Prepared and Processed / Fermented Foods
Shrimp paste, bastos
PhilFCT
Macronutrients
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size: 100g |
| Calories | 57kcal / 2530kcal (2%) |
Macronutrients
Protein | 12 g/ 71g (16%) | ||||
Total Fat | 0.8 g/ 42g (1%) low | ||||
Total Carbs | 0.4 g/ 348g (0.11%) | ||||
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Vitamins
Vit A | 0 mcg RAE/ 700mcg RAE (0%) |
Vit B1 | 0.01 mg/ 1mg (0.83%) |
Vit B2 | 0.14 mg/ 1mg (10%) |
Vit B3 | 1.6 mg NE/ 16mg NE (10%) |
Vit C | 0 mg/ 70mg (0%) |
Minerals
Calcium | 689 mg/ 750mg (91%) high |
Phosphorus | 397 mg/ 700mg (56%) high |
Iron | 8.9 mg/ 12mg (74%) high |
Sodium | 4697 mg/ 1500mg (313%) |
Allergen Info
Crustacean Shellfish
What is this food?
Shrimp paste (bagoong), locally called “bastos.” It’s a salty, flavorful condiment made from fermented shrimp, usually used in small amounts to add taste to meals.
Why it matters to health
Bastos is mainly used for flavor, not as a main food. Per 100 g, it has very high sodium (about 4,697 mg), which can add up quickly if eaten often or in big servings. It also has small amounts of protein (from shrimp) and some fiber, but the biggest health point is sodium. When sodium is high, it can affect blood pressure for some people, so it’s best to use it lightly and balance it with fresh, less salty foods.
Healthier tips
- Use 1–2 teaspoons per meal as a flavor booster, not a main ingredient.
- Pair with lots of vegetables (like kangkong, pechay, or talong) and plain rice in proper portions so the meal stays balanced.
- Choose dishes where bastos is mixed lightly (e.g., as a side or on top), instead of soaking the whole ulam.
- If you’re eating it with fried or salty viands, consider reducing the amount of bastos that day.
- For snacks between your 3 full meals, keep them simple (fruit, yogurt, or nuts) and avoid adding extra salty condiments.
Common Filipino dishes
Bagoong rice, Bagoong alamang with vegetables, Kinilaw with bagoong, Kare-kare with bagoong, Ginisang munggo with bagoong, Sinigang with bagoong
Images
Disclaimer
Juan Nutrisyon provides educational nutrition information to help users better understand the foods they eat. Nutrient values are sourced from reputable databases including the Philippine Food Composition Tables (FCT) and USDA FoodData Central. Calculation methods for estimating nutrients across multiple foods have been reviewed by a licensed dietitian. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Juan Nutrisyon has not yet undergone formal clinical validation studies and should not replace personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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