FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentgrainBEST YET· 0.5 PACKAGE (ABOUT 1 CUP PREPARED)

BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN

BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN scores 55/100, a 'Decent' rating, primarily due to its **high sodium content** despite beneficial protein and micronutrients.

  • BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN has a FoodScore of 55/100, rated as 'Decent'.
  • A serving provides 15g of protein, contributing positively to daily intake.
  • The product contains 1150mg of sodium per 100g, a significant concern.
  • Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food, unlike generic whole-grain pasta.
  • Consider this product as an occasional meal component rather than a dietary staple.
  • Scores +8 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
3.3g
12% of Daily Value
Protein
15g
30% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
1150mg
50% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.3g)+3
Protein (15g)+10
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron, Vitamin A, Riboflavin)+8
What holds it back
Sodium (1150mg)-6
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 55

BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN achieves a FoodScore of 55 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of nutritional positives and negatives. On the positive side, the product receives bonuses for its protein content, providing 15g per 100g, and for several micronutrients including Calcium (13% DV), Iron (17% DV), and Vitamin A (37% DV). However, significant penalties are incurred due to its high sodium content, which stands at 1150mg per 100g. This amount contributes substantially to the daily recommended limit. Additionally, its classification as NOVA 4 indicates it is an ultra-processed food, leading to a penalty. The ingredient list begins with 'ENRICHED PASTA' and 'ENRICHED SPINACH PASTA', which are not whole grains, differing from a generic whole-grain pasta baseline. While it contains no added sugar, the overall formulation and processing contribute to its moderate score, suggesting it is not an optimal choice for frequent consumption when compared to less processed alternatives.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in best yet pasta & sauce, parmesan actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Supports Muscle Maintenance and Satiety

BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN provides 15g of protein per 100g, which is a meaningful amount for muscle maintenance and repair. Protein also contributes to satiety, helping you feel full and potentially reducing overall calorie intake. Incorporating this product into a meal can help meet daily protein requirements, especially when combined with other protein sources to create a balanced meal.

Source of Essential Micronutrients

This product contributes to the intake of several key micronutrients. It provides 13% DV for calcium, 17% DV for iron, and 37% DV for vitamin A per 100g. These nutrients are important for bone health, oxygen transport, and vision, respectively. While not a primary source for all micronutrients, the inclusion of these vitamins and minerals adds to the nutritional profile of BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN.

Convenient Meal Option

As a ready-to-prepare meal, BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN offers convenience for quick meals. For individuals with limited time for cooking, this product can serve as a base for a meal. While convenience is a practical benefit, it's important to balance it with nutritional considerations, especially regarding sodium intake and the overall processed nature of the food.

How to eat it

BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN is typically consumed as a quick main dish or side. A common portion is about 1 cup prepared, which is half the package. Due to its high sodium content, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and other sodium sources in your diet.

To enhance the nutritional value, pair this pasta with a generous serving of fresh or steamed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers.
Consider adding a lean protein source such as grilled chicken, fish, or beans to create a more balanced and filling meal.
Use half the recommended serving of BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN and combine it with plain, unsalted pasta to reduce the overall sodium per meal.
Be mindful of other high-sodium foods consumed throughout the day when including this product in your diet.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware of the high sodium content in BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN, which is 1150mg per 100g. Individuals managing blood pressure or those advised to limit sodium intake should consume this product sparingly or in smaller portions. The ingredient list includes 'MILK' and 'WHEAT FLOUR', indicating the presence of common allergens: milk and wheat. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid this product. The presence of 'DISODIUM PHOSPHATE' is a common food additive, generally recognized as safe, but some individuals may prefer to limit intake of highly processed foods containing such additives.

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Reader questions
Is BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN healthy?
BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN scores 55/100, indicating it's a 'Decent' choice. While it provides protein and some micronutrients, its high sodium content is a significant nutritional drawback. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
How does BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN compare to a generic whole-grain pasta?
Compared to a generic whole-grain pasta, BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN is significantly higher in sodium and is classified as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4). A generic whole-grain pasta would typically offer more fiber and less sodium, making it a more favorable choice for regular consumption.
What is 'ENRICHED PASTA' in the ingredient list?
'ENRICHED PASTA' means that certain nutrients lost during the processing of wheat flour, such as niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, have been added back. While this restores some nutrients, it does not make it a whole grain product, which retains all parts of the grain.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The declared serving size is 0.5 package, which is about 1 cup prepared. Given the sodium content, sticking to this portion size or even a smaller one is advisable. Combining it with a large portion of vegetables can help create a more balanced meal without exceeding recommended sodium limits.
Can I reduce the sodium content when preparing BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN?
Since the sodium is primarily in the sauce mix, it's difficult to significantly reduce the sodium content during preparation. You could try using less of the seasoning packet, but this might affect the flavor. A more effective strategy is to balance your overall daily sodium intake by choosing low-sodium options for other meals.
How does this compare to other branded pasta and sauce mixes, like Hamburger Helper?
BEST YET PASTA & SAUCE, PARMESAN, like many other branded pasta and sauce mixes such as Hamburger Helper, falls into the ultra-processed category and often contains high levels of sodium. While convenient, these products generally offer less fiber and more additives compared to preparing pasta and sauce from scratch using whole ingredients.

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