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Pickled Ginger Calories
Common with sushi, refreshing, low calorie
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Pickled Ginger (15 g) has 9 calories. That works out to 60 calories per 100 g. It contains 2.3 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0.2 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 45 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Pickled Ginger Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 15 g
9
KCAL / 15G
Carbs
2.3g
· 1% DV
Protein
0g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.2g
· 1% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 100% · Protein 0% · Fat 0%
Pickled Ginger nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 9 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 86 mg | 4% |
| Total carbohydrate | 2.3 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Pickled Ginger?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 15 g | 9 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 5 g | 3 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 10 g | 6 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 20 g | 12 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 30 g | 18 kcal |
| 1 pack (medium) | 40 g | 24 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 60 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 120 g | 72 kcal |
Calculated from 60 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickled Ginger
What is pickled ginger?
Pickled ginger is thinly sliced ginger preserved in a sweet-and-sour vinegar brine. The pale, delicate version commonly served with sushi is called gari in Japan; other pickled ginger preparations can use different cuts and seasonings.
Why is pickled ginger served with sushi?
Pickled ginger is served between sushi pieces to refresh the palate. Its sharp, tangy-sweet taste helps clear lingering flavors so the next piece of fish or other topping can be tasted more distinctly.
How do you eat pickled ginger with sushi?
Eat a small piece of pickled ginger between different sushi bites, rather than piling it onto each piece. That keeps its strong vinegar flavor from overwhelming the fish; it can also be eaten as a tangy side with rice dishes.
Why is pickled ginger pink?
Pickled ginger can turn naturally pink when pigments in young ginger react with vinegar. Some products get their color from added coloring instead, while other jars stay pale yellow or nearly white; color alone does not indicate quality.
How do you make pickled ginger at home?
Make pickled ginger by slicing ginger very thinly, briefly blanching it, then covering it with a hot vinegar brine sweetened and salted to taste. Store it in a clean, sealed jar in the refrigerator; young ginger is milder and easier to slice.
What is the difference between pickled ginger and beni shoga?
Pickled ginger served with sushi is usually pale, thinly sliced gari. Beni shoga is typically bright red and cut into narrow strips, and is used as a topping for dishes such as yakisoba and okonomiyaki rather than as a sushi palate cleanser.
How long does pickled ginger last after opening?
Keep opened pickled ginger refrigerated, sealed, and submerged in its brine. Use a clean utensil each time, and discard it if you see mold, notice an unusual smell, or observe another clear sign of spoilage; follow the jar’s storage instructions.
Can pickled ginger help with nausea?
Pickled ginger has not been shown to reliably relieve nausea. Research on ginger for some kinds of nausea does not establish that ginger in a vinegar-and-sugar brine works the same way, so do not treat it as a remedy.
Can you use pickled ginger instead of fresh ginger?
Pickled ginger is not a close substitute for fresh ginger in most recipes because its vinegar and sweetness change the dish. Use fresh ginger in cooking, and add pickled ginger as a tangy garnish after cooking when that flavor suits the meal.
Can you eat too much pickled ginger?
Yes, eating a lot of pickled ginger can add substantial brine, sugar, and acidity to a meal, and the sharp taste may bother some people’s stomachs. It is usually best enjoyed in a small amount alongside sushi or another dish.
Pickled Ginger Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B6
0.01mg · 1% DV
B5
0.02mg · 0% DV
Vitamin C
0.3mg · 0% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Sodium
86mg · 4% DV
Manganese
0.03mg · 1% DV
Copper
0.01mg · 1% DV
Magnesium
1.65mg · 0% DV
Potassium ⭐
9.75mg · 0% DV
Pickled Ginger Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Pickled Ginger
To burn the 9 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Pickled Ginger?
Pickled ginger is thinly sliced ginger preserved in a sweet-and-sour vinegar brine. The familiar Japanese style, often called gari, is served alongside sushi, where its sharp, refreshing flavour and lightly crisp texture offer a contrast to rice and fish. You’ll also find it with sushi meals in many parts of the world; a little can brighten a fish dish or salad, too.
It is very low in fat, while the sweetened brine makes carbohydrates its main source of energy; it has 60 calories per 100 g. Its flavour is punchy, so a small serving is usually enough. If you prefer a less sweet version, compare labels or make it at home with less sugar.
How Nutritious Is Pickled Ginger?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Pickled Ginger Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Pickled Ginger Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Pickled Ginger Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Pickled Ginger Fat Profile
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.