Sriracha

condiments

Sriracha

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 4.9

Rated by 11 diets

3 approve4 caution4 avoid
Is Sriracha Healthy?

It depends — Sriracha is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
93kcal
Protein
2g
Carbs
18g
Fat
2.1g
Fiber
1.4g
Sugar
14g
Sodium
1820mg

Diet Ratings

Keto5/10CAUTION

Most commercial brands contain 1-2g net carbs per tablespoon from added sugar. Can be used in moderation as a condiment, but quantity matters significantly.

Vegan8/10APPROVED

Most sriracha brands (including Huy Fong) contain only chili peppers, garlic, salt, and sugar. No animal products. Check individual labels for rare exceptions.

Paleo2/10AVOID

Processed condiment with added sugars, preservatives, and often contains seed oils. Not available to Paleolithic humans; modern industrial product.

Mediterranean2/10AVOID

Southeast Asian condiment with added sugars and processed ingredients. Not aligned with Mediterranean diet principles. High sodium and sugar content contradicts core dietary guidelines.

Carnivore2/10AVOID

Made primarily from chili peppers (plant), garlic (plant), and sugar. Fundamentally incompatible with carnivore diet despite some animal-derived ingredients.

Whole303/10AVOID

Most commercial sriracha contains added sugar and sometimes preservatives like sulfites. Check label, but standard versions violate Whole30 rules.

Low-FODMAP5/10CAUTION

Sriracha typically contains garlic and sometimes onion. At very small condiment servings (1 teaspoon), FODMAP load may be tolerable, but standard recipes are high-FODMAP. Monash testing is limited; fermentation status varies by brand.

iMonash University has not formally rated sriracha. Clinical practitioners suggest that garlic content makes most commercial sriracha high-FODMAP even in small amounts, though fermentation may provide some reduction. Garlic-free versions exist.

DASH8/10APPROVED

Low sodium (~100mg per tablespoon), minimal added sugar in most brands, provides spice and flavor without salt. Supports DASH goal of reducing sodium while maintaining taste satisfaction.

Zone6/10CAUTION

Sriracha contains added sugars (approximately 1g per teaspoon) and is typically used in small quantities. The capsaicin provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Acceptable as a condiment when portioned carefully.

Anti-Inflammatory7/10APPROVED

Sriracha is primarily chili peppers with capsaicin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Contains garlic and vinegar. Some brands add sugar, but anti-inflammatory benefits of capsaicin are well-established.

GLP-1 Friendly4/10CAUTION

Sriracha is low-calorie (5 cal/tsp) and fat-free, but contains both capsaicin (spicy heat) and added sugar (1g per tsp). The combination of heat and sugar may trigger reflux, nausea, or blood sugar spikes in GLP-1 patients. Use sparingly and only if individual tolerance is confirmed. Milder hot sauces are safer alternatives.

iSome GLP-1 patients report that mild sriracha use (1 tsp) aids digestion without triggering side effects, while others experience significant reflux. Tolerance is highly individual and dose-dependent.

Controversy Index

Score range: 28/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus4.9Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Sriracha

Keto 5/10
  • 1-2g net carbs per tbsp
  • Added sugars in most brands
  • Small portions recommended
Vegan 8/10
  • Typically plant-based
  • Verify specific brand
  • Processed but acceptable
Low-FODMAP 5/10
  • Garlic is primary ingredient in most brands
  • Fermentation may reduce but not eliminate FODMAPs
  • Condiment serving size (1 teaspoon) limits FODMAP load
  • Brand variation is significant
DASH 8/10
  • Low sodium
  • Capsaicin from chili peppers
  • Minimal added sugar in pure versions
  • Enhances vegetable consumption
Zone 6/10
  • Contains 1g sugar per teaspoon
  • Capsaicin provides anti-inflammatory properties
  • Small typical serving sizes
  • Check label for added oils
  • capsaicin (anti-inflammatory)
  • garlic content
  • vinegar base
  • added sugars in some brands
  • 5 calories per teaspoon
  • 1g sugar per teaspoon
  • Capsaicin may trigger reflux
  • Individual tolerance varies
Last reviewed: Our methodology