No matter what meal of the day it is, sauces are a must-have on every dining table. Different people like to have different types of sauce. Sriracha is one of those hottest sauces. It is very spicy o much red chili in it. So, it’s really hot. Isn’t it!
But, does Sriracha have sugar, sodium, and other preservatives?
Most the brands of Sriracha claim that they contain zero sugar. Also, most Sriracha sauces claim that they have zero calories. But this is not the truth. The sugar, sodium, and preservatives in Sriracha sauce vary according to different brands. Also, the quantity of Sriracha sauce you’re munching on decides the amount of sugar you’re consuming.
In this article, you will get to know about the nutritional benefits of Sriracha sauce and how it is made. Also, the article will reveal the interesting health benefits and side effects of Sriracha sauce.
Table of Content
Sriracha Nutritional Facts
Sriracha sauce contains a lot of healthy vitamins and minerals. 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce contains 6 calories in it. The following table depicts nutritional information about Sriracha sauce.
| Nutrients | % Daily Values |
| Total fat 0.1g | 0% |
| Sodium 138mg | 6% |
| Potassium 21mg | 1% |
| Total carbs 1.2g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber 0.1g | 1% |
| Sugars 1g | |
| Protein 0.1g | |
| Vitamin A | 3.3% |
| Vitamin C | 2.9% |
| Calcium | 0.1% |
| Irom | 0.6% |
All these nutrients present in Sriracha sauce make it beneficial for health. However, it is only good in moderate quantities, otherwise, the added sugar in Sriracha sauce and other preservatives can be dangerous for health.
How is Sriracha Made?
Sriracha is a hot and spicy sauce that has made millions of dollars by this time. It originated in Thailand and now, it is being prepared in industries on larger scales. Different ingredients are compiled with the help of heavy machinery to prepare this highest-selling sauce in America.
The ingredients used in Sriracha sauce decide its nutritional value. Several different ingredients are combined in a specific proportion to prepare this delicious hot sauce. These ingredients are:
Different brands of Sriracha have different quantities of sugar present in them. But the healthiest is the one with low sugar content.
Does Sriracha Have Sugar?
Is Sriracha sugar-free? If not, then why does Sriracha say no sugar? Well, the answer is that the amount of sugar in Sriracha sauce depends on how much sauce you’re munching on. This is because a teaspoon of Sriracha sauce has 1 gram of sugar in it. That’s not much if you’re taking a moderate amount of this hot sauce.
So, according to a teaspoon measurement, most the Sriracha brands claim that there is zero sugar in Sriracha. But the reality is different. As the sauce is irresistible, people almost smother their food in this sauce. This leads to a high sugar consumption that in turn can have negative impacts on your health.
Is Sriracha Healthy?
Yes, Sriracha is considered healthier as compared to other sauces like ketchup, peri-peri, mayonnaise, and McDonald’s tomato sauce. This is because the amount of sugar in Sriracha is comparatively low as compared to other sauces.
Also, Sriracha has the goodness of red and green chilies with amazing immune-boosting properties. The sauce also has several plus points because of the presence of garlic in it. As garlic is one of the spices commonly used for medicinal purposes, it gives the sauce its antibacterial properties and rich taste.
But, does Sriracha sauce have iodine? Yes, the high amount of sodium or iodine in Sriracha sauce makes it a bit unhealthy. Also, the artificial ingredients and preservatives in Sriracha are the real culprits.
But again, it depends on how much sauce you’re consuming. Moderate consumption can lead you to experience the wonderful health benefits of this hot and spicy sauce.
Sriracha Health Benefits and Side Effects
If you’re obsessed with Sriracha, you must know its health benefits. But remember, an overdose on this sauce can cause some side effects too. Here are some common health benefits and side effects of Sriracha.
Sriracha Health Benefits
Apart from being tasty, delicious, and extra spicy, Sriracha also has some amazing health benefits. So, here are some hidden secrets about Sriracha that can make you love it even more.
- Capsaicin present in Sriracha has anti-cancer properties, so consuming Sriracha can protect you against the risk of various types of cancers.
- The thermogenic effects of Sriracha sauce can help you lose weight. It can help you burn your extra calories by enhancing your metabolism.
- Sriracha sauce has the goodness of garlic that can protect you against various kinds of bacterial infections.
- This sauce rich in garlic can protect you against cardiovascular diseases and reduce the risk of strokes.
- Sriracha can lower and maintain your blood pressure.
- The antioxidants present in Sriracha can lower the risk of damage caused by free radicals.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of ingredients present in Sriracha can lower the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Sriracha’s sugar content is low, so consuming it in moderate quantities will help you reduce your caloric intake.
- Sriracha contains vinegar that makes your digestive system work better and helps in the Phelps digestion of food.
- Sriracha has a good amount of vitamins and minerals so it can fulfill the body’s requirements for basic nutrients.
These health benefits of Sriracha make it the best addition to your daily diet. A moderate amount of Sriracha with any kind of snack can not only satisfy your taste buds but can also improve your health.
Side Effects of Consuming Too Much Sriracha
Although Sriracha has certain health benefits and people are also adding it to their weight loss diet, too much consumption of this sauce can be dangerous to your health. Following are the adverse effects of consuming too much Sriracha.
- It has been observed that Sriracha can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
- As the sauce is extra spicy, it can sometimes cause mouth itchy and sores on the tongue.
- Consuming too much Sriracha can cause diarrhea and irregular bowel movements.
- Sriracha can also cause acid reflux in certain individuals.
- High amounts of sodium in Sriracha can increase blood pressure.
Due to these side effects, it is wise to consume siracha in moderation only. However, it is healthier compared to other sauces so you can prefer to take it in small quantities.
FAQs
Question: Is Sriracha bad for weight loss?
Sriracha is not bad for weight loss iffssif you consume it in moderate quantities, it can stimulate the weight loss process. However, a high quantity of Sriracha can be bad for weight loss, as you will be overdosing on sugar and sodium in case you consume too much Sriracha.
Question: Is Sriracha healthier than ketchup?
Yes, Sriracha is healthier than ketchup because it has very low sugar as compared to ketchup and other sauces on the market. Ketchup is very high in sodium as well as sugar that can be harmful to your health. On the other hand, the same amount of Sriracha is low in calories as well as sugar and sodium.
Question: Does Sriracha have msg?
Msg is monosodium glutamate and is present in almost all sauces including Sriracha. However, the amount may vary according to different brands. That’s why it is best to prefer homemade Sriracha sauce that is free of any kind of preservatives and artificial flavors including msg.
Bottom Line
Does Sriracha have sugar? Yes, Sriracha has sugar in it but it is very low, it claims to have zero sugar in it. This is true if you’re consuming a moderate amount of this sauce along with a healthy, nonfattening diet. But having too much Sriracha along with an unhealthy diet can put your health at serious risk. So, it is good to consume this sauce in moderation to enjoy its health benefits and to avoid its adverse effects.
