How many carbs are in a vegetable spring roll?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Nutritionix, a single deep-fried commercial vegetable spring roll contains approximately 19 grams of total carbohydrates. However, the exact amount can vary significantly based on ingredients and preparation, so understanding what influences these numbers is key to knowing how many carbs are in a vegetable spring roll.

Quick Summary

The carb count in vegetable spring rolls depends heavily on factors like the wrapper and cooking method. Fried versions are higher in carbs than fresh, and filling ingredients also play a role. Careful choices can significantly lower the carb count.

Key Points

Wrapper is the main carb source: The type of wrapper—wheat-based for fried rolls or rice paper for fresh ones—is the biggest determinant of carb content.
Fresh rolls are lower in carbs: Fresh, uncooked spring rolls made with rice paper have significantly fewer carbs than their deep-fried counterparts.
Cooking method affects carb type: While frying doesn't add carbs directly, fried spring rolls typically use higher-carb wrappers and contain unhealthy fats.
Hidden carbs in fillings and sauce: Vermicelli noodles in fresh rolls and sugar in dipping sauces can add a substantial number of carbs.
Easy low-carb modifications exist: For keto or low-carb diets, use leaf wraps (like collard greens) and make homemade, sugar-free sauces to greatly reduce carb intake.

Unpacking the Carbohydrate Content in Vegetable Spring Rolls

When you bite into a crispy, golden-brown fried spring roll or a translucent, fresh one, you are consuming more than just vegetables. The primary source of carbohydrates in any spring roll is the wrapper, with fillings and cooking method also playing significant roles. Understanding these components is crucial for anyone monitoring their carb intake, whether for a specific diet like keto or general health.

Factors Influencing Carb Count

Several variables can dramatically shift the nutritional profile of a vegetable spring roll, particularly its carbohydrate load. The most significant of these include:

The Wrapper: This is the most carbohydrate-dense component of most spring rolls. Fried spring rolls typically use wheat-based wrappers, which are high in refined carbs. Fresh rolls, on the other hand, use rice paper, which is also made from rice flour and tapioca starch, containing a substantial amount of carbs despite its thin appearance.
The Cooking Method: A deep-fried spring roll will absorb a considerable amount of oil, increasing its calorie count but not necessarily its carbohydrate content directly. However, the frying process often involves a thicker, carb-heavy wrapper to achieve the desired crispiness, contrasting with the uncooked, lighter rice paper of a fresh roll. Baked or air-fried versions offer a healthier, lower-fat alternative.
The Filling: While primarily vegetable-based, some fillers can add hidden carbs. For instance, vermicelli rice noodles are a traditional and carb-heavy ingredient in fresh Vietnamese spring rolls. Other high-carb additions could include sugar-laden sauces or starchy vegetables.
The Dipping Sauce: Many popular dipping sauces, like traditional peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce, contain a high amount of sugar, which contributes significantly to the overall carb total.

Fried vs. Fresh: A Carbohydrate Comparison

For most people, the decision between a fried Chinese-style spring roll and a fresh Vietnamese-style spring roll is a matter of preference. However, from a nutritional standpoint, the differences in carbohydrate content are substantial.

Fried Spring Rolls

As the name implies, these are deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are commonly found in Chinese restaurants. A commercial fried vegetable spring roll is often wrapped in a heavier, wheat-based wrapper, contributing to its high carb count. A standard serving (1 roll) can contain upwards of 16 to 20 grams of total carbohydrates.

Fresh Spring Rolls

Made with softened rice paper and typically served cold, fresh spring rolls (or salad rolls) offer a much lighter experience. Because they are not fried and contain fresh, raw vegetables, they are often considered the healthier option. However, the rice paper wrapper still contributes carbs. A single fresh vegetable spring roll can contain around 10 grams of carbs, although this number can increase with the addition of rice noodles.

Low-Carb Alternatives and Strategies

If you're on a keto or low-carb diet, you don't have to give up the flavors of spring rolls entirely. There are several ways to enjoy them while keeping your carb intake in check:

Wrapper Alternatives: Skip the traditional wrappers altogether. Low-carb alternatives like blanched collard green leaves, butter lettuce leaves, or seaweed sheets (nori) can be used to wrap your fillings.
Filling Swaps: Replace high-carb rice noodles with shirataki noodles, spiralized cucumber, or extra shredded vegetables.
Deconstructed Spring Roll Bowl: A popular option is to combine all the fillings in a bowl instead of a roll. This way, you get all the flavors with zero carbs from the wrapper.
Sauce Control: Make your own low-sugar dipping sauce using ingredients like soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, and a keto-friendly sweetener. This avoids the hidden sugars found in many commercial sauces.

Comparison Table: Carb Content by Spring Roll Type


Type of Spring Roll	Wrapper	Cooking Method	Approx. Total Carbs per Roll (excluding sauce)	Key Considerations
Standard Fried Vegetable Roll	Wheat-based	Deep-fried	~16-20g	Contains trans fats and higher calories from oil.
Fresh Rice Paper Roll	Rice paper	Uncooked	~10g	Carb count increases if vermicelli noodles are added.
Keto Collard Green Roll	Blanched collard green	Uncooked	Low	The most minimal carb option, dependent on filling.
Low-Carb Rice Paper Roll	Rice paper (limited)	Uncooked	Moderate (~7-8g per sheet)	Portion control is key; avoid rice noodles.

Conclusion

When considering how many carbs are in a vegetable spring roll, it is essential to distinguish between the various styles. A deep-fried version from a restaurant will likely have double the carbs of a fresh rice paper roll due to the different wrappers and cooking methods. For those on a strict low-carb diet, fresh spring rolls are a better choice, but the best option is to use low-carb alternatives like leafy greens for wrapping and to make your own sugar-free dipping sauce. By being mindful of these factors, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of spring rolls while staying in control of your carb intake.

Helpful Resources

To learn more about preparing healthier spring rolls, you can find a recipe for a baked version from the World Health Organization (WHO) healthy recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional vegetable spring rolls, both fresh and fried, are generally not keto-friendly due to their carb-heavy wrappers and potential for rice noodles. However, you can make keto-friendly versions using lettuce or collard greens as a wrapper and avoiding starchy fillings.

A fresh spring roll, which uses rice paper and is not fried, has fewer carbs than a fried spring roll. Fried versions typically have a heavier, wheat-based wrapper and contain more calories from the oil absorbed during frying.

The carb count for rice paper varies by brand. For example, two pieces (20g) of Valcom rice paper have 16.4g of carbs, while a single sheet from other brands might be around 7-10g. It's important to check the specific packaging.

Yes, many traditional dipping sauces, especially sweet and sour or peanut sauce, contain a significant amount of sugar, which adds extra carbohydrates. Creating a homemade, sugar-free sauce is recommended for lower-carb diets.

While it is impossible to make a completely zero-carb spring roll due to the natural sugars in vegetables, you can create a very low-carb version by using large leaves like collard greens or lettuce as a wrapper and filling it with non-starchy vegetables and protein.

To make spring rolls healthier, opt for fresh, uncooked versions instead of fried. You can also bake or air-fry them for a crispy texture without deep-frying. Additionally, use high-fiber vegetables and lean protein fillings.

Spring rolls can be a good source of fiber, depending on their filling. Filling them with plenty of fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers significantly increases their fiber content. Fresh rolls often retain more nutrients since the vegetables are uncooked.