1 serving (60 grams) contains 104 calories, 0.7 grams of protein, 8.6 grams of fat, and 6.1 grams of carbohydrates.
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Nutrition Information
Calories |
25.9 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.2 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6.8 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 140.7 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1.5 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| protein | 0.2 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 4.3 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 5.8 mg | 0% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Food Attributes
Source of Calories
About Cream sauce
Cream sauce is a classic culinary staple often used in French, Italian, and American cuisines as a base for pasta, poultry, or vegetable dishes. Typically made from heavy cream, butter, and flavorings (e.g., garlic, herbs, cheese), cream sauce is rich and indulgent. Nutritionally, it is high in fats—particularly saturated fat—and offers modest amounts of calcium, vitamin A, and other fat-soluble vitamins depending on its ingredients. While it's calorie-dense (approximately 300–500 calories per cup), cream sauce is best enjoyed in moderation due to its limited protein and fiber content. Homemade versions allow for reduced fat and sodium adjustments compared to store-bought variants.
Health Benefits
- Provides calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth (approximately 50–100 mg/serving, depending on dairy content)
- Contains vitamin A to aid in maintaining healthy vision and immune function (approximately 500 IU/serving)
- Offers energy via dietary fats, which can aid in brain function and cell structure maintenance
Dietary Considerations
Selection and Storage
Store cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent separation or curdling.
Common Questions About Cream sauce Nutrition
Is cream sauce high in protein?
Cream sauce is not typically high in protein. A 2-tablespoon serving of cream-based sauce generally contains around 1-2 grams of protein, depending on the recipe, since its primary ingredients are cream, butter, and sometimes cheese rather than protein-rich foods.
Can I eat cream sauce on a keto diet?
Yes, cream sauce can fit into a keto diet as it is typically high in fat and low in carbohydrates. A 2-tablespoon serving of cream sauce may contain around 5-6 grams of fat and approximately 1-2 grams of carbs, but always check the recipe or product label for added sugars or carb-heavy ingredients.
Does cream sauce have any health benefits or concerns?
Cream sauce can provide energy due to its high fat content, and it may offer small amounts of calcium if made with dairy ingredients. However, it is calorie-dense, with approximately 100 calories per 2 tablespoons, and high in saturated fat, which could contribute to heart health concerns if consumed in excess.
What is the recommended serving size of cream sauce?
The recommended portion size for cream sauce is typically 2 tablespoons. This amount provides enough flavor without dramatically increasing calorie and fat intake, especially if you are watching your dietary goals.
How does cream sauce compare to tomato-based sauce in nutritional value?
Cream sauce is higher in calories and fat compared to tomato-based sauces, which are generally lower in calories and rich in vitamins like Vitamin C and lycopene. For example, cream sauce may have 100 calories and 5-6 grams of fat per 2 tablespoons, while tomato-based sauce might have around 20-50 calories and minimal fat.
Data Sources & Scientific References
Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.
- USDA FoodData - Cream sauce DataU.S. Department of AgricultureOfficial nutrition data for this specific food item from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's comprehensive food database.
- USDA FoodData Central: Cream SauceUSDA FoodData CentralThis entry provides a complete nutritional breakdown of cream sauce, including calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients.
- Dietary Fats and Cardiometabolic Health: A ReviewAmerican Journal of Clinical NutritionExplores the role of high-fat foods like cream-based sauces in cardiovascular health and overall dietary implications.
- Guidelines for Saturated Fat ConsumptionDietary Guidelines for AmericansDiscusses saturated fat intake recommendations, which are relevant to cream-based sauces due to their high dairy fat content.
- Dairy's Nutritional Role in Modern DietsHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthAnalyzes dairy's role in balanced diets, including foods like cream sauces, and the impact on health.
Additional Authoritative Sources:
Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.
