Sauce, duck, ready-to-serve
FDC 171823Tbsp (33 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 7 · -3 vs Soups & sauces medianDuck sauce comes in at 7 of 100, a Low-band score that ranks 35 of 60 soups and sauces, just below the category median of 10, with no standout nutrients at the thresholds tracked here.
It is the sweet, sticky condiment spooned over egg rolls or spring rolls rather than used as a base sauce, with a tablespoon the usual portion. It is high in sodium at 712 mg per 100 g and high in sugars at 30.5 g per 100 g, so it is worth treating as a garnish rather than a sauce to pour freely; sauce, cheese sauce mix, dry ranks higher among soups and sauces on this scale.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around sauce, duck, 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 | 245 kcal | 12% |
| Total fat | 0.13 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.05 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 712 mg | 31% |
| Carbohydrate | 61 g | 22% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.6 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 31 g | |
| Protein | 0.36 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 87 mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 11 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.39 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 5 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.9 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 8 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.2 mg | 1% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 81 kcal | 4% |
| Total fat | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.02 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 235 mg | 10% |
| Carbohydrate | 20 g | 7% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Sugars | 10 g | |
| Protein | 0.12 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 29 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 3.6 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.13 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 1.7 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 2.6 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.07 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171823Original 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.
Sauce, cheese sauce mix, dryDensity 8 vs 7Gravy, mushroom, cannedDensity 8 vs 7Soup, wonton, Chinese restaurantDensity 8 vs 7Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Duck sauce is the sweet, tangy, amber condiment served alongside egg rolls, wontons, and roast duck at Chinese-American restaurants, typically made from a base of plums or apricots, sugar, and vinegar simmered down until thick and glossy. It's spooned over crispy fried appetizers or brushed onto duck and pork as a glaze during roasting, prized for balancing rich, fried, or fatty foods with its fruity sweetness and mild acidity, much the way a chutney or sweet-and-sour dip would at the same table.
Ready-to-serve duck sauce keeps for months unopened in the pantry and, once opened, stores well refrigerated for weeks thanks to its high sugar and vinegar content acting as natural preservatives against spoilage. A tablespoon (33 g serving) draws from a profile of 245 calories per 100 g, driven almost entirely by 60.7 g of carbohydrate and 30.5 g of sugar per 100 g, so it functions as a condiment used in small dabs on the side of a plate rather than a food eaten in quantity like a main dish. Its sodium, at 712 mg per 100 g, is also worth noting if it's used generously across several dipping bowls at a shared meal.
Frequently asked questions about sauce, duck
How many calories are in duck sauce?
Duck sauce has 245 calories per 100 g, most of it from its 60.7 g of carbohydrate, in a typical tablespoon (33 g) serving.
What is duck sauce made from and used for?
It's typically a sweet-tangy blend of plums or apricots, sugar, and vinegar, served with egg rolls, wontons, and roast duck or pork.
Is duck sauce high in sugar?
Yes, it contains 30.5 g of sugar per 100 g, which is what gives it its characteristic sweetness alongside a tangy edge.