Quick Answer
One shot (1.5 fluid ounces or 44ml) of soju typically contains between 90 and 100 calories. The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the brand and alcohol content. On average, a shot of soju will have around 15-20% alcohol and 95 calories.
What is Soju?
Soju is a clear, distilled alcoholic beverage originally from Korea. It is made from grains such as rice, wheat, or barley and is usually around 20-45% alcohol by volume.
Some key facts about soju:
– Originated in Korea, where it is the most popular spirit. Also popular in Japan.
– Most brands are distilled multiple times to achieve a high level of alcohol purity and a neutral flavor profile.
– Considered a “light” spirit compared to others due to its lower alcohol content.
– Commonly consumed neat, on the rocks, or used as a mixer.
– Lower in calories than other spirits like vodka, rum, tequila, etc.
Serving Size
Soju is commonly served in small glasses or shots of around 50ml or 1.7oz. A typical glass or individual serving of soju would be:
– Shot glass size: 1.5 fluid ounces or 44ml
– Small glass size: 1.7 fluid ounces or 50ml
The standard restaurant or bar serving size is usually a shot or small glass. When drinking socially, it’s common to consume several rounds of shots or glasses.
Alcohol Content
Soju generally ranges from 16% to 45% alcohol by volume (ABV). The average alcohol content is 20-21%, but can go up to 35-45% for some traditional and high-proof varieties.
Here are some common alcohol contents of popular soju brands:
– Jinro: 17.5-20.1% ABV
– Chamisul: 17.5-25% ABV
– Chum-Churum: 15.5-25% ABV
– Good Day: 20.5% ABV
– C1 Soju: 41% ABV
Calories in Soju
The amount of calories in soju depends on the serving size and alcohol by volume. The typical range is:
– 1 shot (44ml): 90-100 calories
– 1 glass (50ml): 100-120 calories
Soju has less calories than many other spirits because of its lower alcohol content. Here’s how it compares per 1.5oz shot:
– Soju: 90-100 calories
– Vodka: 96 calories
– Tequila: 96 calories
– Gin: 97 calories
– Rum: 97 calories
– Whiskey: 105 calories
The calorie difference gets more significant when comparing larger serving sizes. Soju clocks in at a lighter caloric load overall.
Factors that Influence Calories
The main factors that determine the calorie count of soju include:
– Alcohol percentage – More alcohol means more calories. Higher proof sojus have more calories.
– Volume/serving size – The more you drink, the more calories you consume. A shot vs a full glass makes a difference.
– Mixers and additions – Mixing with sodas, juices or adding flavor syrups adds calories. Drinking it neat has the least calories.
– Brand – Different brands have slightly varied calorie counts depending on their recipes.
– Filtration – Multiple filtrations remove more sugars and congeners, resulting in fewer calories.
Low Calorie Soju Options
Some low calorie soju options include:
– Jinro Plain Soju: 90 calories per 1.5oz shot
– Chamisul Fresh Soju: 78 calories per 50ml
– K BEST Diet Soju: 58 calories per 50ml
– Modern Soju: 70 calories per 45ml
– Imperial Soju: 68 calories per 45ml
Diluting soju with water or soda water also reduces the caloric density. Overall though, standard soju is already relatively low in calories compared to other liquors.
Nutrition Facts of Soju
Here are the typical nutrition facts for a 1.5oz (44ml) shot of soju:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1 shot (44ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 |
| Carbohydrates | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
The main nutrient in soju is carbohydrates from the starch sources used to make it. Since it is distilled, there are no sugars left unless flavorings are added. Soju itself does not contain fat or protein either.
Of the calories, nearly all come from the alcohol itself. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram from carbs and protein.
Health Concerns
Like other alcoholic drinks, excessive soju consumption can pose some health risks, including:
– Alcohol poisoning – Drinking large amounts can lead to dangerously high blood alcohol levels.
– Dehydration – Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing fluid loss.
– Liver diseases – Heavy drinking is linked to liver conditions like fatty liver and cirrhosis.
– Addiction – Alcohol activates reward centers in the brain and can lead to dependence.
– Weight gain – High calorie intake from heavy drinking often leads to weight gain.
To keep health risks low, it is recommended women have 1 or fewer drinks per day and men 2 or fewer drinks per day. One drink is defined as 1.5oz of spirits, 5oz of wine, or 12oz of beer.
