Is Pho a Lot of Carbs? A Nutritional Deep Dive

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard restaurant serving of pho can contain anywhere from 40 to over 100 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the rice noodles. This variation in carb content is why many people ask, 'is pho a lot of carbs?' when considering this popular Vietnamese noodle soup for their diet.

Quick Summary

The carb count in pho is largely determined by the quantity of rice noodles, with standard portions having a moderate to high amount. Customizing your order, such as reducing noodles or adding more vegetables, can significantly alter its nutritional profile and make it lower in carbohydrates.

Key Points

Noodles are the main carb source: The rice noodles in pho are the primary contributor to its carbohydrate content, with typical restaurant servings containing 40-60+ grams.
Portion size matters: A large restaurant bowl can contain a much higher carb count than a smaller or homemade portion, potentially exceeding 100 grams.
Carbs can be customized: For low-carb diets, options include requesting fewer noodles, asking for them on the side, or substituting with vegetables like zoodles or shirataki noodles.
More than just carbs: Pho provides other key nutrients, including high-quality protein from meat or tofu, and vitamins from fresh herbs and vegetables.
Manage sodium and condiments: While pho is generally healthier than ramen, its sodium content can be high. Using sauces sparingly helps manage both sodium and added sugars.
Supports weight management with customization: Due to its filling nature and high protein, pho can fit into a weight loss diet when customized to be lower in carbs and sodium.

The Primary Carb Source: Rice Noodles

The most significant contributor to pho's carbohydrate content is the rice noodles, known as bánh phở. These noodles are made from rice flour, a refined carbohydrate source. While they provide a quick source of energy, they offer minimal fiber and can lead to a considerable carb load, especially in larger servings. The portion size is a critical factor; a small bowl of pho might have a moderate carb count, while a large, generous restaurant bowl can push the total well over 100 grams. For comparison, one cup of cooked rice noodles contains about 42 grams of carbs. The total carbohydrate content in a full bowl is a combination of the noodles, broth, and any added sauces.

Factors Influencing Pho's Carb Count

Beyond the noodles, several other components can increase the overall carbohydrate level of your pho. Understanding these additions can help you make more informed dietary choices.

Broth

Traditional pho broth is made by simmering bones and meat, which adds some flavor but minimal carbs. However, some restaurants might add sugar or starch to the broth to enhance flavor and texture. While the amount is typically small, it does contribute to the overall carb count, particularly if the broth is not made from scratch.

Toppings and Condiments

The assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables like cilantro, basil, and bean sprouts add vitamins, minerals, and a small amount of fiber with negligible carbs. However, popular condiments like hoisin sauce and Sriracha can contain added sugars, which contribute to both carbs and calories. A mindful approach to adding these flavor enhancers can help keep your bowl healthier.

A Nutrient Breakdown: More Than Just Carbs

While the carb count is a key consideration, it's important to remember that pho offers other significant nutritional benefits. It is not just empty carbs but a wholesome meal, especially when customized correctly.

High in Protein: A typical bowl of pho contains a generous amount of protein, ranging from 20 to 33 grams depending on the meat or tofu chosen. This is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and satiety. Lean cuts of beef (like flank or eye of round) or chicken breast are excellent protein options.
Rich Bone Broth: The long-simmered broth is rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus and contains collagen and amino acids that are good for joint health, gut health, and skin elasticity.
Packed with Micronutrients: The fresh herbs and vegetables served with pho are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants.

How to Reduce Carbs in Your Pho

For those watching their carb intake, whether for weight management or a specific diet like keto, customizing your pho is simple. Here are some effective strategies:

Use Fewer Noodles: The easiest way to reduce carbs is to request a smaller portion of noodles or simply ask for a bowl with fewer noodles. You can also ask for the noodles to be served on the side and control how much you add.
Choose Low-Carb Noodle Alternatives: Many recipes suggest swapping rice noodles for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. Shirataki noodles, made from konjac yam, are almost carb-free.
Load Up on Lean Protein and Vegetables: Increase the amount of lean meat, tofu, and fresh vegetables and herbs. This boosts the protein and fiber content, making the meal more filling with fewer carbs and calories.
Limit High-Carb Condiments: Use hoisin and Sriracha sparingly, or opt for low-carb alternatives. Squeezing fresh lime juice or adding chili and herbs can provide a flavor punch without the added sugar.

Comparison: Pho vs. Ramen Carbs

When comparing pho to other popular noodle soups like Japanese ramen, the carb content can differ significantly. While both dishes are often high in sodium, their macronutrient profiles are different, particularly regarding fat and carbs.


Feature	Pho (Traditional)	Ramen (Traditional)
Carbohydrates	Approx. 40-60g from rice noodles	Approx. 60g+ from wheat noodles
Fat	Low, approx. 2-10g with lean protein	Higher, can be 15-25g+ depending on broth
Broth	Clear, less oily, bone-based	Thicker, often richer and fattier
Protein	Moderate to high, 20-33g	Moderate to high, can be 10-48g+

Generally, pho is considered a lighter, lower-carb option compared to many versions of ramen, but customization is still key for both. Ramen often uses fattier, richer broths and different noodles, leading to a heavier meal overall.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Pho Carbs

So, is pho a lot of carbs? The answer depends heavily on the preparation and portion size. Traditional pho with a generous serving of rice noodles can indeed be high in carbohydrates. However, its customizable nature allows for easy modifications to create a much lower-carb meal. By controlling the amount of noodles and emphasizing lean protein and fresh vegetables, pho can be a nutritious and satisfying addition to most diets, including weight management plans.

Ultimately, pho offers a balance of protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, making it a healthful choice for many. The key is to be mindful of your specific dietary goals and make adjustments accordingly. For those seeking to drastically cut carbs, opting for noodle substitutes is the most effective approach.

For more specific low-carb pho recipe inspiration, explore resources from keto-focused publications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can eat pho on a low-carb or keto diet, but you must make modifications. The most important step is to replace the traditional rice noodles with a low-carb alternative, such as zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or extra bean sprouts.

The carbohydrate content varies widely. A medium-sized bowl might contain around 40-60 grams, but a large restaurant bowl can have over 100 grams of carbs, with the rice noodles being the main source.

Pho generally has a lower carbohydrate and fat content compared to ramen. Pho uses rice noodles, while ramen typically uses wheat noodles, and ramen broths are often much richer and fattier, leading to higher overall carbs and calories.

To reduce carbs when dining out, ask for less rice noodles or for the noodles to be served on the side. You can also request extra vegetables and choose lean protein options like chicken breast or eye of round beef.

Pho can be a good option for weight loss due to its high protein content and moderate calories, which promotes satiety. To maximize its benefits, reduce the noodle portion, limit high-sodium sauces, and add more vegetables.

The bone broth itself is very low in carbs. The lean protein (chicken, beef, tofu) and the fresh herbs and vegetables (cilantro, basil, bean sprouts) are also low-carb additions.

The traditional bone broth in pho adds minimal carbs. However, some restaurant broths may have added sugar or starch to enhance flavor, which can slightly increase the overall carb count.