BERTOLLI Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce receives a FoodScore of 49/100 (Decent). Its score is primarily driven by its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food, despite offering some beneficial micronutrients.
This sauce has a FoodScore of 49/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
It provides 20% DV of Vitamin A and 18% DV of Vitamin C per 100g serving.
The product contains 276.38mg of sodium per 100g, which is a moderate amount.
Classified as NOVA 3 (processed), it contains more ingredients than a generic tomato sauce.
A typical 1/2 cup serving contributes 78.74 calories and 0g of added sugar.
Scores +9 points above the condiment category average (40/100 across 103 foods).
Fiber
0.8g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
2.36g
5% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
276.38mg
12% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
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What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 49
BERTOLLI Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce earns a FoodScore of 49 out of 100, categorized as 'Decent.' This score reflects a balance of its nutritional contributions and its processing level. The product receives bonuses for its micronutrient content, specifically providing 20% DV for Vitamin A and 18% DV for Vitamin C per 100g serving. These vitamins are naturally present from the tomato puree and diced tomatoes. However, it incurs a penalty due to its NOVA 3 classification, indicating it is a processed food. While it contains beneficial ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and garlic, the overall formulation includes components like calcium chloride and citric acid, which are common in processed foods. Notably, the product contains 0g of added sugar per 100g, aligning with a positive dietary choice. Compared to a generic unbranded tomato sauce, the BERTOLLI sauce has a similar nutritional profile but is slightly more processed due to the inclusion of additional ingredients for texture and flavor.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in bertolli olive oil & garlic sauce actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Key Vitamins
This sauce provides a notable amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Per 100g, it contributes 20% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A and 18% for Vitamin C. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, while Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production. Incorporating this sauce can help contribute to your daily intake of these essential vitamins, particularly when paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
Contains Healthy Fats from Olive Oil
The inclusion of extra virgin olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats to this sauce. These fats are recognized for their role in supporting cardiovascular health. While the total fat content is 2.76g per 100g, the presence of olive oil means a portion of this comes from beneficial sources. Using this sauce can be a way to incorporate some healthy fats into meals, especially when combined with lean proteins or vegetables.
Low in Added Sugar
This BERTOLLI sauce contains 0g of added sugar per 100g serving. This is a positive attribute, as limiting added sugar intake is a key recommendation in dietary guidelines for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Choosing sauces with no added sugar can help manage caloric intake and support healthier eating patterns, especially for individuals monitoring their sugar consumption.
BERTOLLI Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce receives a FoodScore of 49/100 (Decent). Its score is primarily driven by its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food, despite offering some beneficial micronutrients.
How to eat it
BERTOLLI Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for pizza, or an ingredient in casseroles. A common serving size is 1/2 cup (127g). It's a convenient option for adding flavor to meals.
Pair with whole-wheat pasta and plenty of vegetables to increase fiber and nutrient intake.
Use as a base for a quick shakshuka by simmering eggs directly in the sauce for a protein-rich meal.
To manage sodium intake, balance this sauce with low-sodium ingredients in your overall meal preparation.
Consider diluting with a small amount of water or low-sodium broth if you prefer a thinner consistency or want to slightly reduce the flavor intensity.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains calcium chloride and citric acid, which are common food additives used as firming aids and preservatives in canned goods. While generally recognized as safe, individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients may wish to review the label. The sodium content at 276.38mg per 100g is moderate; those monitoring their sodium intake for conditions like high blood pressure should consider this amount within their daily limits. There are no common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg explicitly declared as ingredients in this formulation.
BERTOLLI Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce receives a FoodScore of 49/100, classifying it as 'Decent.' It offers some beneficial micronutrients like Vitamin A and C and contains no added sugar. However, it is a processed food (NOVA 3), which contributes to its overall score. Its healthfulness depends on portion size and how it fits into your overall dietary pattern.
How does BERTOLLI Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce compare to other brands?
Compared to a generic unbranded tomato sauce, BERTOLLI Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce has a similar nutritional profile but is classified as more processed due to its ingredient list. When compared to other branded pasta sauces like Rao's Homemade Marinara, the BERTOLLI sauce may have a different flavor profile and ingredient list, so checking the nutrition facts for added sugar and sodium is always recommended for specific comparisons.
What is 'calcium chloride' in the ingredient list?
Calcium chloride is an ingredient listed in the diced tomatoes within the sauce. It functions as a firming aid, helping to maintain the texture and integrity of the diced tomatoes during processing and storage. It is a common food additive and is generally considered safe for consumption.
What is a typical serving size for this sauce?
The recommended serving size for BERTOLLI Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce is 1/2 cup (127g). This portion provides 78.74 calories and 276.38mg of sodium. It's important to measure your serving to accurately track your nutrient intake, especially for calories and sodium.
Can this sauce be used in a low-sodium diet?
With 276.38mg of sodium per 100g, this sauce contributes a moderate amount of sodium. For individuals on a strict low-sodium diet, this amount might be significant depending on other ingredients in the meal. It's advisable to factor this into your daily sodium allowance and pair it with very low-sodium foods.