Authentic Fermented Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam)
Quick answer
A medium portion of Authentic Fermented Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam) (10 g) contains 6 kcal, with 0.2 g of net carbohydrates and 1.1 g of protein.
- Carbs0.2 g18.5%
- Protein1.1 g81.5%
- Fat0 g0%
- Fibre0 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
The backbone of Southeast Asian flavour: an amber liquid made by fermenting anchovies with sea salt for months in wooden barrels; a natural umami bomb of broken-down protein, without carbohydrates.
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
A few drops are enough to give noodle dishes and soups exceptional depth of flavour without artificial flavour enhancers.
Best preparation methods
It has almost no carbohydrates and no effect on blood sugar, but it is very salty.
Important Nutritional Note
Note for blood pressure and kidney patients: fish sauce is extremely high in sodium (about 7 g of sodium or more per 100 g), so people with high blood pressure or kidney disease should count it very carefully.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (10 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 55 kcal | 5.5 kcal |
| Protein | 11 g | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 2.5 g | 0.2 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 2.5 g | 0.2 g |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 55 kcal per 100 g, ranking 14 of 43 in Sauces, pickles & olives (lowest first).
Related foods from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Authentic Fermented Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam) good for weight loss?
Yes. Authentic Fermented Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam) is very low in calories (55 kcal per 100 g), so you can eat a generous amount to add volume and fullness to a meal without many calories.
How does Authentic Fermented Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam) affect blood sugar?
Authentic Fermented Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam) contains only 2.5 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, so the glycemic index does not apply and its direct effect on blood sugar is minimal. The meal’s effect depends on what you eat with it, such as bread, rice or sweetened sauces.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Authentic Fermented Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam)?
A typical 10 g portion of Authentic Fermented Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam) provides about 6 kcal, 1.1 g protein, 0.2 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat and 0 g fibre.
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References & Scientific Sources
- The glycemic index does not apply because this food has less than 5 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, and a GI test requires 25 to 50 g of available carbohydrate, per: ISO 26642:2010. Food products — Determination of the glycaemic index (GI) and recommendation for food classification. International Organization for Standardization; 2010. www.iso.org/standard/43633.html
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.