How Many Calories are in Thai Curry Paste? A Detailed Nutritional Guide

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single tablespoon of red Thai curry paste can contain as few as 10-30 calories, depending on the brand and ingredients. This initial low-calorie figure is key to understanding how many calories are in Thai curry paste before adding other ingredients.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Thai curry paste varies significantly by brand and type, typically ranging from 10 to 30 calories per tablespoon. Most calories in a finished curry come from additions like coconut milk, oil, and protein, rather than the paste itself.

Key Points

Low Per Serving: Thai curry paste contains very few calories per tablespoon, often ranging from 10 to 30 kcal depending on the brand.
Brand Variation Matters: Different brands have different recipes, affecting the precise calorie count and ingredients. Always check the nutritional label for the most accurate information.
Coconut Milk is the Main Calorie Source: The high calorie count in many curries comes from the addition of full-fat coconut milk and cooking oil, not the paste itself.
Healthy Swaps Can Reduce Calories: Using light coconut milk, lean proteins, and more vegetables are effective strategies for creating a lower-calorie Thai curry dish.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making your own paste allows for complete control over all ingredients, including reducing added oils and sugar, for a healthier final product.
Spice Level Doesn't Add Calories: The heat from chilies, which varies between red, green, and yellow pastes, does not contribute to the caloric value.
Sodium Content Can Be High: Be mindful of the sodium content in store-bought pastes, as it can be significant. Opt for low-sodium brands where possible.

Understanding the Core Calories in Thai Curry Paste

Thai curry paste is a vibrant, aromatic base made from a blend of fresh herbs and spices. The key ingredients, such as chilies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and shallots, are naturally low in calories. Therefore, the paste itself, when measured by the tablespoon, contributes a surprisingly small number of calories to a meal. The actual amount can differ based on the brand's recipe and manufacturing process, particularly the quantity of oil used.

Most commercial brands list their nutritional information clearly. For example, some products report as low as 10-20 calories for a tablespoon, while others may be slightly higher. This variation is due to differences in ingredient ratios and the addition of other components like sugar or soybean oil, which is sometimes used as a binding agent or flavor enhancer. Homemade pastes give you complete control over these factors, allowing you to tailor the calorie content to your needs.

The Role of Different Ingredients

Chilies: Provide heat and flavor but are virtually calorie-free.
Herbs and Spices: Lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves add aroma and depth without adding significant calories.
Garlic and Shallots: Contribute negligible calories in the quantities used.
Oil: Any oil added during paste preparation or cooking is the main source of fat and calories within the paste itself.
Sugar/Soybean Paste: Some brands add small amounts of sugar or soybean paste, which slightly increase the carbohydrate and calorie count.

Calorie Comparison: Red, Green, and Yellow Pastes

While the main three types of Thai curry paste have distinct flavor profiles and appearances, their calorie counts per serving are very similar. The primary difference lies in the ingredients that give them their characteristic color.

Red Curry Paste: Gets its vibrant hue from dried red chilies.
Green Curry Paste: Uses fresh green chilies, along with green herbs like kaffir lime leaves and cilantro.
Yellow Curry Paste: Contains turmeric, which gives it its golden color and adds an earthy flavor.

Thai Curry Paste Calorie Comparison Table


Brand	Paste Type	Serving Size	Calories (Approx.)	Key Takeaway
Thai Kitchen	Red	1 tbsp	20-30 kcal	Low calorie, primarily from oil and sugar.
Thai Kitchen	Green	1 tbsp	15 kcal	Very low calorie, often less fat than red paste.
Real Thai	Red	100g	118 kcal	Important to note that per 100g is higher, but per tbsp is low.
AYAM	Yellow	12g (approx. 1 tbsp)	15 kcal	Another low-calorie example from a different brand.
Tesco	Red	1/4 jar (26 kcal)	100g = 51 kcal	Highlights large variance depending on brand and recipe.

