FoodScore
0/ 100
PoorgrainBROWNBERRY· 1 bun

BROWNBERRY CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG BUNS, CHICAGO STYLE

BROWNBERRY CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG BUNS score 43/100 (Poor) due to being an ultra-processed food with notable added sugar and sodium content.

  • This product received a FoodScore of 43/100, classifying it as 'Poor'.
  • It is categorized as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
  • A serving contains 6g of added sugar and 500mg of sodium per 100g.
  • Compared to generic whole-grain buns, this SKU has less fiber and more added sugar.
  • Consider portion control and pairing with nutrient-dense foods to balance its nutritional profile.
  • Scores -4 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
2g
7% of Daily Value
Protein
8g
16% of Daily Value
Added sugar
6g
12% of Daily Value
Sodium
500mg
22% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2g)+1
Protein (8g)+4
Micronutrients (Iron, Folate, Riboflavin)+6
What holds it back
Added sugar (6g)-6
Sodium (500mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 43

BROWNBERRY CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG BUNS received a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing them in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily influenced by its classification as a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of 10 points. The product also contains 6g of added sugar per 100g, leading to a 6-point penalty, and 500mg of sodium per 100g, resulting in a 2-point penalty. On the positive side, the buns provide 8g of protein per 100g, earning a 4-point bonus, and 2g of fiber, contributing an additional 1 point. Micronutrient bonuses include 16% DV for iron and 24% DV for folate, along with riboflavin, adding 6 points. The presence of enriched wheat flour and ingredients like soy lecithin are common in ultra-processed baked goods. When compared to a generic whole-grain hot dog bun, this BROWNBERRY product contains less fiber and a higher amount of added sugar, impacting its overall nutritional standing.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in brownberry chicago style hot dog buns, chicago style actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Iron

These hot dog buns contribute to your daily iron intake, providing 16% of the Daily Value per 100g. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and plays a role in energy production. Including foods that offer iron can help prevent deficiency, particularly important for individuals with higher iron needs. While not a primary source, it can supplement iron from other dietary components.

Source of Folate

BROWNBERRY CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG BUNS are a source of folate, offering 24% of the Daily Value per 100g. Folate, or Vitamin B9, is crucial for cell division and DNA synthesis, making it especially important during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy. The enrichment of wheat flour with folic acid helps ensure consumers receive this vital nutrient, supporting overall cellular health and development.

Provides Protein

With 8g of protein per 100g, these buns contribute to your daily protein requirements. Protein is fundamental for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. While not a complete protein source on its own, the protein content in these buns can add to the total protein in a meal, especially when paired with other protein-rich foods.

How to eat it

Hot dog buns are typically consumed as a vehicle for hot dogs or sausages, often as part of a casual meal. A common portion is one bun, which provides a base for various toppings. Be mindful of the overall nutritional impact when combining with other ingredients.

To enhance the nutritional value, pair your hot dog bun with lean protein sources like chicken or turkey sausage and plenty of vegetables.
Consider using half a bun or an open-faced approach to reduce carbohydrate and sodium intake per serving.
Look for opportunities to incorporate whole grains elsewhere in your diet to balance the refined grains in these buns.
Be aware of toppings like ketchup, mustard, and relish, which can significantly add to the sodium and sugar content of your meal.
Things to keep in mind

Individuals with wheat or soy allergies should note that these buns contain enriched wheat flour and soy lecithin, as declared on the ingredient list. While the product does not contain unusually high levels of any single concerning additive, its classification as an ultra-processed food (NOVA class 4) suggests a formulation designed for shelf stability and palatability, often involving multiple processing steps and ingredients like vegetable oil (soybean) and sugar. Consumers managing sodium intake should be aware of the 500mg of sodium per 100g. Those monitoring added sugar intake should also consider the 6g of added sugar per 100g.

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Reader questions
Is BROWNBERRY CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG BUNS healthy?
BROWNBERRY CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG BUNS received a FoodScore of 43/100, indicating a 'Poor' nutritional rating. This is largely due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its content of added sugar (6g/100g) and sodium (500mg/100g). While it provides some iron and folate, it is not considered a nutrient-dense food for regular consumption.
How does BROWNBERRY compare to other hot dog buns?
Compared to a generic whole-grain hot dog bun, BROWNBERRY CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG BUNS typically contain less fiber and more added sugar. For example, some brands like Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns offer higher fiber content. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons, especially regarding whole grain content, fiber, added sugar, and sodium.
What is 'enriched wheat flour' in these buns?
Enriched wheat flour is refined wheat flour that has had certain nutrients, such as iron, niacin, thiamin mononitrate (Vitamin B1), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and folic acid, added back after processing. While it restores some lost nutrients, it still lacks the fiber found in whole wheat flour.
What is a reasonable portion size for these hot dog buns?
The declared serving size is 1 bun. Adhering to this portion size helps manage intake of added sugar and sodium. If you are looking to reduce carbohydrate or calorie intake, consider using half a bun or an open-faced serving.
Are these buns suitable for a low-sodium diet?
With 500mg of sodium per 100g, BROWNBERRY CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG BUNS are not considered a low-sodium food. Individuals following a low-sodium diet should choose alternatives with significantly lower sodium content or consume this product very sparingly and account for its contribution to their daily sodium limit.

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