Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans 108 oz
Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans scores 44/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. Its NOVA 4 classification as an ultra-processed food is the primary factor contributing to this score.
Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans receives a FoodScore of 44/100.
This product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed.
A 1/2 cup serving provides 337.69mg of sodium, contributing to 15% of the Daily Value.
It offers 3.8g of fiber per 100g, a positive nutrient contribution.
Consider this product as an occasional convenience food rather than a daily staple.
Scores -2 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
3.8g
14% of Daily Value
Protein
4.62g
9% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
337.69mg
15% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.8g)+4
−
What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 44
Bush Brothers & Company's BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans receives a FoodScore of 44 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty. While the product does offer a notable 3.8g of fiber per 100g, contributing a bonus to its score, this is offset by other factors. The ingredient list includes several components typical of ultra-processed foods, such as natural flavor, maltodextrin, and modified corn starch, which are indicators of extensive industrial processing. Although the product contains 0g of added sugar, the sodium content is relatively high at 337.69mg per 100g, representing 15% of the Daily Value for sodium in a 1/2 cup serving. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, this product contains a greater number of additives and flavor enhancers, moving it further from a minimally processed food item.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in bush brothers & bush's best cajun red beans 108 oz actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This product provides 3.8g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also help with satiety, potentially aiding in weight management. While this product is processed, it still retains a meaningful amount of this beneficial nutrient from the red beans.
Convenient Protein Source
Bush Brothers & Company's Cajun Red Beans offer 4.62g of protein per 100g. Protein is an essential macronutrient vital for muscle repair and growth, enzyme production, and overall body function. For individuals seeking quick meal solutions, these beans can serve as a convenient way to add plant-based protein to a dish without extensive preparation. This can be particularly useful for busy individuals or those with limited cooking time.
Contribution to Potassium Intake
With 262.31mg of potassium per 100g, this product contributes to your daily potassium needs. Potassium is an important electrolyte that plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Adequate potassium intake is also associated with supporting healthy blood pressure. While not a primary source, it can be a part of a varied diet that helps meet daily micronutrient requirements.
Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans scores 44/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. Its NOVA 4 classification as an ultra-processed food is the primary factor contributing to this score.
How to eat it
Canned red beans like Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans are typically consumed as a side dish or as an ingredient in larger meals. A common portion is 1/2 cup, often heated and served alongside rice or other main courses. They offer a quick and easy addition to a meal.
To balance the sodium content, pair these beans with low-sodium ingredients like plain brown rice and fresh, unsalted vegetables.
Consider using a smaller portion of these beans and supplementing with freshly cooked, unseasoned beans to reduce overall sodium and additive intake.
Enhance the nutritional profile by adding extra vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and celery to your dish when preparing these beans.
Use these beans as a base for a quick chili or stew, incorporating lean protein and plenty of fiber-rich vegetables.
Things to keep in mind
This product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed. The ingredient list includes several additives such as maltodextrin, natural flavor, and modified corn starch. While these ingredients are generally recognized as safe, a diet high in ultra-processed foods is associated with less favorable health outcomes. The sodium content is also a consideration for individuals monitoring their intake, particularly those with hypertension. Although not an allergen, the presence of pork stock, pork flavor, and smoked ham means this product is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. Individuals with sensitivities to certain food additives may wish to review the full ingredient list.
Is Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans healthy?
Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans scores 44/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. While it provides fiber and protein, its classification as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) and the presence of various additives contribute to this score. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and alongside less processed foods.
How does Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans compare to other canned beans?
Compared to a plain canned red bean product, such as Goya Red Kidney Beans, Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans contains more added ingredients like pork stock and natural flavors, contributing to its ultra-processed classification. Plain canned beans typically have a simpler ingredient list, often just beans, water, and salt, and may score higher due to less processing.
What is 'natural flavor' in the ingredient list?
'Natural flavor' is a broad term used to describe flavorings derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, or meat. While the source is natural, the processing involved can be extensive, and the specific chemical compounds that make up the flavor are not disclosed on the label. It contributes to the product's NOVA 4 classification.
What is a recommended portion size for these beans?
The recommended serving size for Bush Brothers & BUSH'S BEST Cajun Red Beans is 1/2 cup. This portion provides 337.69mg of sodium and 3.8g of fiber. Adhering to this serving size helps manage intake of sodium and other additives, especially if you are combining it with other seasoned foods.
Can I reduce the sodium content of these beans?
While you cannot remove sodium already absorbed by the beans, rinsing canned beans under cold water can help reduce some of the surface sodium. However, this product's flavor profile is built around its seasoning, so rinsing may alter the intended taste. For significant sodium reduction, choosing plain canned beans and seasoning them yourself is more effective.