Nuoc cham

Sauce

Item Rating: 53/100

1 serving (15 grams) contains 10 calories, 0.5 grams of protein, 0.0 grams of fat, and 2.0 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (236.6g)

Calories		157.7
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		0 g	0%
	Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		6309.0 mg	274%
Total Carbohydrates		31.5 g	11%
	Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
	Sugars	23.7 g
protein		7.9 g	15%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		78.9 mg	6%
Iron		1.6 mg	8%
Potassium		157.7 mg	3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

🍞 Low carbs

Source of Calories

Fat: 0 cal (0.0%)

Protein: 31 cal (20.1%)

Carbs: 126 cal (79.9%)

About Nuoc cham

Nuoc Cham is a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce commonly served alongside spring rolls, noodle dishes, and grilled meats. Its base is typically fish sauce, combined with lime juice, garlic, chili, sugar, and water, creating a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. As part of Southeast Asian cuisine, Nuoc Cham is both a condiment and a marinade, offering complex flavors that enhance a variety of dishes. Nutritionally, Nuoc Cham is low in calories while providing small amounts of sodium, potassium, and vitamins from lime juice and chili, such as vitamin C and capsaicin. However, its sodium content from fish sauce can be significant, requiring mindful consumption for individuals monitoring salt intake.

Health Benefits

• Enhances immunity due to vitamin C from lime juice, supporting healthy skin and reducing infection risk.
• May boost metabolism and circulation as chili contains capsaicin, linked to improved thermogenesis.
• Provides potassium from lime juice, which supports heart function and optimal muscle contraction.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains fish, shellfish (if using shrimp-based fish sauce)

Suitable for: Gluten-free diets, pescatarian diets

Not suitable for: Vegan diets, low-sodium diets

Selection and Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before use as ingredients may separate.

Common Questions About Nuoc cham Nutrition

Is Nuoc Cham high in protein?

Nuoc Cham is typically not high in protein. It is a Vietnamese dipping sauce made from ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and garlic, providing negligible protein content. It is better known for its flavor-enhancing qualities rather than its nutritional protein contribution.

Can I eat Nuoc Cham on a keto diet?

Nuoc Cham can be keto-friendly if you replace the sugar with a keto-approved sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Traditional preparation using sugar would make it less suitable due to the added carbohydrates, so adjustments to the recipe are recommended for strict keto adherence.

Are there health benefits or concerns with eating Nuoc Cham?

Nuoc Cham can be a flavorful addition to meals, providing key nutrients from lime juice and garlic, such as vitamin C and antioxidants. However, it can be high in sodium due to fish sauce, which may raise concerns for individuals monitoring salt intake. Use it in moderation to balance flavor and health.

What is the recommended portion size for Nuoc Cham?

A typical serving of Nuoc Cham is about 1-2 tablespoons, as it is used as a dipping sauce or dressing. This small portion provides strong flavor without significantly impacting calorie or sodium intake when consumed in moderation.

How does Nuoc Cham compare to other dipping sauces like soy sauce or ponzu?

Nuoc Cham offers a complex balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavors, while soy sauce is primarily salty with umami notes, and ponzu adds citrus. Nutritionally, Nuoc Cham can be higher in sugar compared to soy sauce but offers less sodium. Preparation differences like adding lime juice and garlic in Nuoc Cham provide unique depth to its flavor.

Data Sources & Scientific References