Is Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the label to understand the chemistry of flavor. Sriracha is a masterclass in balancing heat, acidity, and sweetness. However, for the keto dieter, that sweetness is the enemy. Let's look at the specific components.

The primary heat source is jalapeño pepper mash. This is simply fermented peppers and salt. On its own, this is perfectly keto-friendly and provides the signature flavor profile. The white vinegar and water provide the liquid base and acidity, which are also non-issues for carb counters.

The problem lies in the sweetener. The label lists sugar relatively high up in the ingredients list. In the world of keto, sugar is the ultimate red flag because it spikes blood glucose and insulin levels, knocking the body out of ketosis. While garlic and salt add necessary savory notes and xanthan gum acts as a thickener to create that iconic viscosity, the sugar content remains the dominant factor preventing this sauce from being low-carb.

Nutritional Value

Looking at the nutritional profile, Sriracha is very low in fat and protein, which are the macronutrients keto dieters prioritize. A standard serving size of one teaspoon (5g) contains roughly 5 calories. However, those 5 calories come almost entirely from carbohydrates—specifically about 1 gram of carbs per teaspoon.

While 1 gram might not sound like much, it adds up quickly. If you are following a strict keto diet, you typically aim for under 20 to 50 grams of net carbs per day. Two tablespoons of Sriracha could easily consume 10% to 20% of your daily allowance without providing any satiating fats. Because the carbs come from refined sugar rather than fiber, it offers little nutritional benefit to offset the carb load.