Calories in Hoisin Sauce: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
Per 1 tbsp (16g)
Per 100g
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, March 2026.
Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet Chinese condiment with 220 calories per 100g, but it is almost always used in small amounts. A single tablespoon (16g) contains just 35 calories, 7.1g of carbs, 4.4g of sugar, and 0.5g each of protein and fat. It is made from fermented soybeans, sugar, garlic, and spices, giving it a rich, savory-sweet flavor. The main nutritional concern is sodium, with 258mg per tablespoon, and sugar at 4.4g per tablespoon. Hoisin is commonly used as a glaze for proteins like chicken or pork, as a stir-fry base, or as a dipping sauce. A small amount goes a long way for flavor without adding significant calories.
Nutrition Highlights
Calories by Serving Size
| Serving | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tbsp (16g) | 35.2 | 0.5g | 7.1g | 0.5g | 0.4g |
| 100g | 220 | 3.3g | 44.1g | 3.4g | 2.8g |
Track Hoisin Sauce in CaloBurner
Snap a photo to log calories and macros instantly.
Full Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 | 11% |
| Protein | 3.3g | 7% |
| Total Fat | 3.4g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6g | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 44.1g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8g | 10% |
| Sugars | 27.3g | 55% |
| Sodium | 1615mg | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
Vitamins & Minerals (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 0.6g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 119mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 24mg | 6% |
| Phosphorus | 38mg | 3% |
| Zinc | 0.3mg | 3% |
| Selenium | 1.8mcg | 3% |
| Folate | 23mcg | 6% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2mg | 15% |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.2mg | 8% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
Health Benefits of Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a condiment, so its health impact is largely determined by how much you use. In typical tablespoon-sized servings, it adds meaningful flavor for a very small calorie cost of around 35 calories. This makes it a practical tool for making lean proteins more palatable without derailing a calorie deficit.
The fermented soybean base in traditional hoisin sauce contributes some beneficial plant compounds. Fermented soy products have been associated with improved gut health in some research, though the quantities in a condiment serving are modest.
The fiber content of 2.8g per 100g is notable for a sauce, coming from the soybean base. Per tablespoon the contribution is small but not zero, at 0.4g per serving.
The primary thing to watch is sodium. At 258mg per tablespoon, hoisin sauce is relatively high in sodium, and it adds up quickly if you are using multiple tablespoons in a dish. For anyone watching blood pressure or tracking sodium for contest prep, this is worth accounting for. Pairing it with lower-sodium proteins like chicken breast or shrimp helps keep the overall meal sodium in check.
Dietary Considerations
Hoisin sauce is typically vegan and gluten-free options exist, but traditional formulations often contain wheat flour, so check labels carefully if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is not suitable for ketogenic or very low-carb diets due to its high sugar content, with 4.4g of sugar per tablespoon. It fits into moderate low-calorie diets when used in small amounts, as even 2 tablespoons adds only 70 calories. Those on low-sodium diets should use it sparingly, as 258mg of sodium per tablespoon accumulates fast. It is paleo-unfriendly due to its soy and sugar content.
Daily Intake (100g)
100g of hoisin sauce provides 11% of a 2,000-calorie diet.
Track Your Intake
See how hoisin sauce fits your personal calorie and macro targets.
Related Foods
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce contains 220 calories per 100g. A single tablespoon (16g) contains about 35 calories, which is the typical serving size used in recipes.
Is hoisin sauce good for weight loss?
In small amounts, hoisin sauce can fit into a weight loss diet since one tablespoon is only 35 calories. However, its high sugar content (4.4g per tablespoon) and sodium (258mg) make it something to use sparingly, especially if you are tracking macros carefully.
How much protein in hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce contains 3.3g of protein per 100g, but since you use it in small amounts, a tablespoon provides only 0.5g of protein. It is not a meaningful protein source.
Is hoisin sauce high in sodium?
Yes. Hoisin sauce contains 1615mg of sodium per 100g, which works out to 258mg per tablespoon. This is significant, and multiple tablespoons in a dish can account for a large portion of the daily sodium recommendation.
Is hoisin sauce gluten-free?
Traditional hoisin sauce often contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, certified gluten-free versions are available in most grocery stores. Always check the label if gluten is a concern.
Is hoisin sauce keto-friendly?
No. Hoisin sauce contains 27.3g of sugar per 100g and 7.1g of carbs per tablespoon, making it incompatible with ketogenic and strict low-carb diets. There are keto-friendly substitutes available.
Track Hoisin Sauce in Your Diet
Snap a photo of your meal and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros. No food weighing required.