Sauce, steak, tomato based
FDC 171825Tbsp (34 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 4 · -6 vs Soups & sauces medianThis tomato-based steak sauce lands at 4 of 100 (Low band), ranking 42nd of 60 in Soups & sauces, below the category's median score of 10. It carries no standout vitamins or minerals worth citing; its calorie load of 95 per 100 grams comes mostly from carbohydrate, with sodium doing the heavy lifting on the ingredient label rather than any nutrient of note.
A tablespoon (34 grams) is the usual pour, brushed onto grilled or pan-seared steak as a tangy, slightly sweet condiment. The sauce is high in sodium at 1650 milligrams per 100 grams, so it adds up quickly if used liberally. Dry brown gravy scores higher in the same Soups & sauces lineup and offers a lower-sodium way to sauce a plate of meat.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around sauce, steak, 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 | 95 kcal | 5% |
| Total fat | 0.23 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1650 mg | 72% |
| Carbohydrate | 22 g | 8% |
| Dietary fiber | 1.5 g | 5% |
| Sugars | 9.8 g | |
| Protein | 1.3 g | 3% |
| Potassium | 312 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 19 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% |
| Magnesium | 17 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 6.8 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 15 µg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 1.2 mg | 8% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 32 kcal | 2% |
| Total fat | 0.08 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 561 mg | 24% |
| Carbohydrate | 7.5 g | 3% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.51 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 3.3 g | |
| Protein | 0.43 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 106 mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 6.5 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.47 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 5.8 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2.3 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 5.1 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.39 mg | 3% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171825Original 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, brown, dryDensity 5 vs 4Gravy, brown instant, dryDensity 5 vs 4Gravy, turkey, dryDensity 6 vs 4Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Tomato-based steak sauce is a thick, tangy condiment built on a tomato base with vinegar, spices, and often raisins, dates, or other dried fruit worked in for sweetness and depth. It sits alongside grilled and pan-seared beef, most classically steak, but also works with burgers, meatloaf, and roasted or fried potatoes as a table condiment spooned on at the last minute rather than cooked in. The flavor profile leans savory-sweet-sharp, with a texture halfway between ketchup and a thin barbecue sauce.
Bottled steak sauce keeps well unopened in the pantry and, once opened, belongs in the refrigerator door, where it holds its flavor for months since vinegar and salt both help preserve it. One tablespoon serving comes in around 95 calories with 1650 milligrams of sodium, so it is worth treating as a flavor accent measured in tablespoons rather than a sauce poured freely, especially for anyone already watching salt intake from other parts of the meal. Its 9.82 grams of sugar per 100 grams also means a splash adds real sweetness to a dish, not just tang.
Frequently asked questions about sauce, steak
How many calories are in tomato-based steak sauce?
A one-tablespoon (34 gram) serving has about 32 calories, or 95 calories per 100 grams.
Is tomato-based steak sauce high in sodium?
Yes, it runs about 1650 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams, so it's best used in small, measured amounts.
What does steak sauce pair well with?
It's a classic match for grilled or pan-seared beef, and also works well on burgers, meatloaf, and roasted potatoes.