Soups & sauces

Sauce, plum, ready-to-serve

FDC 172879tbsp (19 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 29 · +19 vs Soups & sauces median

Plum sauce scores 29 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, Low band, but that is enough to rank 15 of 60 in Soups & sauces, above the category's median score of 10. As a fruit-based condiment, it does not carry standout vitamin or mineral levels in this scoring, its value here coming mainly from carbohydrate content rather than any single nutrient.

This sweet and tart sauce is spooned over spring rolls, roasted duck, or dumplings rather than eaten on its own, with one tablespoon (19 g) as the reference serving. The number worth watching is sodium, high at 538 mg per 100 g, more than might be expected from a fruit sauce, so it is worth counting alongside other salty dishes at the same meal.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 0.9 g · 2%Carb 42.8 g · 93%Fat 1 g · 5%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories184 kcal9%
Total fat1 g1%
Saturated fat0.15 g1%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium538 mg23%
Carbohydrate43 g16%
Dietary fiber0.7 g3%
Sugars-
Protein0.89 g2%
Potassium259 mg6%
Calcium12 mg1%
Iron1.4 mg8%
Magnesium12 mg3%
Vitamin C0.5 mg1%
Vitamin A2 µg0%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 172879

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the soups & sauces median

Nutrient density29 vs 10 median
Protein / 100 g0.9 vs 3.1 median
Fiber / 100 g0.7 vs 0.7 median
Sodium / 100 g538 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Soup, egg drop, Chinese restaurantDensity 30 vs 29Sauce, homemade, white, mediumDensity 31 vs 29Sauce, homemade, white, thickDensity 32 vs 29

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Plum sauce is a sweet-tart condiment made from cooked plums, sugar, vinegar, and seasonings, most familiar as the dipping sauce served alongside egg rolls, spring rolls, and roast duck in Chinese-style cooking. Its thick, jammy consistency and balance of sweetness and acidity also make it useful as a glaze brushed over grilled or roasted meats, or stirred into a stir-fry for a quick sweet-savory sauce.

Once opened, a bottle or jar of plum sauce should be refrigerated and used within the timeframe on the label, since it can spoil once exposed to air; unopened jars keep well in the pantry. A tablespoon serving in this data is 19 g, and per 100 g the sauce runs 184 calories with 42.8 g carbohydrate and 538 mg sodium, so it's best used in small spoonfuls as a dip or glaze rather than poured freely. It contributes little protein or fiber on its own, functioning mainly as a flavor accent to whatever it's served alongside.

Frequently asked questions about sauce, plum

How many calories are in plum sauce?

It has 184 calories per 100 g, with a tablespoon serving in this data at 19 g.

What does plum sauce pair well with?

It's classically served as a dip for egg rolls and spring rolls, or brushed over duck and other roasted meats as a glaze.

How should plum sauce be stored?

Refrigerate it after opening and use it within the timeframe on the label; unopened jars keep in the pantry.

View the USDA source record