Egg Drop Soup Calories: 60-100 Per Cup (Exact Count)

A standard 1-cup (240ml) serving of traditional egg drop soup contains approximately 60-100 calories. The exact count varies based on preparation method, with restaurant versions typically ranging from 70-100 calories per cup and homemade versions potentially as low as 50 calories when prepared with minimal oil and one egg.

Egg drop soup represents one of the lowest-calorie options among Chinese restaurant offerings, making it a popular choice for those monitoring their dietary intake. This clear broth-based soup primarily consists of chicken stock, beaten eggs, and minimal seasonings, creating a light yet satisfying dish that won't significantly impact your daily calorie goals.

Factors That Influence Egg Drop Soup Calorie Count

Several variables affect the final calorie content of egg drop soup, explaining why you'll see different numbers across various sources:

• Portion size - Restaurant servings often exceed the standard 1-cup measurement, sometimes reaching 1.5-2 cups
• Egg quantity - Most recipes use 1-2 eggs per serving, with each large egg adding approximately 70 calories
• Fat content - Some preparations include sesame oil (40 calories per teaspoon) or cooking oil
• Additional ingredients - Variations with cornstarch, tofu, or meat increase calorie counts
• Sodium content - While not affecting calories, high sodium levels in restaurant versions impact overall nutritional value

Nutritional Profile of Traditional Egg Drop Soup

Beyond calorie information, understanding the complete nutritional breakdown helps determine how egg drop soup fits into various dietary plans. The following table shows average nutrition facts for a standard 1-cup serving:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	75	4%
Total Fat	2g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.5g	3%
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	800mg	35%
Total Carbohydrates	5g	2%
Protein	7g	14%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Restaurant vs. Homemade Egg Drop Soup: Calorie Comparison

When tracking calories, understanding the difference between restaurant-prepared and homemade versions proves essential for accurate dietary planning:

Restaurant egg drop soup typically contains more calories than homemade versions due to several factors. Commercial kitchens often use higher quantities of egg, add cornstarch for thickness (adding 30-50 calories), and include additional seasonings and oils that boost flavor but increase calorie content. Some restaurant versions may contain up to 150 calories per serving, particularly in establishments that create a thicker, more substantial soup.

Creating egg drop soup at home gives you complete control over ingredients and portion sizes. A basic homemade recipe using 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 egg, and minimal seasonings can contain as few as 50-60 calories per serving. Adding one teaspoon of sesame oil increases the count by approximately 40 calories, while using two eggs instead of one adds about 70 calories.

How Egg Drop Soup Compares to Other Common Soups

When evaluating soup options for calorie-conscious eating, egg drop soup generally ranks among the lowest-calorie choices:

• Egg drop soup: 60-100 calories per cup
• Wonton soup: 90-150 calories per cup
• Miso soup: 35-70 calories per cup
• Chicken noodle soup: 100-150 calories per cup
• Tomato soup: 150-200 calories per cup
• Cream of mushroom soup: 200-300 calories per cup

This comparison shows why egg drop soup frequently appears as a recommended starter in weight management plans. Its light broth base and minimal ingredients create a satisfying dish without excessive calories, helping to reduce overall meal intake when served as an appetizer.

Creating Lower-Calorie Egg Drop Soup at Home

For those specifically seeking egg drop soup with lowest calorie count, consider these practical modifications to traditional recipes:

• Use egg whites only instead of whole eggs (reduces calories from 70 to 20 per egg)
• Choose low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth to control sodium content
• Omit added oils completely or use cooking spray for minimal fat
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bok choy for volume without significant calorie increase
• Use water instead of broth and supplement with herbs for ultra-low calorie version
• Control portion size by measuring servings rather than eating from the pot

A particularly effective low-calorie variation uses one whole egg plus two egg whites per serving, creating a satisfying texture while keeping calories around 60 per cup. This approach maintains the visual appeal of traditional egg drop soup while significantly reducing fat and calorie content.

Dietary Considerations for Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup's nutritional profile makes it compatible with various dietary approaches, though certain considerations apply:

For keto dieters, traditional egg drop soup fits well within daily carb limits, though those strictly monitoring protein intake should be mindful of egg quantity. The soup's minimal carbohydrate content (typically 3-5g per serving) makes it suitable for most low-carb eating plans.

Those following gluten-free diets should verify that the broth used contains no wheat-based ingredients, though most traditional egg drop soup recipes are naturally gluten-free. When ordering at restaurants, specify gluten-free preparation to avoid cross-contamination.

The relatively high sodium content in restaurant versions (often exceeding 800mg per serving) warrants attention for individuals managing hypertension. Homemade versions allow complete sodium control, with the option to use no-salt-added broths and limit added seasonings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a typical restaurant serving of egg drop soup?

A standard 1-cup restaurant serving of egg drop soup typically contains 70-100 calories. Some establishments serve larger portions (1.5-2 cups) which can contain 120-200 calories total. The calorie count varies based on the number of eggs used, added oils, and any additional ingredients like cornstarch or meat.

Is egg drop soup good for weight loss?

Yes, egg drop soup can be an excellent choice for weight loss due to its low calorie count (typically 60-100 calories per cup) and high water content, which promotes satiety. When served as a starter, it can help reduce overall meal consumption. For best results, choose broth-based versions without added oils or cornstarch, and be mindful of sodium content which can cause water retention.

How can I make lower calorie egg drop soup at home?

To make lower calorie egg drop soup at home: use egg whites instead of whole eggs (saves 50 calories per egg), omit added oils or use cooking spray, choose low-sodium broth, add extra vegetables like spinach for volume, and control portion sizes. A single-serving version with one whole egg plus two egg whites in 1 cup of broth contains approximately 60 calories while maintaining good texture and protein content.

Does egg drop soup contain carbohydrates?

Traditional egg drop soup contains minimal carbohydrates, typically 3-5 grams per 1-cup serving. The small amount comes primarily from trace carbohydrates in the broth and any added seasonings. It does not contain noodles, rice, or other high-carb ingredients found in some other Chinese soups. This makes it suitable for low-carb and keto diets when prepared without cornstarch or other thickeners.

How does egg drop soup compare nutritionally to other Chinese soups?

Egg drop soup generally has fewer calories than most other Chinese soups. While egg drop soup contains 60-100 calories per cup, wonton soup ranges from 90-150 calories, hot and sour soup from 100-180 calories, and creamier soups like corn soup can reach 150-250 calories per serving. Egg drop soup also typically has less fat and fewer carbohydrates than many alternatives, making it one of the healthiest soup options on Chinese restaurant menus.