Soups & sauces

Sauce, horseradish

FDC 171833tsp (6 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 22 · +12 vs Soups & sauces median

Horseradish sauce earns a Nutrient Density Score of 22 of 100, placing it in the Low band and rank 19 of 60 in the Soups & sauces category. Its main claim to nutritional interest is vitamin E, present at 28% DV, a byproduct of the oil-based emulsion that carries the grated root's sharp heat.

This condiment is meant to be used in small amounts, a teaspoon spooned onto roast beef, ham sandwiches or seafood rather than eaten on its own. A single teaspoon serving keeps portions modest, but the sauce runs high in sodium at 730 mg per 100 g and high in saturated fat at 8.2 g per 100 g, so it is best treated as a condiment rather than a regular topping.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around sauce, horseradish, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 1.1 g · 1%Carb 10 g · 8%Fat 50.9 g · 91%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories503 kcal25%
Total fat51 g65%
Saturated fat8.2 g41%
Cholesterol50 mg17%
Sodium730 mg32%
Carbohydrate10 g4%
Dietary fiber1 g4%
Sugars9 g
Protein1.1 g2%
Potassium44 mg1%
Calcium12 mg1%
Iron0.23 mg1%
Magnesium6 mg1%
Vitamin C0.2 mg0%
Vitamin A17 µg2%
Vitamin E4.2 mg28%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171833

Original 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.

Vitamin E28% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the soups & sauces median

Nutrient density22 vs 10 median
Protein / 100 g1.1 vs 3.1 median
Fiber / 100 g1 vs 0.7 median
Sodium / 100 g730 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Dip, salsa con queso, cheese and salsa- mediumDensity 23 vs 22Sauce, salsa, ready-to-serveDensity 26 vs 22Sauce, worcestershireDensity 27 vs 22

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Prepared horseradish sauce is a creamy, pungent condiment built on grated horseradish root blended with a mayonnaise or sour cream base, often with vinegar and a touch of sugar to round out the sharpness. It shows up as a steak and prime rib condiment, a spread for roast beef sandwiches, a stir-in for cocktail sauce, and a sharp accent for smoked fish or deviled eggs. A small dab goes a long way, since the sinus-clearing heat and tang are concentrated, and it tends to lose some bite the longer a jar sits open.

Look for jars refrigerated in the deli or condiment case, and once opened keep it cold and tightly capped, since exposure to air dulls the flavor faster than it spoils the product. At 503 calories per 100 g this reads high largely because a typical serving is just a teaspoon (6 g), so the actual calories, fat and sodium you take on in a normal serving are small. Per 100 g it carries 50.9 g fat, 730 mg sodium and a notable 28 percent DV of vitamin E from the oil in the base, so treat it purely as a flavor accent rather than a food to serve in volume.

Frequently asked questions about sauce, horseradish

How many calories are in horseradish sauce?

It runs 503 calories per 100 g, but a typical serving is only about a teaspoon (6 g), so the calories per use are minimal.

Is horseradish sauce a good source of vitamin E?

Per 100 g it provides 28 percent of the Daily Value for vitamin E, mostly from the oil-based mayonnaise or cream it is built on.

What does horseradish sauce pair well with?

It is a classic match for roast beef, prime rib, steak, smoked fish and deviled eggs, and can be stirred into cocktail sauce for shrimp.

View the USDA source record