Syrups, grenadine
FDC 168088tbsp (20 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 7 · -2 vs Sweets medianGrenadine syrup scores 7 of 100 in the Low band, ranking 39th of 60 in Sweets, just under the category median of 9. No nutrient here reaches a standout percentage, since it's a plain sugar syrup built from pomegranate flavoring or juice concentrate rather than a food with nutritional depth.
It's used a tablespoon at a time, stirred into cocktails and mocktails or drizzled over shaved ice, rather than consumed on its own. Per 100 g it runs 46.6 g of sugars, so its role at the table is purely as a sweetener and color agent.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around syrups, grenadine, 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 | 268 kcal | 13% |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 27 mg | 1% |
| Carbohydrate | 67 g | 24% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 47 g | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 28 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 6 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.05 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 4 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 54 kcal | 3% |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 5.4 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 13 g | 5% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 9.3 g | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 5.6 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 1.2 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.01 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 0.8 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 168088Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the sweets median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
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In the kitchen and how to use it
Grenadine is a sweet, deep red syrup traditionally made from pomegranate juice reduced with sugar, though many commercial versions today are made mainly from sugar syrup with red food coloring and pomegranate or berry flavoring rather than real pomegranate. It is best known as a cocktail and mocktail ingredient, used in classics like the Tequila Sunrise and Shirley Temple, where a small pour sinks to the bottom of the glass and creates a gradient effect as it slowly mixes. It is also drizzled over shaved ice, stirred into lemonade or soda water, or used as a glaze accent for desserts.
At 268 calories per tablespoon serving size and 46.6 g of sugar per 100 g, grenadine is used in small measured splashes rather than by the glass, typically a tablespoon or less per drink. Sodium is low at 27 mg per 100 g. Store an opened bottle in the refrigerator to preserve flavor and color, since heat and light can cause the color to fade over time; unopened, it keeps well in a cool pantry. Because it is essentially a flavored sugar syrup, it is best treated as a garnish and sweetener for drinks rather than a beverage on its own.
Frequently asked questions about syrups, grenadine
How many calories are in grenadine syrup?
Grenadine has 268 calories per tablespoon (20 g) serving, or 268 per 100 g.
Is grenadine made from real pomegranate?
Traditionally yes, but many commercial grenadines today are mainly sugar syrup with red coloring and pomegranate or berry flavoring rather than real juice.
What do you use grenadine for?
It is used as a cocktail and mocktail ingredient, most famously in a Tequila Sunrise or Shirley Temple, poured in small amounts to sink and create a color gradient.