The Thai Connection

Before we dive into the nutrition aspect, let’s appreciate Sriracha’s origin. Named after the coastal city of Si Racha in Thailand, this sauce is a delightful blend of chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. Its iconic rooster logo gives it the fond nickname “rooster sauce.”

A Low-Calorie Delight

Believe it or not, Sriracha is low in calories. Each teaspoon (about 5 grams) only contains about 5 calories. If you’re mindful of your calorie intake but don’t want to compromise on taste, Sriracha is your go-to condiment.

Free of Fat

Another fantastic fact about Sriracha is its zero-fat content. Yes, you read that right! This hot sauce contains no fats, allowing you to relish its bold, spicy flavor without fretting about adding extra fats to your diet.

Moderate Sugar Levels

While Sriracha does contain some sugar (approximately 1 gram per teaspoon), it’s relatively low compared to many other condiments. However, those keeping an eye on their sugar levels or managing diabetes should still use it judiciously.

Vitamin C Powerhouse

Here’s a surprise – Sriracha is a good source of Vitamin C! This vital vitamin, known for its antioxidant properties, helps shield the body against free radicals, bolsters the immune system, and aids in collagen production.

Capsaicin for the Kick

The real heat in Sriracha comes from capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers. Capsaicin is known to boost metabolism, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation. It’s the secret behind Sriracha’s fiery punch!

Sodium: A Word of Caution

While Sriracha scores well in many nutrition aspects, its sodium content requires mindful consumption. A teaspoon of Sriracha carries around 100 milligrams of sodium, approximately 4% of the recommended daily intake.

Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic, a key ingredient in Sriracha, offers numerous health benefits. From improving heart health to boosting immunity and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, garlic truly ups the health quotient of this hot sauce.

Culinary Versatility

Sriracha’s allure isn’t just about its taste and nutrition – it’s also about its versatility. This sauce can effortlessly function as a marinade, dipping sauce, spread, or even a salad dressing, fitting into various culinary contexts.

Vegan and Gluten-Free

Sriracha caters to diverse dietary preferences and restrictions – it’s both vegan and gluten-free. So, if you’re following a specific diet, you can still enjoy the zest of Sriracha!

Contains Potassium

Sriracha isn’t a significant source, but it does contain some potassium. This mineral is essential for maintaining balanced blood pressure and ensuring proper heart and muscle function.

Cholesterol-Free

Here’s more good news for health-conscious folks – Sriracha is cholesterol-free. This fact makes it a suitable condiment for those monitoring their cholesterol levels.

Heat Level: Moderate

Despite its fiery reputation, Sriracha has a moderate heat level. On the Scoville scale (a measure of spiciness), it scores 2,200 units, making it milder than many other hot sauces.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Thanks to its robust flavor profile, you don’t need much Sriracha to make a difference. A small serving can provide the desired taste and nutritional benefits, helping you keep your overall calorie and sodium intake in check.

It’s More than Just a Sauce

While Sriracha is globally celebrated as a condiment, in its hometown of Si Racha, it’s traditionally used in seafood dishes or as a dipping sauce for sweet Thai snacks, showing its gastronomic adaptability.

Conclusion

From its incredible flavor to its exceptional health benefits, it’s no wonder that Sriracha has gained such a cult following. We hope you found the 15 nutrition facts about this Asian condiment and staple as informative as we did! Whether you’re using Sriracha as part of your meal plan or just occasional sprinkling for taste, not only will it tantalize your taste buds, but it could also be contributing to lasting health benefits. So make sure to give this amazing sauce a chance – there are so many dishes that can benefit from the complex and tasty fusion of garlic and peppers that comes with every bottle of Sriracha!