Vietnamese Thạch

Vietnamese Thạch is a refreshing, translucent fruit jelly dessert made from fruit juice, sugar, and a gelling agent like agar-agar or gelatin. It is often flavored with tropical fruits such as lychee, rambutan, or passion fruit, and sometimes includes coconut milk or pandan for added richness. This popular treat is widely enjoyed across Vietnam, especially during hot weather.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Thạch is primarily a carbohydrate-based dessert due to its sugar content, with negligible fat and protein. It provides quick energy and may contain small amounts of vitamins from the fruit juice, with a typical serving around 100-150 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	120 kcal
Protein	0.5 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	25 g
Sodium	15 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Iron	0.2 mg
Potassium	50 mg
Vitamin C	5 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Phosphorus	15 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Thạch is a staple in Vietnamese street food and home kitchens, often served in colorful layers or fun shapes to appeal to both children and adults. Nutritionally, using agar-agar makes it a plant-based, low-calorie alternative to gelatin desserts, and it's naturally hydrating.