Cranberry Glaze for Meats
Cranberry Glaze for Meats is a sweet and tart sauce, typically made from cranberries, sugar, and spices, that is used to coat or baste meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It is a staple of North American cuisine, particularly associated with holiday meals in the United States and Canada. The glaze caramelizes during cooking, creating a shiny, flavorful crust.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This glaze is generally high in carbohydrates due to its sugar content, with minimal fat or protein. It provides a good source of antioxidants from the cranberries and adds a quick energy boost from the sugars. A typical serving (about 2 tablespoons) contains roughly 80-100 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 40 mg |
| Manganese | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin K | 3 mcg |
| Copper | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.01 mg |
| Magnesium | 3 mg |
Per 2 tablespoons (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this glaze is a signature element of the traditional American Thanksgiving dinner, symbolizing the harvest season. Nutritionally, the cranberries offer beneficial compounds like proanthocyanidins, which are known for supporting urinary tract health, making this flavorful addition a surprisingly functional component of a festive meal.
