Sauce, cocktail, ready-to-serve
FDC 174067cup (60 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 11 · +1 vs Soups & sauces medianCocktail sauce scores 11 of 100 and ranks 28th of 60 among soups and sauces, just past the category median of 10, with vitamin C contributing 13% DV, likely carried over from the tomato and horseradish base.
This is the tangy dip served alongside chilled shrimp or other seafood, typically portioned by the cup at around 60 g for a shared bowl, though most people use far less per bite. The caveat is sodium, at 1260 mg per 100 g, so it's a condiment for dipping in small amounts rather than spooning on generously.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around sauce, cocktail, 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 | 128 kcal | 6% |
| Total fat | 1.1 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1260 mg | 55% |
| Carbohydrate | 28 g | 10% |
| Dietary fiber | 1.8 g | 6% |
| Sugars | 12 g | |
| Protein | 1.4 g | 3% |
| Potassium | 309 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 26 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.83 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 17 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg | 13% |
| Vitamin A | 18 µg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 1.1 mg | 7% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 77 kcal | 4% |
| Total fat | 0.63 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 756 mg | 33% |
| Carbohydrate | 17 g | 6% |
| Dietary fiber | 1.1 g | 4% |
| Sugars | 7.1 g | |
| Protein | 0.82 g | 2% |
| Potassium | 185 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 10 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 7 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 11 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.65 mg | 4% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 174067Original 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, instant turkey, dryDensity 11 vs 11Soup, chicken noodle, dry, mixDensity 13 vs 11Soup, shark fin, restaurant-preparedDensity 13 vs 11Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Ready-to-serve cocktail sauce is a tangy, tomato-based condiment built around horseradish and lemon, and it is the classic accompaniment for chilled shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, and crab claws. Its sharp, slightly spicy bite cuts through the sweetness of shellfish, and it works just as well as a dip for fried seafood like calamari, popcorn shrimp, or fish sticks. Served cold alongside an ice-packed seafood platter at a party or holiday gathering, it is one of the simplest condiments to put out for a crowd.
It comes bottled or jarred and should be refrigerated after opening, checked against the label's use-by date, and served chilled to match the seafood it accompanies. At 128 calories per 100 g, a 1 cup (60 g) serving comes to about 77 calories, and its sodium is fairly high at 1260 mg per 100 g, so it is best treated as a dipping condiment used in modest amounts rather than a base ingredient. It also contributes a bit of vitamin C, 13% of the Daily Value per 100 g, from its tomato and lemon components, a small nutritional plus in a condiment that is mostly valued for its sharp, bracing bite against sweet shellfish.
Frequently asked questions about sauce, cocktail
How many calories are in cocktail sauce?
128 calories per 100 g; a 1 cup (60 g) serving comes to about 77 calories.
What is cocktail sauce traditionally served with?
It is the classic dip for chilled shrimp cocktail, oysters, and crab claws, and it also works with fried seafood.
Is cocktail sauce high in sodium?
Yes, at 1260 mg per 100 g it is fairly high in sodium, so it is best used as a dipping condiment in modest portions.