Sweets

Toppings, strawberry

FDC 168758tbsp (42 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 20 · +11 vs Sweets median

Strawberry topping is a syrupy fruit sauce, and it scores 20 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band that ranks it 14th of 60 foods in the Sweets category. Its one meaningful nutrient credential is vitamin C at 15% DV, carried over from the strawberries used to make it, though the topping is mostly sugar and water by weight.

It's typically spooned over ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake, or stirred into plain yogurt for extra sweetness. The reference tbsp serving weighs 42 g, and portion size matters because the topping runs high in sugars at 27.4 g per 100 g, more than a quarter of its total weight.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 0.2 g · 0%Carb 66.3 g · 99%Fat 0.1 g · 0%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories254 kcal13%
Total fat0.1 g0%
Saturated fat0.01 g0%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium21 mg1%
Carbohydrate66 g24%
Dietary fiber0.7 g3%
Sugars27 g
Protein0.2 g0%
Potassium51 mg1%
Calcium6 mg0%
Iron0.28 mg2%
Magnesium4 mg1%
Vitamin C14 mg15%
Vitamin A1 µg0%
Vitamin E0.1 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168758

Original 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.

Vitamin C15% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the sweets median

Nutrient density20 vs 9 median
Protein / 100 g0.2 vs 0.8 median
Fiber / 100 g0.7 vs 0.7 median
Sodium / 100 g21 vs 41 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Candies, dark chocolate coated coffee beansDensity 21 vs 20Frozen yogurts, chocolateDensity 23 vs 20Toppings, nuts in syrupDensity 23 vs 20

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Strawberry topping is the glossy, syrupy sauce spooned over ice cream sundaes, cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, and shortcake. It is made by cooking crushed strawberries down with sugar and a thickener until the fruit breaks apart into a spoonable, pourable sauce that clings to whatever it is drizzled on. Bakers also swirl it into cheesecake batter, layer it between cake tiers, or stir a spoonful into plain yogurt or oatmeal for flavor and color. Because it is smooth and sweet rather than chunky, it works as a glaze as easily as a topping, and a small amount goes a long way over the top of a dessert.

An unopened jar keeps in the pantry; once opened, refrigerate it and use a clean spoon each time to keep it from spoiling. At 254 calories per 100 g and 27.4 g of sugar, this is a dessert sauce meant to be used in tablespoon portions rather than a food to build a meal around. The one number worth noting is the small vitamin C contribution (15% DV per 100 g) carried over from the fruit, though at typical serving sizes of a tablespoon or two the actual amount consumed is modest. Treat it the way you would any other syrup: a finishing touch, not a base ingredient.

Frequently asked questions about toppings, strawberry

How many calories are in strawberry topping?

Strawberry topping has 254 calories per 100 g, though a typical tablespoon serving of 42 g is a fraction of that.

Does strawberry topping have vitamin C?

It carries 15% DV of vitamin C per 100 g, a residual amount from the strawberries used to make it, though it is used in small spoonfuls.

What does strawberry topping pair well with?

It is classic on ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes and waffles, and can also be swirled into plain yogurt or oatmeal.

View the USDA source record