How many carbs are in sriracha chili sauce?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a single teaspoon of standard sriracha contains approximately 1.3 grams of carbohydrates, with a majority coming from sugar. This provides a clear picture of how many carbs are in sriracha chili sauce, a popular condiment loved for its spicy, tangy flavor profile.

Quick Summary

A standard teaspoon of sriracha chili sauce contains a minimal number of carbohydrates, mainly from sugar. While not carb-free, it is suitable for low-carb and keto diets when used in moderation.

Key Points

1.3 Grams of Carbs Per Teaspoon: A standard 6.5g teaspoon of sriracha contains approximately 1.3 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from added sugar.
Keto-Friendly in Moderation: Sriracha can be consumed on a ketogenic diet as long as portion sizes are controlled, as 1g net carb per teaspoon fits within most daily limits.
Sugar Is an Ingredient: The sugar in sriracha balances the heat and acidity, but it contributes to the overall carb count, so awareness of serving size is key.
Not Carb-Free: While low in carbs per serving, sriracha is not carb-free, unlike some other hot sauces like Tabasco which contain negligible carbohydrates.
Alternatives Exist: For stricter low-carb diets, sugar-free sriracha alternatives or homemade versions offer a way to get the flavor without the added sugar.
Versatile Flavor Addition: It is best used as a flavor enhancer, not a primary sauce, to control calorie and carb intake while adding a spicy kick.

Understanding Sriracha's Nutritional Profile

Sriracha chili sauce is a staple condiment in many kitchens, known for its iconic red bottle and rooster logo. To understand its carb content, it's essential to look at its nutritional breakdown per serving. The serving size for sriracha is typically small, often just one teaspoon, which is how most people use it to add a kick of flavor without overwhelming a dish. A standard 6.5-gram teaspoon of sriracha contains around 1.3 grams of total carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs are derived from sugar, with about 1 gram per teaspoon, and a small amount from fiber.

The Role of Sugar in Sriracha

The sweetness in sriracha is not accidental; it is a key component of its balanced flavor profile, complementing the chili and garlic. The sugar is added to temper the spiciness and acidity from the chili peppers and vinegar, respectively. For those monitoring their carb intake, particularly those on a ketogenic diet, this small amount of sugar is a crucial consideration. While 1 gram of sugar per teaspoon is minimal, it can add up if large quantities are used, so mindful consumption is key.

Is Sriracha Keto-Friendly?

Many individuals on low-carb or ketogenic diets wonder if sriracha is an acceptable condiment. The good news is that, in moderation, standard sriracha can be considered keto-friendly. A typical ketogenic diet allows for a daily carbohydrate intake of 20 to 50 grams. Since one teaspoon contains only about 1 gram of net carbs (total carbs minus fiber), a small dash or even a couple of teaspoons will not significantly impact your daily carb budget. The key is mindful portion control; avoid over-pouring, as the carbs can accumulate quickly. For strict keto adherents, a homemade version using a sugar-free sweetener might be a better option.

Low-Carb Hot Sauce Alternatives

For those on a strict no-added-sugar diet, or simply looking to cut more carbs, several alternatives to standard sriracha exist. Many pure hot sauces, like Tabasco, are extremely low in carbohydrates and are a great way to add heat with minimal impact on macros. There are also specific brands that offer sugar-free or keto-friendly sriracha-style sauces that use natural or artificial sweeteners in place of sugar. Alternatively, making your own homemade sriracha gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use sugar substitutes like erythritol to keep it fully keto-compliant. Other alternatives include:

Sambal Oelek: A chili paste with a thicker consistency and less sweetness than sriracha.
Chile de Arbol Hot Sauce: Provides a garlicky spice similar to sriracha.
Gochujang: A Korean fermented chili paste that is sweeter and tangier, but often less spicy.

Comparison of Sriracha and Other Common Sauces

To put sriracha's carb content into perspective, comparing it to other popular condiments can be helpful. The table below illustrates the approximate carbohydrate and sugar content for a standard serving size.


Sauce	Serving Size	Approximate Total Carbs	Approximate Sugar	Notes
Sriracha	1 tsp (6.5g)	1.3g	1g	Most carbs come from added sugar.
Ketchup	1 tbsp (17g)	3.7g	3.7g	Significantly higher sugar per larger serving.
Tabasco	1 tsp	<1g	<1g	Very low carb, primarily vinegar-based.
Hoisin Sauce	1 tbsp	7.05g	High sugar content.	Often contains added sugars.
Oyster Sauce	1 tbsp	1.97g	Contains added sugar and preservatives.

How to Use Sriracha on a Low-Carb Diet

Incorporating sriracha into a low-carb eating plan is simple as long as you adhere to small serving sizes. Here are some practical tips:

Drizzle, don't drench: A little goes a long way. Use a small amount to add flavor to your meal instead of using it as a primary sauce.
Mix with low-carb bases: Combine sriracha with a keto-friendly base like mayonnaise to make a delicious and low-carb spicy mayo dipping sauce.
Flavor booster: Use it to season meats, vegetables, or soups. It works well on scrambled eggs or to add heat to a keto stir-fry.
Homemade control: If you need more volume, consider making a homemade version to eliminate sugar completely.

Conclusion: Sriracha as a Flavorful, Low-Carb Option

In conclusion, sriracha is a condiment that offers a complex flavor profile with a relatively low carbohydrate count per standard serving. While its ingredients include sugar, the small portion size in which it's typically used means that it can be a part of a well-balanced, low-carb, or even ketogenic diet. Mindful consumption and awareness of portion sizes are crucial to ensure you don't exceed your daily carbohydrate limit. For those requiring stricter control, such as very low-carb dieters, numerous sugar-free and homemade alternatives are readily available. Enjoying sriracha's signature kick of flavor is achievable without sacrificing your dietary goals. For additional nutritional information, consider exploring resources like Verywell Fit's Sriracha Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sriracha contains approximately 1 gram of sugar per teaspoon. While this amount is small, it's considered higher in sugar compared to vinegar-based hot sauces that contain almost zero sugar. The sugar is added to balance the heat and acidity.

Yes, sriracha is generally considered keto-friendly, but only in moderation. Since it contains about 1 gram of net carbs per teaspoon, a small amount can fit into the daily carbohydrate allowance for most ketogenic diets.

Sriracha has a lower carb count per teaspoon than ketchup has per tablespoon. However, their sugar content is comparable on a gram-for-gram basis, so mindful consumption is necessary for both condiments.

Yes, there are a growing number of sugar-free and specifically keto-formulated sriracha alternatives available on the market. You can also make a homemade version, which allows for complete control over the ingredients and lets you use a sugar substitute.

No, traditional sriracha is not Whole30 compliant due to the added sugar. For Paleo, some consider it acceptable in small amounts, but strictly sugar-free versions are preferred. Sugar-free homemade versions are a good alternative for both diets.

The main ingredients in sriracha include chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. It is the addition of sugar that primarily contributes to the condiment's carbohydrate content.

Yes, a standard teaspoon of sriracha contains a small amount of dietary fiber, approximately 0.1 grams. This minimal amount does not significantly impact the overall nutritional value but is worth noting for those tracking macronutrients.