Garlic Sauce

Woolworths Garlic Sauce

  • Sauce
  • Checked
  • Grade D
Log this foodSource
The short answer

Garlic Sauce by Woolworths has 140 kcal, 5 g carbs, 0.2 g protein and 13.5 g fat per serving (Per 25g serving).

Calories140kcal
Carbs5g
Protein0.2g
Fat13.5g
About it

Woolworths Garlic Sauce is a condiment primarily composed of garlic and vegetable oil, making it rich in fats. With 139.6 kcal and 13.5 g of fat per serving (25 g), it is not designed as a primary energy source for endurance athletes. The carbohydrate content is low, at 5 g per serving, with no sugars, providing minimal quick energy. This sauce might be used sparingly for flavor in meals but lacks the macronutrient profile needed for pre-race or intra-race fueling. Its low sodium content (6 mg per serving) does not contribute significantly to electrolyte replenishment during prolonged exercise. While it can add taste to post-training meals, its high-fat content could slow gastric emptying, making it less suitable immediately before or during exercise.

  • Rich flavor enhancer
  • High in fats for satiety
  • Minimal sugar content

On the label per serving, Per 25g serving

Energy584 kJ
Calories140 kcal
Carbs5.0 g
Sugar0.0 g
Fibre0.6 g
Protein0.2 g
Fat13.5 g
Saturated fat1.0 g
Sodium6 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density20%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal4 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density23.4 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour12How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileLow glycemic impact due to minimal carbohydrates. Slow gastric emptying due to high fat content, unlikely to cause blood sugar spikes.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

For endurance athletes, Woolworths Garlic Sauce is not a suitable option for fueling during exercise or for pre-race preparation. Its high-fat content can slow digestion, and the low carbohydrate and sodium levels do not support energy or electrolyte needs during endurance activities. It can be used sparingly for flavor in meals but should not be relied upon for nutritional support in training or competition.

Who it is for

This sauce is best suited for athletes looking to enhance the flavor of their meals without adding significant carbohydrates or sugars. It is not ideal for those seeking quick energy or electrolyte replenishment. Athletes focusing on weight maintenance or those in a low-carb phase might find it useful as a meal component.

Best sessions

Best used in non-training meals or as a flavor addition during recovery meals. Not suitable for pre-race or during high-intensity sessions due to low carb content.

Pros
  • Rich garlic flavor enhances meals
  • Low sugar content per serving
  • Can add satiety due to high fat
  • Versatile use in various dishes
Cons
  • Low carbohydrate content for energy
  • High fat slows gastric emptying
  • Minimal sodium for electrolyte needs
Watch out for
  • Potential GI distress if consumed pre-exercise
  • High fat content may slow digestion

Fuelling science in short

During a session

No, not practical for workout use. High fat content and low carbs make it unsuitable for quick energy needs.

Glycaemic profile

Low glycemic impact due to minimal carbohydrates. Slow gastric emptying due to high fat content, unlikely to cause blood sugar spikes.

Electrolytes

Very low sodium content (6 mg per serving) does not support significant electrolyte replenishment during exercise.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
5 g
Hourly capacity
Low, not suitable for carb loading

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterDO NOT USE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayCAUTION

The sauce is unsuitable for pre-race and during-race use due to its low carbohydrate content and high fat, which can slow gastric emptying. It does not support recovery needs as it lacks adequate carbohydrates and protein. Its use in everyday training should be cautious due to its high-fat content, which may not align with typical endurance nutrition strategies.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because the high fat content can slow gastric emptying, and the low carbohydrate content does not provide sufficient energy.

Pair it with
  • Grilled vegetables for added flavor
  • Lean protein like chicken for balanced meals
  • Whole grain wraps for a more complete macronutrient profile

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Based on nutritional analysis and known physiological effects of high-fat foods on gastric emptying and energy provision.

In a carb load

Woolworths Garlic Sauce has a low carbohydrate density of 18 g per 100 g, making it unsuitable for carbohydrate loading. A single serving (25 g) provides only 5 g of carbohydrates, contributing minimally to the 600-840 g/day target for a 70 kg athlete. The high fat content (53.9 g per 100 g) can lead to early satiety and slow gastric emptying, further limiting its practicality for loading. An athlete would need to consume an impractical number of servings to meet carb-loading targets, which is not feasible due to the high fat and low carb profile.

Digestion and absorption

The sauce's high fat content can slow gastric emptying, delaying nutrient absorption. Carbohydrates are minimal, with likely absorption via SGLT1 transporters. The high fat content may also activate cholecystokinin (CCK), slowing gastric motility. With negligible protein and fiber, the sauce's impact on insulin response is minimal. Any unabsorbed residues are unlikely to cause significant fermentation or GI distress unless consumed in large quantities.

Recovery

The sauce provides minimal carbohydrates and negligible protein, failing to meet the post-exercise recovery needs of 1.0-1.2 g/kg/h carbohydrates and 0.3-0.4 g/kg protein. It lacks the necessary nutrients to support glycogen resynthesis or muscle protein synthesis. Its high-fat content does not contribute to rehydration or recovery, making it inadequate as a standalone recovery food.

Downsides

The high fat content can slow gastric emptying, potentially causing GI discomfort if consumed before or during exercise. The low carbohydrate content offers minimal energy support, and the sauce's high caloric density may lead to unintended caloric intake if not monitored. It provides negligible sodium, failing to support electrolyte needs during prolonged exercise. The sauce's flavor and oil content may also increase the risk of dental erosion if consumed frequently.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fat content.
  • Avoid during high-intensity sessions for lack of quick energy.
  • Not suitable for recovery due to insufficient protein and carbs.
Clinical risks
  • High fat content can delay gastric emptying, causing GI distress if consumed pre-exercise.
  • Low sodium content does not support sweat-induced electrolyte losses during exercise.
  • Inadequate carbohydrate supply fails to meet energy demands during endurance events.
  • Potential for increased caloric intake if used excessively due to high fat density.

Questions about Garlic Sauce

How many carbs are in Garlic Sauce by Woolworths?

5 g of carbs per serving (Per 25g serving), with 140 kcal and 0.2 g protein.

Is Woolworths Garlic Sauce suitable for pre-race meals?

No, the high fat content can slow gastric emptying, and it lacks sufficient carbohydrates for energy.

Can I use this sauce during a race?

No, it does not provide quick energy or electrolytes needed during endurance events.

What are alternatives for garlic sauce during training?

Consider low-fat, high-carb options like energy gels or drinks for better energy support.

Is this sauce good for recovery meals?

No, it lacks the necessary protein and carbohydrates for effective recovery.

How does this sauce behave in hot weather?

The sauce's high oil content may separate in heat, affecting texture but not safety.

Are there allergens in Woolworths Garlic Sauce?

No specific allergens are stated, but always check for cross-contamination risks.

In the app

Eating this today? Log it in one tap.

Say "Garlic Sauce" and it lands in your diary, counted against today's carbs and protein.

Say what you ate, in the Glyco app