Which has less calories, egg drop soup or wonton soup?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single cup of egg drop soup typically contains fewer calories than a cup of wonton soup. While both are relatively light broth-based options, the core ingredients and preparation methods ultimately determine which has less calories, egg drop soup or wonton soup, for your meal.

Quick Summary

Egg drop soup generally has fewer calories than wonton soup due to its simpler egg and broth base, while wonton soup's meat-filled dumplings add more carbohydrates and protein. Calorie counts vary widely based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Key Points

Lower Calorie Winner: Egg drop soup consistently has fewer calories per serving than wonton soup due to its simpler ingredients.
Ingredient Differences: The main reason for the calorie variation is that wonton soup contains meat-filled dumplings, while egg drop soup relies on eggs and broth.
Higher Protein Option: Wonton soup offers more protein and carbohydrates due to the meat filling and dough wrappers of the dumplings.
Serving Size is Key: Calorie counts are highly dependent on restaurant recipes, ingredients used, and portion sizes, so estimates can vary.
Both are Healthier Alternatives: Compared to fried appetizers like egg rolls, both soups are low-calorie and low-fat starters that can help you feel fuller faster.
Sodium is a Concern: Both soups, especially restaurant versions, can be high in sodium, so choosing lower-sodium options or making them at home is recommended.

Egg Drop Soup vs. Wonton Soup: The Calorie Breakdown

When ordering a comforting bowl of soup from a Chinese restaurant, egg drop and wonton are often top contenders for a lighter, healthier appetizer. While both are low-calorie compared to many other options on the menu, understanding their core differences is key to making the most informed choice. The simple ribbon-like eggs of an egg drop soup stand in contrast to the substantial, meat-filled dumplings found in wonton soup, and these distinctions are where the calorie disparity lies.

Egg Drop Soup: A Lighter, Simpler Choice

Egg drop soup is celebrated for its delicate texture and clean flavor profile. It consists of a chicken broth base with ribbons of beaten egg swirled in just before serving. A standard 1-cup serving of a simple restaurant-style egg drop soup can contain as few as 65-72 calories. The primary calorie contributions come from the eggs and a minor amount of cornstarch used to thicken the broth. Its composition is generally very light, focusing on the flavor of the broth and the silky texture of the egg. This minimal ingredient list is the main reason for its lower calorie count. However, homemade recipes or versions with added ingredients like corn can slightly increase the overall total.

Key components of egg drop soup include:
- Broth: Typically a light chicken broth base.
- Eggs: Beaten and drizzled into the hot soup to form delicate ribbons.
- Thickener: Often a small amount of cornstarch is used to create a slightly thicker texture.
- Garnish: Common additions include scallions or white pepper.

Wonton Soup: The More Substantial Starter

Wonton soup is a heartier option, with the most significant calorie difference stemming from its namesake dumplings. Wontons are small dumplings with a filling, often made from ground pork, shrimp, or a combination of both. These dumplings are wrapped in a thin layer of dough, which adds to the carbohydrate content. For this reason, a standard 1-cup serving of wonton soup typically contains slightly more calories, often around 71 calories according to some reports. The broth, similar to egg drop soup, is usually a light chicken or pork-based stock. While the calories are still low, the extra ingredients in the wontons make it the more calorically dense of the two.

Key components of wonton soup include:
- Broth: A savory chicken or pork broth base.
- Wontons: Dumplings filled with a mixture of seasoned meat, often pork and shrimp.
- Garnish: Bok choy, mushrooms, or scallions are common additions.

Factors Influencing Calorie Counts

The numbers cited above are general estimates and can fluctuate dramatically. For both soups, the specific recipe and portion size are the most important factors. For instance, a homemade soup using low-sodium broth will have a much different profile than a restaurant version with added oil, MSG, and salt. Add-ons like crispy fried wonton strips often served on the side can significantly increase the fat and calorie count. Conversely, choosing a vegetarian version without meat-filled wontons would reduce the calorie load in that soup. Always be mindful of extra toppings or high-sodium broths.

Comparison of Egg Drop Soup and Wonton Soup

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison based on typical 1-cup restaurant servings, though exact figures will vary.


Feature	Egg Drop Soup	Wonton Soup
Typical Calories	~65-72 kcal	~71 kcal
Primary Carbs	Minimal, from cornstarch and eggs	Higher, from wonton wrappers
Protein Content	Moderate, from egg ribbons	Higher, from meat/shrimp filling
Primary Fat	Low, from egg yolks and sesame oil	Very Low, from filling and oil
Primary Difference	Delicate egg ribbons in broth	Meat-filled dumplings in broth
Texture	Silky and smooth	Heartier and textured

Making a Healthier Choice

For those watching their calorie intake, egg drop soup is the safer bet for a consistently lower-calorie appetizer. However, the differences are minor enough that personal preference and portion control are more significant factors for most people. The nutritional benefit of starting a meal with a broth-based soup is well-documented, with studies showing it can help you feel full faster and consume less of the main course. This is true for both options, making either a good choice over more calorie-dense alternatives like fried appetizers. For the lowest calorie and sodium option, consider preparing a version at home using low-sodium broth and minimizing thickeners. For more nutritional information on a wide range of foods, including many soups, consult reliable databases like the USDA's food data entries.

Conclusion

In the direct comparison of standard preparations, egg drop soup almost always wins the battle for having the lowest number of calories. Its simple composition of broth and egg ribbons makes it a light and clean choice. Wonton soup's inclusion of meat-filled dumplings adds a bit more substance, slightly increasing its calorie count along with its protein and carb levels. Ultimately, both are excellent, relatively low-calorie options for starting a meal. Your personal health goals and portion control will determine which is the best fit for your diet, but if counting every calorie, the egg drop soup is the victor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wonton soup is generally more filling than egg drop soup because it contains dumplings, which add protein and carbohydrates. Egg drop soup's light texture makes it less substantial, though its broth can still help with satiety.

The main difference is the signature ingredient: egg drop soup has delicate ribbons of cooked egg, while wonton soup features meat-filled dumplings. Egg drop soup can sometimes include wontons, but wonton soup doesn't typically contain the 'egg flowers'.

To reduce calories in wonton soup, you can opt for more vegetable-heavy fillings, use smaller or fewer wontons, and choose a lighter, clear broth over a thicker, richer one. Avoiding fried wonton strips also helps.

Restaurant-style egg drop soup can be high in sodium due to ingredients like chicken broth, soy sauce, and seasonings. To manage sodium, it's best to prepare it at home using low-sodium broth.

Egg drop soup is a better choice for a keto diet, as it's primarily broth and protein from eggs. Wonton soup's dumplings are made from dough, adding carbohydrates that are not compatible with a strict keto plan.

Both soups offer different nutritional benefits. Egg drop soup is a good source of protein from eggs and is very low in fat. Wonton soup provides more substantial protein and carbs. A healthy balance of all macronutrients is often the goal, so the 'better' soup depends on your specific dietary needs.

For the most accurate calorie information, especially when dining out, look for nutrition guides provided by the restaurant chain. For general estimates, consult reliable sources like the USDA's food database. Remember that homemade versions can be customized for precise nutritional control.