Short Answer: Hot sauce is keto friendly and has very few net carbs, fat, and protein per serving. Because it is made from chili peppers, vinegar, salt, and sometimes other spices or ingredients.
Hot sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, salt, and sometimes other spices or ingredients.
It adds a spicy kick to many dishes and cuisines.
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein diet that aims to put your body into a metabolic state called ketosis.
In ketosis, your body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose.
Hot sauce has very few net carbs, fat, and protein per serving.
For example, one teaspoon (5 mL) of hot sauce has about 0.5 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of protein, and 0.1 grams of net carbs.
Based on these numbers, hot sauce is keto friendly and can fit into your daily macros.
However, you should still be mindful of the quality and quantity of hot sauce you consume. Because:
Some hot sauces may contain added sugar, which can increase the carb count and affect your blood sugar levels.
Always check the label and choose hot sauces with no or minimal sugar.
Some hot sauces may be very high in sodium, which can affect your blood pressure and fluid balance.
Excess sodium intake can also cause bloating and dehydration.
Limit your intake of high-sodium hot sauces and drink plenty of water.
Some hot sauces may be very spicy, which can irritate your stomach and cause heartburn, especially if you have acid reflux or gastritis.
Avoid or moderate your intake of very hot sauces if you have these conditions.
Whether you eat it or not, you should always choose high-quality hot sauce. Because:
High-quality hot sauce is made from fresh, natural, and organic ingredients, which are better for your health and the environment
High-quality hot sauce has a richer and more complex flavor, which can enhance your dishes and satisfy your taste buds.
High-quality hot sauce has a longer shelf life, which can save you money and reduce food waste.
You can store hot sauce in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet.
This will preserve its flavor and consistency for up to six months5.
Do not store hot sauce in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause it to deteriorate more quickly and affect its quality.
Finally, remember, hot sauce is a versatile and delicious condiment that can spice up your keto diet.
However, it is not a substitute for a balanced and nutritious diet.
Enjoy it in moderation and pair it with healthy foods, such as vegetables, eggs, meat, cheese, and nuts.