize that one small glass can still contribute to your total alcohol intake. Knowing how many standard drinks are in the bottle you are sharing is the first step.
Pace Yourself: The smooth taste of soju can make it dangerously easy to drink quickly. Take breaks and alternate with water to stay hydrated and avoid consuming too much too fast.
Eat with Soju: The Korean practice of enjoying soju with 'anju' (food) is not just a cultural custom; it helps slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Pair your soju with protein and fat-rich foods.
Be Mindful of Flavored Options: If you are monitoring your sugar and calorie intake, be cautious with flavored sojus. Their lower ABV can seem appealing, but the added sweeteners can undermine your nutrition goals.
Set Limits: Before starting, decide on a number of drinks you will not exceed. Setting a clear limit helps prevent overconsumption and its associated health risks, including liver damage and poor decision-making.

Conclusion: The Key to Moderation

Understanding how many standard drinks are in soju is essential for integrating it responsibly into a balanced diet. Whether you prefer the traditional original flavor or a sweeter, fruit-infused variety, the key lies in awareness of the alcohol content and pacing yourself. By checking the ABV and consulting reliable sources like the Australian Alcohol Guidelines on responsible consumption, you can enjoy this popular Korean spirit while protecting your health. Moderation is always the most important factor for any alcoholic beverage, and soju is no exception.

Disclaimer: The calorie estimations in the table are based on approximate averages. Always check the nutritional information on the specific product's label where available.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical 360mL bottle of original soju with an alcohol content of around 16.9% contains approximately 4.8 standard drinks, based on Australian guidelines.

Yes, flavored soju typically has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV), resulting in fewer standard drinks per bottle. For example, a 13% ABV flavored soju contains around 3.7 standard drinks in a 360mL bottle.

No, a single 360mL bottle of soju can contain a significant number of calories, ranging from 400 to 600, depending on the brand. This is higher than many beers on a serving-for-serving basis and consists of empty calories.

An Australian standard drink is a set measure containing 10 grams of pure alcohol, while a Korean serving is traditionally a small shot glass. A single 360mL bottle contains multiple standard drinks, and consuming an entire bottle is a common practice in Korea, which can lead to overconsumption.

To minimize risks, you can drink in moderation, pace your consumption, stay hydrated by drinking water, and eat a meal while you drink. Being aware of the standard drink count and calorie content also helps manage your intake effectively.

The notion that rice-based soju is healthier is a myth. While the base ingredients differ, the health effects are primarily determined by the alcohol content and quantity consumed. Modern soju often contains a mix of starches and additives that don't offer significant health benefits.

Sugar-free or zero-sugar soju still contains alcohol, so the number of standard drinks is based on its ABV. For instance, a 16% ABV zero-sugar soju has around 4.6 standard drinks in a 360mL bottle, which is only slightly less than a 16.9% original variety.