How Many Calories in Hoisin Sauce? Nutrition Facts & Macros
100 grams of hoisin sauce has 220 calories
Protein 3.3g · Carbs 44.1g · Fat 3.4g
Hoisin sauce has 220 calories per 100g — a thick, sweet-savory Chinese condiment made from fermented soybeans, sugar, garlic, and spices. High in carbs (44.1g) primarily from sugar (27.3g). Very high sodium (1615mg). Low in fat (3.4g). Used as a glaze, dipping sauce, or stir-fry ingredient. A little goes a long way — typical serving is 1-2 tablespoons.
920 kJ · per 100g · Water: 44.23 g
Calorie Calculator: Hoisin Sauce
100 g Hoisin Sauce contains 220 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (16g) | 35 kcal | 0.5g | 7.1g | 0.5g |
| 2 tablespoons (32g) | 70 kcal | 1.1g | 14.1g | 1.1g |
| 100 grams | 220 kcal | 3.3g | 44.1g | 3.4g |
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Hoisin Sauce — Nutrition Facts
| Hoisin Sauce | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 3.31 g |
| Fat | 3.39 g |
| Carbs | 44.08 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Sugar | 27.26 g |
| Sodium | 1615 mg |
| Potassium | 119 mg |
| Magnesium | 24 mg |
| Phosphorus | 38 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.062 mg |
| Folate | 23 mcg |
| Water | 44.23 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 172886) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
As meat glaze
Brush 1-2 tablespoons on chicken, pork ribs, or salmon during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling or roasting. The sugars caramelize beautifully. Mix with a splash of rice vinegar and sesame oil for a more complex glaze. About 35-70 kcal added from the sauce. Classic Peking duck uses hoisin as the table sauce alongside scallions and thin pancakes.
As dipping sauce
Serve alongside spring rolls, dumplings, rice paper rolls, or lettuce wraps. Mix with a little sriracha for heat, or thin with rice vinegar for a lighter dip. About 35 kcal per tablespoon. In Vietnamese pho, hoisin is added to the broth tableside along with sriracha and fresh herbs.
In stir-fry
Add 2-3 tablespoons (32-48g, 70-106 kcal) to a vegetable or meat stir-fry in the last minute of cooking. Combine with soy sauce (1:1 ratio) for a balanced sweet-salty sauce. The sugars create a glossy coating. Works especially well with broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. Too much hoisin makes the dish overly sweet — balance with acidity (lime juice or vinegar).
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Hoisin sauce has moderate calories (220 kcal/100g) but is used in small amounts — 1 tablespoon (16g) = only 35 calories. The main concern is hidden sugar (27.3g/100g) and sodium (1615mg). Use it as a flavor booster, not poured liberally. Measure your portions. For a lower-sugar alternative, mix hoisin 1:1 with soy sauce to cut the sweetness and calories in half.
For Athletic Performance
Hoisin sauce provides quick-acting carbs (44.1g/100g, mostly sugar) — useful as a flavor enhancer on post-workout rice bowls or stir-fries. The sodium (1615mg/100g) is actually beneficial for electrolyte replenishment during heavy training. Not a significant protein or micronutrient source. Use as a condiment, not a fuel source.
For Keto
Hoisin sauce is NOT keto-friendly — 41.3g net carbs per 100g (44.1g minus 2.8g fiber), with 27.3g from sugar. Even 1 tablespoon (16g) = 6.6g net carbs — a significant portion of a 20g daily limit. For Asian-flavored keto cooking, use coconut aminos (3g net carbs per tablespoon) or make a keto hoisin substitute with almond butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sugar-free sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in hoisin sauce?
100g of hoisin sauce has 220 calories — 44.1g carbs (27.3g sugar, 2.8g fiber), 3.4g fat, 3.3g protein. One tablespoon (~16g) = 35 calories. The calories come primarily from sugar. It's a condiment, not a main ingredient.
Is hoisin sauce healthy?
In small amounts as a condiment, it adds flavor with minimal calories (35 kcal per tablespoon). However, it's high in sugar (27.3g/100g) and very high in sodium (1615mg/100g). Use measured portions. Look for reduced-sodium versions. Not ideal for diabetics or those watching sodium intake.
What is hoisin sauce made of?
Traditional hoisin is made from fermented soybean paste, sugar, garlic, vinegar, chili, and Chinese five-spice powder (star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, fennel). Commercial versions often add cornstarch and preservatives. It contains soy — not suitable for soy allergies.
What does hoisin sauce taste like?
Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy — often compared to Chinese barbecue sauce but more complex. The fermented soybean base gives umami depth, balanced by sweetness and warm spices. Thicker than soy sauce, thinner than molasses. The name means 'seafood sauce' in Cantonese, though it contains no seafood.
What is hoisin sauce used for?
Glaze for roasted meats (Peking duck, char siu pork), dipping sauce for spring rolls and dumplings, stir-fry sauce base, marinade ingredient, and Pho condiment (Vietnamese). Also used in mu shu pork wraps and as a pizza sauce alternative in fusion cooking.
Is hoisin sauce gluten-free?
Traditional hoisin sauce is NOT gluten-free — it often contains wheat flour or wheat-based soy sauce. Some brands use wheat-free tamari or are specifically labeled gluten-free. Always check the label if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
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