Worcestershire sauce is a staple sauce originating from the city of Worcestershire in England, but is Worcestershire sauce keto-friendly? The classic British recipe is a great flavoring tool, which allows you to enhance the taste of your favorite meats, casseroles or soups.
This sauce is even used in a classic Bloody Mary Cocktail. But can it be used within a keto diet? Or will you be needing a Worcestershire sauce substitute?
WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE INGREDIENTS
Renditions of the Worcestershire sauce have been released ever since the brand – Lea & Perrins was commercialized in 1837, which created a surplus of options. But despite its varieties, the brown-colored fermented sauce has a tremendous depth of flavor, which can make it difficult to identify the ingredients. A classic Worcestershire sauce recipe contains:
- Barley Malt Vinegar
- Spirit vinegar
- Molasses – made from refined sugar canes
- Onion (shallots were originally used for the recipe)
- Tamarind extract
- Garlic
- Salt
- Sugar
- Spice
- Flavourings
- Anchovies
IS WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE GLUTEN-FREE?
The classic recipe isn’t suitable for people suffering from gluten intolerance as it contains barley, a cereal grain used to make bread. However, a US rendition of the sauce uses distilled white vinegar rather than malt vinegar, making it gluten-free.
Unfortunately, Worcestershire sauce isn’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans either as it includes anchovies. Always check the label!
IS WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE KETO FRIENDLY?
Yes and no. Let us explain and also answer the common keto question, How many carbs are in Worcestershire sauce? The sauce contains less than 1.1 gram of carbs, per 5ml serving (which allows keto dieters to enjoy it). But you should still consume it in moderation and avoid having more than the recommended serving.
WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE ALTERNATIVES
Sugar is a significant factor when you are on the keto diet, as it requires you to seriously cut down on it to ensure your body doesn’t get kicked out of ketosis. And while the sauce contains virtually no carbs, its sugar levels should be considered when applying it to foods.
Remember, one teaspoon of the classic Worcestershire sauce contains 1 gram of sugar! So what Worcestershire substitute can you use? and what sauces can you have on a keto diet?
- Soy sauce – There is generally a low percentage of carbs in soy sauce despite some soy sauces containing by-products of gluten and wheat.
- HP Sauce – This is a great substitute as it’s low in both sugar and salt. If the aroma is too strong, consider only using it in cooking.
- Red wine vinegar + liquid aminos – While soy sauce contains some alcohol due to being fermented, red wine vinegar, on the other hand, has none. The vinegar has a smooth and tangy flavor, but when pairing it with liquid amino will do wonders for your food. Also, there is less than 1 percent of carbs in liquid aminos.