Sake is a highly regarded Japanese fermented drink in the gastronomic industry. It’s special preparation technique and unique flavor is loved by many. However, one of the important questions talked about is – Is Sake keto friendly?
To answer that question, we have to look at what this drink is made of, and ask the questions like does it have a lot of carbs to add to a daily diet?
Firstly, Sake is also known as ‘rice wine’, where the word ‘sake’ means an alcoholic drink obtained through the fermentation of rice combined with water and yeast. The yeast consumes the starch and sugars from the rice and produces alcohol content. This process can last between 4 to 6 weeks.
So does that mean Sake contains a lot of carbs and is not keto friendly? Good news is, thanks to the process that Sake goes through, this historic Japanese drink turns into alcohol which has lower sugar and carb content. It’s one of the beverages you can absolutely include in your keto diet.
Carbs in Sake
Types of Sake
There are four basic types of Sake. Keep in mind that if a sake you taste is sweeter with a higher percentage of alcohol, it probably contains more calories and carbohydrates.
- Junmai-shu: this type of sake is made added distilled alcohol. It’s pure rice and is more acidic than other sakes, which proves to be better for a keto diet.
- Honjozo-shu: with a little bit of added distilled alcohol, it is characterized as a lighter, and sometimes drier sake.
- Ginjo-shu: it may or may not have added alcohol. It tastes fruity and flowery and brings a beautiful aroma to the table.
- 4. Daiginjo-shu: Similar to Ginjo-shu, this sake requires more labor-intensive processes, which is why it is also one of the most expensive to get your hands on.
Is it better to drink sake warm or cold? Traditionally in Japan, it is served either hot or cold depending on the time of year or the meal it accompanies. What are the effects of temperature on the taste of sake? It increases in sweetness with an enhanced flavor over 40 degrees Celsius or higher. In colder temperatures, sake is more citric and acidic, with a less of a sweetness.
4 tips to consume Sake
- Always stick to sake with low carb content.
- Have a glass of water for every glass of sake.
- Consume salty snacks of meals with high protein content.
- Enjoy the gradual momentum of feeling the buzz from sake!
