Sauce, sweet and sour, ready-to-serve
FDC 174066Tbsp (35 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 9 · -1 vs Soups & sauces medianReady-to-serve sweet and sour sauce scores 9 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band ranking 31 of 60 in Soups & sauces, just under the category median of 10, with a modest 10% DV of vitamin C from its fruit content at 154 calories per 100 grams.
It is spooned over stir-fried vegetables or used as a dip for spring rolls and fried chicken. A tablespoon is about 35 grams, and it is worth watching in larger amounts since it runs high in both sodium and sugar, at 539 milligrams of sodium and 18.8 grams of sugar per 100 grams; the category's onion soup scores higher for density.
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 | 154 kcal | 8% |
| Total fat | 0.02 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 539 mg | 23% |
| Carbohydrate | 38 g | 14% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 19 g | |
| Protein | 0.27 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 99 mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 10 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.21 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 8 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 8.7 mg | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.01 mg | 0% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 54 kcal | 3% |
| Total fat | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 189 mg | 8% |
| Carbohydrate | 13 g | 5% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.03 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 6.6 g | |
| Protein | 0.09 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 35 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 3.5 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.07 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 2.8 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 0.35 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 174066Original 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.
Original 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.
Soup, cheese, canned, condensedDensity 10 vs 9Soup, onion, canned, condensedDensity 10 vs 9Sauce, cocktail, ready-to-serveDensity 11 vs 9Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Bottled sweet and sour sauce is the thick, glossy orange-red sauce that comes alongside egg rolls and spring rolls at takeout counters, built from a balance of sugar, vinegar, and usually some pineapple or tomato for color and body. Beyond dipping, it is stirred into a wok at the end of cooking to glaze stir-fried chicken or pork for a quick sweet and sour dish, spooned over steamed rice, or brushed onto meatballs and chicken wings before broiling to give them a sticky, lacquered finish. It can also be simmered with pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a fast weeknight stir-fry sauce.
Unopened bottles keep in the pantry; once opened, refrigerate and use within the timeframe on the label. It is worth checking the label for sodium content, since this sauce runs to 539 milligrams per 100 grams, so it is best used in modest amounts or diluted with a splash of water or broth when stir-frying rather than poured on heavily. Its sweetness comes from 18.8 grams of sugar per 100 grams, and at 154 calories per 100 grams and 38.2 grams of carbohydrate it is closer to a condiment than a sauce meant to be eaten by the bowlful. It carries a small amount of vitamin C, about 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams.
Frequently asked questions about sauce, sweet and sour
How many calories are in sweet and sour sauce?
About 154 calories per 100 grams, mostly from its 38.2 grams of carbohydrate.
Is sweet and sour sauce high in sodium?
Yes, it runs around 539 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams, so it is worth using in moderation or diluting when stir-frying.
How is sweet and sour sauce typically used?
It is commonly served as a dip for egg rolls or spring rolls, or used as a glaze for stir-fried chicken and pork.