Is Hot and Sour Soup High in Carbs?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

While often perceived as a light meal, one cup of hot and sour soup from a Chinese restaurant can contain around 10-15 grams of carbohydrates. The carb content is not inherently high but is primarily determined by a key ingredient: cornstarch. This article explores how to enjoy a lower-carb version of this popular dish.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate count in hot and sour soup varies, depending heavily on the amount of cornstarch used for thickening. Restaurant versions often contain more carbs than homemade recipes. Specific ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and eggs are low in carbs, while cornstarch is the main contributor to the carb total.

Key Points

Cornstarch is a key carb source: The thick, silky texture of hot and sour soup is often created with cornstarch, which is the main contributor to its carbohydrate count.
Restaurant soup is higher in carbs: Be aware that takeout and restaurant versions of the soup will generally have a higher carb content due to thickening and potential added sugars.
Homemade soup is customizable: Preparing hot and sour soup at home allows you to control the carb count by adjusting or substituting the thickening agent.
Use low-carb thickeners: For a keto-friendly version, replace cornstarch with a thickener like xanthan gum to achieve a similar texture without the carbs.
Focus on protein and vegetables: The other core ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and eggs are all naturally low in carbohydrates.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Content in Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is a staple on many Chinese restaurant menus, known for its spicy and tangy flavor profile. The soup's nutritional values, including its carbohydrate count, can differ greatly depending on the recipe and preparation method. For those monitoring their carb intake, understanding what drives the numbers in restaurant-style versus homemade versions is crucial.

The Culprit Behind the Carbs: Cornstarch

The primary reason some hot and sour soups can be higher in carbs is the use of cornstarch as a thickening agent. In traditional Chinese cooking and many American-Chinese restaurant versions, a cornstarch slurry is added to give the soup its signature gelatinous texture. While a small amount provides the desired consistency, an excessive use can significantly increase the total carbohydrate count. A single tablespoon of cornstarch contains around 7 grams of carbohydrates, all of which are net carbs.

Comparing Soup Recipes: Restaurant vs. Homemade

Restaurant hot and sour soup is often prepared to appeal to a broader palate, which can mean more cornstarch and added sugars to balance the flavor. This can lead to a higher carb count, sometimes between 10-15 grams per cup.

Making the soup at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. A low-carb homemade version can be created by substituting cornstarch with other thickening alternatives. For example, some recipes use xanthan gum, which is a keto-friendly thickening agent that contains minimal carbs and creates a similar texture. Other options include simply reducing the amount of cornstarch or forgoing it altogether for a broth-like consistency.

Ingredients and Their Impact on Carb Count

The base ingredients of hot and sour soup are naturally low in carbohydrates. This includes key components like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, and eggs.

Mushrooms (shiitake, wood ear): These add umami and texture with very few carbs.
Tofu: A great source of protein, tofu contains a minimal number of carbs.
Bamboo Shoots: These contribute fiber and a satisfying crunch with a low carb impact.
Eggs: Beaten eggs swirled into the hot broth create protein-rich ribbons and add a negligible amount of carbs.
Vinegar (rice vinegar or black Chinkiang vinegar): Provides the 'sour' element with no carbs.
Soy Sauce: While generally low-carb, it does contain some carbohydrates and is high in sodium. Using a low-sodium or tamari version can help manage both carbs and sodium.

Making Your Hot and Sour Soup Low-Carb

Creating a carb-conscious hot and sour soup at home is a straightforward process. The main adjustment involves how you thicken the broth.

Low-Carb Thickening Alternatives

Xanthan Gum: A popular choice for keto and low-carb cooking, xanthan gum thickens sauces and soups effectively in small quantities. For a hot and sour soup recipe, a small amount whisked into a cold liquid (like a portion of the broth) before adding to the simmering soup is enough to achieve the desired consistency without adding significant carbohydrates.
Lesser Cornstarch: If you are not strictly following a keto diet but want to reduce carbs, you can simply use a smaller amount of cornstarch than a traditional recipe calls for. This gives you some thickening with fewer carbs overall.
No Thickener: For a very low-carb option, you can omit the thickening agent entirely. The soup will still be delicious and flavorful, simply with a thinner, brothier texture.

Comparison Table: Standard Hot and Sour Soup vs. Low-Carb Version


Feature	Standard Restaurant Version	Low-Carb Homemade Version
Carbohydrate Content	Typically 10-15g per cup	Typically under 5g per cup
Thickening Agent	Cornstarch	Xanthan gum or no thickener
Sugar Content	Can contain some added sugars	Contains no added sugars
Sodium Level	Often very high due to soy sauce	Can be controlled by using low-sodium soy sauce
Ingredients	Sometimes includes high-carb additions	Focuses on low-carb ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, eggs
Keto-Friendliness	Not keto-friendly due to carb content	Can be made keto-friendly with modifications

Conclusion: Navigating the Carb Count

So, is hot and sour soup high in carbs? The answer depends on its preparation. While restaurant versions can be surprisingly high due to the generous use of cornstarch, a homemade version can be easily adapted to be very low-carb. By being mindful of the thickening agent and controlling the ingredients, you can enjoy this classic Chinese soup while adhering to your dietary goals.

Takeaways for Hot and Sour Soup and Carbs

Restaurant soup can be high in carbs due to cornstarch and added sugar.
Cornstarch is the primary source of carbs, not the vegetables or protein.
Making it at home offers control over ingredients and carb count.
Xanthan gum is a great low-carb alternative for thickening soup.
Skipping the thickener is the lowest-carb option available.
Low-sodium soy sauce helps manage overall sodium intake.
Always be aware of what you're eating, even when ordering seemingly healthy options.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard one-cup serving of hot and sour soup from a Chinese restaurant can contain approximately 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the specific recipe.

The main ingredient that increases the carb count in hot and sour soup is cornstarch, which is used to thicken the broth and give it its characteristic consistency.

A standard restaurant hot and sour soup is typically not suitable for a strict keto diet due to the cornstarch. However, a homemade version made with a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum can be keto-friendly.

To lower the carbs, you can use less cornstarch or replace it entirely with a low-carb alternative like xanthan gum. You can also simply omit the thickener for a brothier soup.

No, the vegetables typically found in the soup, such as mushrooms and bamboo shoots, are naturally low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, contributing very little to the overall carb count.

While soy sauce does contain a small amount of carbohydrates, it is the high sodium content that is more of a concern for most diets. Choosing a low-sodium version helps control both carbs and salt.

Yes, other soups like egg drop soup or a simple vegetable broth with added protein are naturally lower in carbs and can be a good alternative if you are dining out and can't control the ingredients.