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A thick, glossy deep-red tomato sauce with small visible pieces of tomato and onion and scattered green herb flecks, served in a shallow bowl.
●Low GI

Napolitan sauce Calories

Classic Italian pasta sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs

In season: Summer · Autumn

CALORIES · 100 G

45kcal

GI

45low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

270mg

FIBER · 100 G

1.7g

Quick answer

½ cup (medium) of Napolitan sauce (120 g) has 54 calories. That works out to 45 calories per 100 g. It contains 10.2 g of carbs, 1.6 g of protein, 0.8 g of fat and 2 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 11% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 45 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Napolitan sauce Nutrition Facts

Selected: ½ cup (medium) · 120 g

54

KCAL / 120G

Carbs

10.2g

· 4% DV

Protein

1.6g

· 3% DV

Fat

0.8g

· 1% DV

Fiber

2g

· 7% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 75% · Protein 12% · Fat 13%

Napolitan sauce nutrition facts table · ½ cup (medium) (120 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories54 kcal
Total fat0.8 g1%
Saturated fat0.12 g1%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium384 mg17%
Total carbohydrate10.2 g4%
Fiber2 g7%
Protein1.6 g3%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in ½ Cup of Napolitan sauce?

ServingAmountCalories
½ cup (medium)120 g54 kcal
1 tablespoon (extra small)15 g7 kcal
2 tablespoon (small)30 g14 kcal
0.25 cup (small)60 g27 kcal
100 g100 g45 kcal
1 serving (medium)100 g45 kcal
1 cup (large)240 g108 kcal
1 bottle (large)350 g158 kcal

Calculated from 45 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Napolitan sauce

What is Napolitan sauce?

Napolitan sauce is an Italian-style tomato sauce commonly made with tomatoes, onion, garlic and herbs. It is most often served with pasta, though recipes vary in texture and seasoning.

How is Napolitan sauce different from Neapolitan ragù?

Napolitan sauce is usually a relatively simple tomato sauce, while Neapolitan ragù is a slow-cooked meat sauce traditionally made with larger cuts of meat. The two names refer to different preparations, despite their shared association with Naples.

Can you use Napolitan sauce as pizza sauce?

Yes, Napolitan sauce can be used on pizza. Spread on a thin layer so the crust does not become soggy, and taste it first; a sauce intended for pasta may be more seasoned or cooked down than a basic pizza tomato sauce.

How do you make Napolitan sauce taste less acidic?

To soften Napolitan sauce’s sharp tomato taste, simmer it longer so the flavors mellow and the sauce thickens. You can also add a small pinch of sugar, tasting as you go rather than making the sauce noticeably sweet.

What pasta goes best with Napolitan sauce?

Napolitan sauce works well with spaghetti, penne and other everyday pasta shapes. Smooth sauce clings neatly to long pasta, while ridged or tubular shapes catch small pieces of tomato and onion.

Can Napolitan sauce be used in lasagna?

Yes, Napolitan sauce can be used as the tomato layer in lasagna. Keep it thick enough that the assembled dish does not turn watery, and combine it with the other layers your recipe calls for.

How long does homemade Napolitan sauce last in the fridge?

Homemade Napolitan sauce generally keeps for a few days in the refrigerator when cooled promptly and stored in a clean, covered container. Discard it if you notice mold, an off smell or an unusual appearance.

Can Napolitan sauce be frozen?

Yes, Napolitan sauce freezes well. Cool it first, divide it into meal-size portions in freezer-safe containers, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating until hot.

What herbs go in Napolitan sauce?

Basil and oregano are common herbs for Napolitan sauce, with parsley also used in some versions. Add fresh basil near the end of cooking to retain more of its aroma.

Can you add vegetables to Napolitan sauce?

Yes, finely chopped vegetables such as bell pepper, mushrooms or zucchini can be cooked into Napolitan sauce. Soften them before adding the tomatoes so they have time to become tender without leaving the sauce watery.

Napolitan sauce Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin C

8.4mg · 9% DV

B3

0.96mg · 6% DV

Biotin

1.8µg · 6% DV

Vitamin E

0.84mg · 6% DV

Minerals

Sodium

384mg · 17% DV

Copper

0.1mg · 11% DV

Potassium ⭐

324mg · 10% DV

Manganese

0.11mg · 5% DV

Napolitan sauce Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

45
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

4.8
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Napolitan sauce

To burn the 54 calories in ½ cup (medium) (120 g):

🚶

13min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

6min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

7min

Cycling

🏊

6min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Napolitan sauce?

Napolitan sauce is an Italian tomato sauce, usually made with tomatoes, onion, garlic and herbs. It is often thick and glossy, with a little texture from finely chopped vegetables; recipes may include basil or oregano. The name points to Naples, though versions of the sauce are now common well beyond southern Italy.

In Italy, it is most often served with pasta, either stirred through or spooned over the top. Elsewhere, it also works as a simple sauce for vegetables or a base for a quick pasta meal. Tomato-led and relatively low in fat, it is a lighter option than creamy sauces, though it contributes carbohydrates. Pair it with wholegrain pasta or add beans and vegetables for a more substantial meal.

How Nutritious Is Napolitan sauce?

Nutrient density

Medium

38/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

46/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Napolitan sauce Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Napolitan sauce Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Napolitan sauce Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Napolitan sauce Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.12g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.24g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.24g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 10:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (10:1).

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.