Cocktail sauce is a popular condiment often served with shrimp. The main ingredients in cocktail sauce are ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice. While cocktail sauce can have a tangy, spicy kick from the horseradish, it’s actually relatively low in carbohydrates compared to other condiments like barbecue sauce or sweet and sour sauce.
What are the main ingredients in cocktail sauce?
The primary ingredients in basic cocktail sauce include:
- Ketchup – Provides sweetness, tomato flavor, and thick texture
- Horseradish – Adds spice and tang
- Lemon juice – Contributes acidity to brighten the flavors
- Worcestershire sauce – Provides umami depth
- Hot sauce – Optional for extra heat
Some recipes also include ingredients like:
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
The main source of carbs in cocktail sauce comes from the ketchup. Let’s take a closer look at that key ingredient.
Carbohydrates in Ketchup
A typical serving of ketchup (1 tablespoon or 17 grams) contains around 4 grams of carbohydrate, including:
- 3 grams of sugar
- 1 gram of starch
So in a 17 gram serving, about 24% of the calories come from carbohydrates.
The sugars provide the characteristic sweetness, while the starch contributes texture. Ketchup gets its rich red color mainly from tomatoes.
Carbohydrate Content in Cocktail Sauce
Most cocktail sauce recipes call for 2 parts ketchup to 1 part horseradish.
Let’s consider a common recipe for about 1/4 cup of cocktail sauce:
- 2 tablespoons (34 grams) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon (17 grams) horseradish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Dash of hot sauce
This would provide approximately:
- Ketchup: 7 grams carbs
- Horseradish: 1 gram carbs
- Lemon juice: 0.5 grams carbs
- Hot sauce: Negligible carbs
So the total carb count comes out to about 8-9 grams of carbohydrate per 1/4 cup of cocktail sauce.
If you are limiting carbs, you may want to go lighter on the ketchup or balance it out with more horseradish to lower the overall carb content. Some low-carb ketchup options have around 1-2 grams carbs per tablespoon.
Cocktail Sauce Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition breakdown for a typical 2 tablespoon (30 gram) serving of cocktail sauce made with regular ketchup:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 171 mg |
As you can see, the majority of calories come from carbohydrates. There is very little fat or protein.
The amount of carbohydrates can vary somewhat based on the exact ingredients and proportions used. But in general, you can expect around 10-15 grams of carbs per 1/4 cup of cocktail sauce.
Ways to Lower the Carbs in Cocktail Sauce
If you want to reduce the carb content of your cocktail sauce, here are some tips:
- Use low-sugar or low-carb ketchup – These can have 1-2 grams carbs per tablespoon instead of 4 grams
- Reduce the amount of ketchup – Try equal parts ketchup and horseradish
- Substitute tomato paste for some of the ketchup – Adds tomato flavor with fewer carbs
- Add extra lemon juice or hot sauce – Provides flavor without carbs
- Garnish with fresh herbs like dill instead of sugar
Making these simple substitutions can help cut the carbohydrates substantially. You’ll still get plenty of great flavor combinations.
Cocktail Sauce Carbs for Diabetics
For people with diabetes monitoring their carbohydrate intake, cocktail sauce can certainly be enjoyed in moderation.
Here are some tips to keep carb counts low:
– Stick to 2 tablespoons (30 grams) or less per serving
– Opt for low-carb ketchup
– Pair it with lean protein like grilled shrimp or chicken
– Include a side salad instead of starchy foods
– Account for the carbohydrates when calculating insulin needs
Moderating overall portions and counting carbs are key for diabetics eating cocktail sauce or any sauce with sugar. Enjoying it occasionally as part of balanced diet shouldn’t pose a problem.
Conclusion
Cocktail sauce provides a tasty, tangy accompaniment for shrimp and seafood. While ketchup does contribute some carbohydrates, a typical 2 tablespoon serving of cocktail sauce contains around 10-15 grams of carbs. This is relatively low compared to many condiments and sauces. Those limiting carbs can reduce the ketchup or use low-carb versions to cut back on carbohydrates while still enjoying the zesty flavor. With reasonable portions, cocktail sauce can be part of an overall healthy diet, even for people with diabetes. Moderation and smart substitutions are key to keeping carb counts in check.