How Much Phosphorus Is in Horseradish?

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, one tablespoon of prepared horseradish contains approximately 4.65 to 5 milligrams of phosphorus, a minimal amount for daily intake. However, a full serving of raw horseradish root provides a more significant source of this essential mineral, alongside other key nutrients.

Quick Summary

Horseradish contains varying levels of phosphorus depending on its form. Raw root provides a moderate amount per 100g, while the prepared condiment offers minimal levels per typical serving. The article explores these nutritional differences and compares its mineral content to other common foods.

Key Points

Phosphorus Content Varies: Prepared horseradish contains approximately 4.65–5mg of phosphorus per tablespoon, while raw root has a more concentrated 120mg per 100g serving.
Raw is More Potent: The fresh, raw root of horseradish is significantly more nutrient-dense, providing higher levels of phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin C by weight than the prepared condiment.
Sodium is Higher in Prepared: Bottled or prepared horseradish often has a much higher sodium content due to added salt, a key difference from its natural state.
Phosphorus's Role: Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body, vital for bone health, energy production, and kidney function.
Beyond Phosphorus: Horseradish also provides other beneficial nutrients and compounds, including antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Moderation is Key: While nutritious, the intense flavor of horseradish means it's consumed in small amounts, so it's not a major source of minerals but a valuable supplement to other foods.

Nutritional Breakdown of Horseradish

While most people consume horseradish in small, condiment-sized servings, understanding its full nutritional profile requires looking at both raw root and the prepared product. Phosphorus is a critical mineral for bone health, energy metabolism, and cell function. Its presence in horseradish, though not a primary selling point, contributes to its overall nutritional value. The difference in mineral concentration between the raw root and the prepared sauce is a crucial detail for anyone tracking their mineral intake. For example, prepared horseradish has a much higher sodium content due to added salt, and a higher water content than the raw form.

Raw vs. Prepared Horseradish: A Phosphorus Comparison

The most significant factor affecting the phosphorus content in your horseradish is whether it is raw or processed into a sauce. The grating and preservation process, which adds vinegar and salt, dilutes the nutritional density of the root. As a result, the condiment form contains a far smaller concentration of minerals by weight than the fresh root. This is particularly relevant for those on a diet that requires careful monitoring of phosphorus intake, such as individuals with chronic kidney disease. A comparison illustrates the difference clearly:


Nutrient (per 100g)	Raw Horseradish Root	Prepared Horseradish	Primary Source	Daily Value	Key Differences
Phosphorus	120mg	31mg	National Institutes of Health, Foodstruct	700mg (Adults)	Raw root has nearly 4x the phosphorus per 100g.
Potassium	740mg	246mg	National Institutes of Health, Foodstruct	3,400mg	Raw root offers substantially more potassium.
Sodium	7mg	420mg	National Institutes of Health, Foodstruct	2,300mg	Prepared version has dramatically more sodium due to added salt.
Vitamin C	114mg	25mg	National Institutes of Health, Foodstruct	75-90mg	Raw root is a much more concentrated source of Vitamin C.
Fiber	7.3g	3.3g	National Institutes of Health, Foodstruct	25-38g	Raw root contains more than double the dietary fiber.

The Health Role of Phosphorus and Other Nutrients

Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the human body, with a majority found in bones and teeth. Beyond structural support, it is crucial for energy storage and release (as ATP), muscle contraction, and filtering waste in the kidneys. While horseradish is not a primary source of this mineral, its small contribution complements a balanced diet. Moreover, horseradish is known for other beneficial components, including potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The health benefits extend beyond its mineral content, offering a spicy, nutrient-dense addition to meals.

How to Incorporate Horseradish Into Your Diet

For those looking to maximize the nutritional benefits of horseradish, using the fresh root is the most effective approach. Since a small amount can go a long way, here are some ideas for adding it to your cooking:

Grate fresh horseradish into sauces for steaks, roast beef, or grilled fish.
Mix freshly grated root into mashed potatoes or savory root vegetable mashes.
Add a small amount to vinaigrettes or salad dressings for an extra kick.
Infuse thinly sliced horseradish into vinegar to create a homemade digestive tonic.
Blend a little fresh root into homemade dips like hummus or guacamole.
For a milder flavor, add it near the end of cooking in soups or stews.

A Deeper Look into Horseradish's Nutrients

In addition to phosphorus, horseradish provides a range of other important nutrients, especially in its fresh form. These include:

Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant supports the immune system and helps fight against free radical damage.
Potassium: An electrolyte that is vital for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
Magnesium: Important for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and regulating blood pressure.
Folate: Essential for cell growth and metabolism, and particularly important during pregnancy.
Dietary Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut environment.

Incorporating fresh horseradish into your diet, even in small quantities, can help boost your intake of these valuable nutrients. This is especially true when using methods like infusing or adding to dishes, which utilize the full potential of the root. For more information on the health benefits of spices and condiments, check out authoritative resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

While horseradish is not a powerhouse source of phosphorus in the same league as dairy or meat, it contributes a modest amount of this essential mineral, particularly in its raw form. The concentration of phosphorus, along with other nutrients like potassium and vitamin C, is significantly higher in fresh root compared to the prepared sauce, which often contains high levels of sodium. By opting for fresh horseradish and using it creatively in cooking, you can enjoy its distinct flavor while boosting your intake of valuable minerals and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a typical one-tablespoon serving of prepared horseradish contains only about 4.65 to 5 milligrams of phosphorus, which is a very small amount relative to the recommended daily intake.

Fresh, raw horseradish root contains a more significant amount of phosphorus compared to its prepared counterpart, with approximately 120 milligrams per 100 grams. However, since it is typically used in small quantities, it contributes moderately to your daily intake.

The main difference is concentration and dilution. The process of making prepared horseradish adds other ingredients like vinegar and salt, diluting the mineral content. This means raw horseradish is significantly more nutrient-dense per weight.

Horseradish is not a top source of phosphorus. Foods like sunflower seeds (1552mg/cup), certain cheeses (1225mg/cup), or chicken (182mg/3oz) contain much higher concentrations. It is a minor contributor in a balanced diet.

Information on the specific absorption rate for horseradish was not immediately available. Generally, phosphorus from plant-based foods can be less bioavailable than from animal products due to compounds like phytic acid, though processing and cooking can alter this.

While horseradish does contain phosphorus, it's not a practical food to rely on for your daily needs due to its pungent flavor and the small serving sizes typically consumed. It is better to get phosphorus from more concentrated sources like dairy, meat, and nuts.

Prepared horseradish typically has a high sodium content because salt is added as a preservative and to enhance its flavor. This differs significantly from fresh, raw horseradish root, which is naturally low in sodium.