Sauce, sweet and sour, prepared-from-recipe
FDC 174543
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 18 · +8 vs Soups & sauces medianHomemade sweet and sour sauce scores 18 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band, though its rank of 24 of 60 in Soups & sauces still sits above this category's median of 10. It has no standout nutrients at meaningful levels, functioning mainly as a sugar-and-vinegar glaze rather than a nutrient source.
It is simmered with pineapple, vinegar, and sugar to coat stir-fried meats or vegetables, typically drizzled over the dish rather than eaten on its own. No specific nutrient limit is flagged here, but at 10.8 g of sugar per 100 g it leans sweet, so treating it as a light coating rather than a heavy sauce keeps things balanced.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around sauce, sweet and sour, 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 | 79 kcal | 4% |
| Total fat | 0.58 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.14 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 1 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 347 mg | 15% |
| Carbohydrate | 17 g | 6% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.4 g | 1% |
| Sugars | 11 g | |
| Protein | 1.8 g | 4% |
| Potassium | 193 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.67 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 13 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 6 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.32 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 174543Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the soups & sauces median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
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In the kitchen and how to use it
Sweet and sour sauce, made from a simmered mix of vinegar, sugar, and often pineapple or ketchup, is the glossy glaze poured over fried pork, chicken, or vegetables in Chinese-American cooking, and it also works as a dipping sauce for egg rolls and spring rolls. Its balance of tang and sweetness defines the dish, thickened lightly with cornstarch to coat food rather than run off it.
Homemade batches keep in the refrigerator for about a week in a sealed container and can be reheated gently on the stove. At 79 calories and 10.8 g of sugar per 100 g, it is a moderate-calorie way to add flavor to a stir-fry or fried dish, and its sodium, 347 mg per 100 g, is lower than many bottled Asian sauces, making it a reasonable choice for glazing a simple vegetable and protein plate.
Frequently asked questions about sauce, sweet and sour
How many calories are in sweet and sour sauce?
A 100 g serving has 79 calories.
Is sweet and sour sauce high in sugar?
It contains 10.8 g of sugar per 100 g, giving it its characteristic sweetness.
What is sweet and sour sauce used for?
It is used as a glaze for fried pork or chicken and as a dipping sauce for egg rolls.