The Real Calorie Culprits in Your Thai Curry Dish

It is crucial to look beyond the paste's low-calorie count when preparing a full meal. The ingredients you add during the cooking process are what will significantly impact the total caloric value. A standard Thai curry dish can range from a relatively light meal to a calorie-dense indulgence, based primarily on these additions.

Coconut Milk: This is, by far, the biggest contributor to the calories in a creamy Thai curry. A single can of full-fat coconut milk can contain over 500 calories, primarily from saturated fat. Using light coconut milk or a broth alternative can make a huge difference.
Cooking Oil: Sautéing the curry paste in additional oil before adding other ingredients will increase the fat and calorie content. While a small amount helps release the paste's flavors, using a minimal amount is best for managing calories.
Protein: The choice of protein can vary widely in calories. While lean protein like chicken breast or tofu adds moderate calories, fattier cuts of meat or high-fat seafood will add substantially more.
Rice: The foundation of many Thai meals, rice adds carbohydrates and calories. Portion control is important for calorie management. Consider healthier alternatives like brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Healthy Cooking with Thai Curry Paste: Smart Swaps and Tips

Use Lite Coconut Milk: Swapping full-fat coconut milk for a light version can cut hundreds of calories from your meal. Some recipes even work well with unsweetened almond milk or a flavorful broth for a non-creamy, lower-calorie version.
Increase Vegetable Content: Load your curry with a variety of low-calorie vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. This adds bulk and nutrients without increasing calories significantly.
Choose Lean Protein: Opt for lean sources such as chicken breast, firm tofu, or shrimp instead of higher-fat meats. For a vegetarian option, lentils or chickpeas are an excellent, high-protein choice.
Control Portions: Be mindful of how much rice you serve with your curry. It's easy to overeat carbs when paired with a flavorful sauce. Serving smaller portions can help manage calorie intake.
Homemade is Best: If you are concerned about sodium or added sugar, consider making your own Thai curry paste from scratch. This allows you to control all ingredients and avoid preservatives often found in store-bought products. For a great starting point, check out this recipe guide from RecipeTin Eats.

Conclusion

In summary, Thai curry paste itself is a low-calorie, high-flavor ingredient that can be a healthy addition to your diet. The actual caloric impact of a Thai curry dish largely depends on the accompanying ingredients, particularly the coconut milk and protein source. By being mindful of brand variations, using light or low-fat alternatives, and focusing on lean proteins and plenty of vegetables, you can enjoy delicious Thai curry without worrying about excess calories. It is a fantastic example of how a few smart choices can transform a meal's nutritional profile without sacrificing any of the authentic taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, in and of itself, Thai curry paste is not fattening. The paste contains a low number of calories per serving. The fat and calories in a Thai curry dish primarily come from other ingredients like coconut milk and oil.

To reduce the calories, use light coconut milk or a low-fat milk alternative. You can also bulk up the dish with more vegetables and choose lean protein sources such as chicken breast, fish, or tofu.

The calorie counts for red, green, and yellow curry pastes are generally similar on a per-serving basis. Any minor differences are usually due to subtle variations in ingredients and brand-specific recipes.

Yes, many commercial Thai curry pastes can be high in sodium, which is used for flavoring and preservation. It's wise to check the nutrition label and use it in moderation, especially if you are watching your sodium intake.

The main caloric contributors are coconut milk, the cooking oil used for sautéing, and the protein added to the curry. The paste contributes only a small portion of the total calories.

Homemade curry paste can be healthier because it gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can opt to use less oil and eliminate any added sugars or preservatives commonly found in mass-produced versions.

No, the spiciness, which comes from chili peppers, has a negligible effect on the calorie count. In fact, some studies suggest the capsaicin in chilies can slightly boost metabolism, but this does not impact the paste's inherent calories.

For most curries, 1-2 tablespoons of paste is sufficient to impart plenty of flavor. Since the paste is low in calories, you can focus on controlling the other ingredients more than the paste itself.