FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidotherA.1.· 2 tsp

A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB, GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS

A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its **high sodium and added sugar content**, alongside its ultra-processed nature.

  • This product has a FoodScore of 0/100, indicating it offers minimal nutritional value.
  • It contains 5833.33mg of sodium per 100g, a significant amount for a seasoning.
  • With 23.33g of added sugar per 100g, it contributes to excess sugar intake.
  • As a NOVA Class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed.
  • Use sparingly to flavor foods without significantly increasing sodium and sugar.
  • Scores -42 points above the other category average (42/100 across 979 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
23.33g
47% of Daily Value
Sodium
5833.33mg
254% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
What holds it back
Added sugar (23.3g)-25
Sodium (5833.3mg)-12
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15

Why it scores 0

A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB scores 0 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This low score is primarily driven by its high levels of added sugar and sodium. Per 100g, the product contains 23.33g of added sugar, which incurs a substantial penalty of -25 points. The ingredient list shows sugar as the first ingredient, indicating its prominence. Additionally, the sodium content is exceptionally high at 5833.33mg per 100g, leading to a -12 point penalty. The presence of maltodextrin and corn syrup further contributes to the product's classification as ultra-processed (NOVA Class 4), resulting in a -10 point penalty. The lack of protein and fiber, coupled with minimal micronutrient contributions (except for iron), results in a -15 point penalty for empty calories. While it does provide 6mg of iron (33% DV), earning a small bonus of +2, this is insufficient to offset the significant penalties. Compared to a generic unbranded dry rub, this A.1. product's specific formulation with high sugar and sodium is a key differentiator.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in a.1. garlic & classic herbs dry rub, garlic & classic herbs actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Enhances Flavor in Meals

While not a source of significant nutrients, A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB can be used to add flavor to otherwise bland foods. This can be particularly useful for individuals looking to make lean proteins or vegetables more palatable without adding extra calories from fats. The blend of garlic, onion, and spices provides a savory profile that can make healthy eating more enjoyable, potentially encouraging greater consumption of nutrient-dense foods.

Source of Iron

This dry rub provides 6mg of iron per 100g, which is 33% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral for oxygen transport in the blood and plays a role in energy metabolism. While the serving size is small (2 tsp), contributing a negligible amount of iron per serving, the concentration in the product itself is notable. For individuals seeking to increase their iron intake, incorporating iron-rich foods is key, and this product offers a minor contribution.

Convenient Seasoning Option

A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB offers a convenient way to season dishes without needing to measure individual spices. Its pre-mixed nature saves time in meal preparation, making it a practical choice for busy individuals. This convenience can help in preparing home-cooked meals, which generally allows for better control over ingredients compared to eating out, even if the seasoning itself is ultra-processed.

How to eat it

This dry rub is typically used as a seasoning for meats, poultry, or vegetables before cooking. A common portion is 1-2 teaspoons per serving of food. The main pitfall is over-seasoning, which can lead to excessive sodium and added sugar intake.

Use this dry rub in moderation to flavor lean proteins like chicken breast or fish, being mindful of the sodium and added sugar content.
Combine with fresh herbs and spices to dilute the concentration of the dry rub and reduce overall sodium per serving.
Consider using this product as a finishing spice rather than a primary seasoning to control the amount consumed.
Pair with unsalted vegetables or grains to balance the high sodium content of the rub.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware of the high sodium content in A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB, which is 5833.33mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those on sodium-restricted diets should use this product very sparingly. The presence of sugar as the first ingredient, along with maltodextrin and corn syrup, means it contributes significantly to added sugar intake. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should account for this when consuming the product. Silicon dioxide is included as an anticaking agent, which is generally recognized as safe. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label.

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Reader questions
Is A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB healthy?
A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB is not considered a healthy food. It scores 0/100 on FoodScore due to its high levels of added sugar and sodium, and its classification as an ultra-processed food. While it contains some iron, its overall nutritional profile is poor.
How does A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB compare to other dry rubs?
Compared to a generic unbranded dry rub, A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB is notable for its high added sugar content (23.33g/100g) and very high sodium (5833.33mg/100g). Some other brands, like McCormick's Grill Mates, may have varying levels of these ingredients, so checking individual labels is important for comparison.
What is maltodextrin, and why is it in this product?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, often used as a thickener, filler, or preservative. In this dry rub, it likely contributes to the texture and acts as a carrier for flavors. It is a source of calories and contributes to the overall processed nature of the product.
What is a typical serving size, and how much sodium would that contribute?
A typical serving size is 2 teaspoons. While the nutritional information is provided per 100g, a 2-teaspoon serving would contribute a notable amount of sodium. Given the high concentration of sodium, even a small serving can add significantly to your daily intake.
Can this dry rub be used on vegetables?
Yes, A.1. GARLIC & CLASSIC HERBS DRY RUB can be used to season vegetables. However, due to its high sodium and added sugar content, it's advisable to use it sparingly. Consider combining it with fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying solely on this product.

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Data & references