Sweet-and-sour sauce

Condiment

Item Rating: 49/100

1 serving (30 grams) contains 45 calories, 0.1 grams of protein, 0.0 grams of fat, and 10.5 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (236.2g)

Calories		354.3
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		0.2 g	0%
	Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		1181.1 mg	51%
Total Carbohydrates		82.7 g	30%
	Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
	Sugars	70.9 g
protein		1.2 g	2%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		23.6 mg	1%
Iron		0.5 mg	2%
Potassium		118.1 mg	2%

* 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

Fat: 1 cal (0.5%)

Protein: 4 cal (1.4%)

Carbs: 330 cal (98.0%)

About Sweet-and-sour sauce

Sweet-and-sour sauce is a flavorful condiment originating from Chinese cuisine, known for its balance of tangy and sugary notes. Traditionally made with vinegar, sugar, and tomato-based ingredients, it is often paired with fried dishes or used as a dipping sauce. Nutritionally, the sauce is generally high in carbohydrates due to sugar content and delivers small amounts of vitamins A and C when made with tomato or fruit-based components. However, depending on the recipe or processing method, sodium levels may be significant, particularly in commercially-prepared versions. Its popularity has spread globally, leading to variations of the recipe including tropical fruit additions such as pineapple.

Health Benefits

• Provides vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production, particularly in recipes with tomatoes or citrus fruits.
• Contains small amounts of vitamin A, essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and skin, especially in tomato-based versions.
• Offers simple carbohydrates that can provide a quick source of energy, though should be consumed in moderation considering sugar levels.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains soy (in some recipes), gluten (if made with soy sauce containing wheat)

Suitable for: Vegetarian, vegan (if made without animal-derived thickeners)

Not suitable for: Low-sugar diets, low-sodium diets, paleo diets (contains processed sugars and potential grains)

Selection and Storage

Store sweet-and-sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Homemade versions can be frozen for longer-term storage if needed.

Common Questions About Sweet-and-sour sauce Nutrition

How many calories are in sweet-and-sour sauce?

Sweet-and-sour sauce typically contains around 50-70 calories per tablespoon, but this can vary depending on the recipe or brand. It is generally high in sugar, contributing significantly to the calorie count.

Is sweet-and-sour sauce suitable for a keto diet?

Sweet-and-sour sauce is generally not keto-friendly due to its high sugar content, which can result in 10-15 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon. Keto dieters may opt for homemade or sugar-free versions to lower carbohydrate intake.

Are there any health benefits to sweet-and-sour sauce?

Sweet-and-sour sauce may offer minor benefits when made with natural ingredients like vinegar, which can aid digestion. However, the high sugar content in most recipes poses health concerns, such as potential weight gain and blood sugar spikes.

What is the recommended serving size for sweet-and-sour sauce?

A typical serving size is about 1-2 tablespoons, which provides flavor without excessive calorie or sugar intake. Larger portions can quickly add to caloric and sugar consumption, so moderation is key.

How does sweet-and-sour sauce compare to barbecue sauce nutritionally?

Both sauces are high in added sugars, but sweet-and-sour sauce often contains more carbohydrates per serving due to its sweet profile. Barbecue sauce might offer a smokier, lower-sugar option depending on the brand or recipe, but both should be consumed in moderation.

Data Sources & Scientific References