How Many Calories Are in a Jar of Korma Sauce?

December 29, 2025 •

3 min read

A single serving of a popular jarred korma sauce can contain anywhere from 100 to 200 calories, with the total for the entire jar being significantly higher. This stark variation means checking the nutrition label is crucial for anyone monitoring their calorie intake.

Quick Summary

The total calorie count of a korma sauce jar varies widely by brand, size, and fat content. Typically ranging from 400 to over 600 calories, the overall number is influenced by ingredients like cream, coconut milk, and sugar.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: A standard jar of korma sauce can contain 400-600+ calories, with the total depending on the brand, size, and specific recipe.
Rich Ingredients: The primary sources of calories are high-fat ingredients like cream, coconut milk, nuts, and added sugar, used to create the sauce's signature texture.
Read the Label: The 'mild' flavor of korma does not indicate a low-calorie sauce. Always check the nutritional information on the back of the jar before buying.
Control your Intake: Paying attention to serving sizes is crucial, as the total calories per jar are far higher than a single portion.
Go Homemade for Lighter Options: Making korma from scratch allows you to use low-fat cream alternatives and less sugar, resulting in a healthier, lower-calorie version.
Mind the Extras: Accompaniments such as rice, naan bread, and poppadums significantly add to the meal's total calorie count and should be factored into your dietary considerations.

Korma sauce, a staple of many takeaway and home-cooked Indian meals, is known for its mild, creamy, and flavorful profile. However, the ingredients that give it its signature richness—namely cream, coconut milk, nuts, and sugar—can also contribute to a high calorie count. A single serving can range considerably depending on the recipe and brand, so understanding the factors that influence the total is key for making informed dietary choices. While an entire jar is rarely consumed by one person, the total calories for the whole product can provide a surprising perspective on its overall nutritional density.

Korma Sauce Calories: A Comparison of Popular Brands

The calorie content in a jar of korma sauce varies considerably depending on the brand, size, and specific recipe. Below is a comparison table using data found from various sources, illustrating the typical calorie breakdown for several common options. The total calories per jar are calculated based on the listed serving size, and it is important to note these are approximate values.


Brand	Size (g)	Kcal per 100g	Servings per Jar	Approx. Total Kcal per Jar
Sharwood's	420	129	4	542
Tesco Korma	500	92	4	460
Ben's Original	450	103	4	464
Patak's Korma	450	98	4	441
Specially Selected	120	167	1*	200*

*Note: The Specially Selected product example was for a smaller, single-serving jar.

What Makes Korma Sauce High in Calories?

The caloric density of korma sauce comes primarily from its fat and sugar content. Here are the main culprits:

Cream or Coconut Milk: These provide the rich, creamy texture and are often the largest source of calories and saturated fat.
Ground Almonds or Cashews: Nuts are calorie-dense ingredients used to thicken the sauce and add flavor.
Added Sugar: Korma sauce often has a touch of sweetness to balance the spices. While a small amount, this adds to the overall calorie count.
Rapeseed Oil/Sunflower Oil: Oils are used for cooking the base ingredients, adding more fat and calories to the sauce.

The Misconception of 'Mild' Korma

It is a common misconception that a mild-tasting curry, such as korma, is also low in calories. As the ingredient list shows, the mildness comes from rich, creamy ingredients, not a lack of flavor or fat. A 'mild' sauce can often contain more fat and sugar than a spicier alternative to achieve its smooth, balanced flavor. Always read the label rather than assuming based on the spice level.

Making Your Own Lower-Calorie Korma Sauce

For those who want to enjoy the flavors of korma without the high calories of a pre-made jar, making it at home is an excellent option. By controlling the ingredients, you can significantly reduce the fat and sugar content.

Tips for a lighter homemade korma:

Swap the cream: Use low-fat yogurt, low-fat coconut milk, or a blended cashew paste with a higher water ratio.
Reduce the oil: Use only a small amount of oil to fry the onions and spices. You can even use a small amount of water to 'sweat' the vegetables instead.
Embrace vegetables: Bulk up the dish with low-calorie vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli to increase volume and nutrients without adding many calories.
Control the sweetness: Use natural sweeteners sparingly, such as a small amount of honey or even sweet vegetables like carrots to provide a balanced flavor profile.

A Note on Accompaniments

Remember that a korma sauce is only one part of the meal. The accompaniments can also add a significant number of calories. For instance, a plate of basmati rice or a side of naan bread can double or even triple the total calorie count of your meal. Consider pairing a lighter korma sauce with steamed vegetables or a smaller portion of rice to keep the overall meal balanced.

Conclusion

The calorie content of a jar of korma sauce varies considerably by brand, but they are generally calorie-dense due to their creamy, fat-rich ingredients. A typical 400g-500g jar can contain anywhere from 400 to over 600 kcal in total. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information, and do not assume a mild sauce is a light one. For the most control over your meal's nutritional profile, consider making a lighter version from scratch using a recipe like the ones found on reputable nutrition sites Eat This Much. Ultimately, enjoying korma in moderation and being aware of all the ingredients, both in the sauce and alongside it, are the best strategies for a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard jar of korma sauce is usually designed to serve four people, with each serving being approximately one-quarter of the jar. However, serving sizes and calories per serving can vary between brands, so always check the product label for the most accurate information.

Korma sauce is typically higher in calories than many other curry sauces because of its ingredients. It relies on full-fat cream, coconut milk, and ground nuts to achieve its rich, creamy texture, all of which are calorie-dense.

Yes, some brands offer 'reduced-fat' or 'lighter' versions of korma sauce, which have a lower calorie count. However, it is essential to compare the nutrition labels, as the calorie reduction varies. You can also make a healthier version at home with alternative ingredients.

To reduce the calories, start by choosing a lower-calorie sauce or making your own with light coconut milk or yogurt. Use lean protein like chicken breast or a variety of vegetables to bulk up the meal. Also, consider serving it with a smaller portion of rice or with steamed vegetables instead of naan bread.

No, a mild korma sauce does not necessarily have fewer calories. The mildness refers to its low spice level, which is often achieved by including more rich, creamy, and sweet ingredients, which are often high in calories.

Yes, vegan korma sauce recipes are often lower in calories, as they typically use coconut milk and ground nuts instead of dairy cream. Using a lower-fat coconut milk and moderating the portion of ground nuts can further reduce the overall calorie count.

The most accurate calorie and nutritional information will always be found on the product's nutrition label. The label provides a detailed breakdown per serving, including calories, fat, sugar, and more.