Sauce, cheese sauce mix, dry
FDC 171584
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 8 · -2 vs Soups & sauces medianThis dry cheese sauce mix scores 8 of 100, a Low band result ranking 34th of 60 in Soups & sauces, below the category median of 10. As a concentrated powder it carries 16% DV calcium and 15% DV protein per 100 g, both traceable to the dried dairy solids that give it a cheese flavor once reconstituted.
It's whisked with milk or water and butter to make a quick sauce for macaroni or vegetables rather than used as-is. Because it's sold as a powder, per-100 g figures run concentrated: 3200 mg sodium and 8.4 g saturated fat, so the sauce should be counted as seasoning-strength once mixed rather than a mild topping.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around sauce, cheese sauce mix, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 438 kcal | 22% |
| Total fat | 18 g | 23% |
| Saturated fat | 8.4 g | 42% |
| Cholesterol | 23 mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 3200 mg | 139% |
| Carbohydrate | 61 g | 22% |
| Dietary fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Sugars | 10 g | |
| Protein | 7.7 g | 15% |
| Potassium | 428 mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 204 mg | 16% |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 36 mg | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 0.9 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 56 µg | 6% |
| Vitamin E | - |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171584Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the soups & sauces median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Gravy, mushroom, cannedDensity 8 vs 8Soup, wonton, Chinese restaurantDensity 8 vs 8Sauce, sweet and sour, ready-to-serveDensity 9 vs 8Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Dry cheese sauce mix is a powdered blend of cheese solids, milk powder, starch and seasoning meant to be whisked with milk and butter on the stovetop to make an instant cheese sauce, similar to the packet found in boxed macaroni and cheese. It is used the same way: stirred into cooked pasta for a quick mac and cheese, thinned with extra milk for a nacho-style dip, or poured over steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for a fast side dish. Because it is shelf-stable and just needs liquid and heat, it is a common pantry staple for quick meals.
At 438 calories per 100 g as a dry powder, the mix is calorie-dense before it is diluted with milk and butter, and it packs a very high 3200 mg of sodium per 100 g, reflecting how concentrated the seasoning is in powder form; once mixed into a full recipe the sodium per serving drops but remains a key thing to watch. It does provide 16% DV of calcium and 15% DV of protein per 100 g from the cheese and milk solids. Store the unopened packet in a cool, dry pantry, and once mixed, treat the finished sauce like any dairy sauce, refrigerating leftovers and using within a few days.
Frequently asked questions about sauce, cheese sauce mix
How many calories are in dry cheese sauce mix?
As a dry powder it has 438 calories per 100 g, though this changes once mixed with milk and butter as directed.
Is cheese sauce mix high in sodium?
Yes, the dry powder contains 3200 mg of sodium per 100 g, very concentrated before it is diluted into a full recipe.
How do you use dry cheese sauce mix?
Whisk it with milk and butter over heat until smooth, then pour it over pasta, steamed vegetables, or use it as a dip base.