What is in the leaf: 100g of fresh grass jelly leaf covers nearly 40% of daily fibre

Grass jelly leaf is familiar to many Vietnamese families, especially in the Mekong Delta, and it has been passed down mostly through experience: "cooling", "good for the liver", "easy on digestion". Here is what the numbers can add.

Fibre is the clearest strength

Research indicates that 100g of fresh leaf provides around 9.8g of fibre — close to 40% of an adult's minimum daily requirement. That is a high figure for something used to make a drink.

The fibre is largely soluble, which is what creates the characteristic set and why the jelly leaves you lightly full.

Low in calories

Plain grass jelly contains almost no sugar and very few calories. The calories in a cup of La Sams come mainly from the milk, fruit or syrup — all of which you can adjust when you order.

What tradition has long held

• Cooling — which is why the dish is popular in hot climates.
• Supports digestion — through its soluble fibre.
• Antioxidant properties, said to benefit the skin.
• Said to aid relaxation and sleep.

An honest note

Grass jelly is food, not medicine. These qualities support a balanced diet; they do not replace medical treatment. If you have a health condition or take regular medication, speak to your doctor before drinking it often.

How La Sams protects this

By not overcooking the leaf and by keeping sugar out of the jelly entirely. It is also why the product only keeps for 24 hours — a trade we accepted from the beginning.