Tips for Drinking Responsibly
– pace yourself – avoid shots and chugging
– intersperse with water and food
– don’t drink on an empty stomach
– avoid mixed drinks with added sugars
– don’t drink every day
– stay hydrated to avoid hangovers
– don’t drink and drive
Overall, soju can be enjoyed responsibly like other alcohols. Moderation is key, as is paying attention to your personal tolerance and feelings of impairment.
Soju for Weight Loss?
Due to having slightly fewer calories than other hard liquors, some believe soju may be a lower calorie option for weight loss. However, consuming any alcoholic beverage is not an effective or healthy weight loss strategy. Here’s why using soju for weight loss is not recommended:
– Alcohol interferes with fat burning. Your body will always metabolize alcohol first before anything else.
– It can lead to increased appetite and cravings, especially for salty, fatty foods. This results in overeating.
– May cause drops in blood glucose leading to loss of inhibition and willpower to resist overeating.
– Provides empty calories without nutrition. Also risk of nutritional deficiency since calories displace healthier foods.
– Weight lost initially is usually only water weight that will bounce back.
– Can become a dangerous addiction and unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
For sustained weight loss results, it is better to focus on a healthy diet, exercise regimen, sleep routine, and stress management. Avoid relying on soju or any alcohol product for weight management.
Soju Compared to Other Popular Alcoholic Drinks
Here is how soju compares nutritionally to some other popular alcoholic beverage options per 1.5oz serving:
| Drink | Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soju (20% ABV) | 95 | 2.3 | 0 |
| Vodka (40% ABV) | 96 | 0 | 0 |
| Gin (40% ABV) | 97 | 0 | 0 |
| Tequila (40% ABV) | 96 | 0 | 0 |
| Rum (40% ABV) | 97 | 0 | 0 |
| Whiskey (40% ABV) | 105 | 0 | 0 |
Soju is very close in calories to leading clear spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and tequila. Whiskey ends up slightly higher in calories.
Overall, soju is on the lighter end for calorie count among distilled spirits. This makes it an appealing low calorie alcohol option.
Making Soju Cocktails
Soju mixes well in a variety of light and fruity cocktails. Here are some popular soju cocktail recipes to try:
Soju Mojito
– 1.5oz soju
– 1.5oz lime juice
– 1.5oz simple syrup
– Mint leaves
– Club soda
Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup. Add soju, lime juice and ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with lime wedge.
Soju Sunset
– 1.5oz soju
– 3oz orange juice
– 0.5oz grenadine
Mix soju and orange juice over ice. Float grenadine on top.
Soju Grapefruit Fizz
– 1.5oz soju
– 1.5oz grapefruit juice
– 1oz lemon-lime soda
– 0.5oz elderflower liqueur
Combine soju, grapefruit juice and elderflower liqueur. Top with lemon-lime soda.
Sojito
– 2oz soju
– 1oz lime juice
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– Soda water
Muddle lime juice with sugar. Add soju and shake with ice. Strain over fresh ice. Top with soda water.
Seoul Mule
– 1.5oz soju
– 0.75oz lime juice
– 2-4oz ginger beer
Combine soju and lime juice over ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does soju have sugar in it?
Soju does not contain added sugars. However, it does have small amounts of natural sugars from the starch sources used to distill it, around 1-3 grams per serving. These provide a small amount of carbohydrate calories.
Is soju gluten-free?
Soju is distilled, so any gluten from wheat or barley gets removed in the distillation process. As a result, most soju is gluten-free. But anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still check the label.
Does soju expire?
Unopened, soju can last up to 5 years after the production date. Once opened, it will stay good for 1-2 years as long as it is recapped and stored properly in a cool, dark place. If soju ever smells or tastes off, it should be discarded.
Does soju go bad if not refrigerated?
An unopened bottle of soju does not need to be refrigerated and will keep for years at room temperature. However, refrigeration will help open bottles retain optimum flavor and prevent spoilage once exposed to air. Fridge cooling is recommended but not required.
Is soju healthier than beer or wine?
Soju is lower in calories than beer and many wines. However, it has similar potential health risks as other distilled spirits when not drank moderately. No alcoholic beverage is necessarily “healthier” than others. But soju can fit into a balanced diet if consumed responsibly.
The Bottom Line
So to summarize, one shot (1.5oz or 44ml) of soju will typically contain 90-100 calories. Factors like alcohol content, filtration process, and additions or mixers can slightly influence the calories. But all types of soju generally have fewer calories than most other spirits. While it does have nutritional pros and cons, soju can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Just be mindful of portion sizes and frequency to keep calories in check.
