Bush Brothers & BUSH'S COCINA LATINA Frijoles A La Mexicana 15.5 oz
Bush Brothers & Company's BUSH'S COCINA LATINA Frijoles A La Mexicana scores 43/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food.
This product receives a FoodScore of 43/100, indicating a Poor nutritional rating.
It is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
A 1/2 cup serving provides 337.69mg of sodium, contributing significantly to daily intake.
Compared to generic pinto beans, this product contains added ingredients and processing.
This product can be a convenient side dish, but consider its sodium content.
Scores +1 points above the other category average (42/100 across 979 foods).
Fiber
3.1g
11% of Daily Value
Protein
3.85g
8% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
337.69mg
15% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.1g)+3
−
What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 43
Bush Brothers & Company's BUSH'S COCINA LATINA Frijoles A La Mexicana earns a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the Poor category. The primary factor contributing to this score is its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. While the product offers 3.1g of fiber per 100g, earning a +3 bonus, this is outweighed by the processing. The ingredient list includes natural flavor and autolyzed yeast extract, which are common in ultra-processed items and contribute to its NOVA classification. Per 100g, it contains 337.69mg of sodium, which is a notable amount for a single serving. It has 0g of added sugar and 0g of saturated fat, which are positive aspects. However, when compared to a generic, unbranded version of plain pinto beans, this product contains additional ingredients like bacon fat, canola oil, and modified corn starch, which are not typically found in minimally processed beans.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in bush brothers & bush's cocina latina frijoles a la mexicana 15.5 oz actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This product provides 3.1g 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 gut microbiota. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also help with satiety, potentially aiding in weight management by making you feel fuller for longer. While this product is processed, it still retains some of the inherent fiber from the pinto beans.
Contribution to Iron Intake
With 1.11mg of iron per 100g, this product contributes 6% of the Daily Value for iron. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and for energy production. Adequate iron intake is crucial for preventing iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. Plant-based sources of iron, like those found in beans, can be a valuable part of a balanced diet, especially for individuals following vegetarian or vegan eating patterns.
Convenient Meal Component
Bush Brothers & Company's Frijoles A La Mexicana offers a convenient and ready-to-eat option for consumers. In situations where time for meal preparation is limited, this product can serve as a quick side dish or an ingredient in a larger meal. Its shelf-stable nature means it can be stored easily and accessed without extensive cooking, making it a practical choice for busy individuals or households looking for quick meal solutions.
Bush Brothers & Company's BUSH'S COCINA LATINA Frijoles A La Mexicana scores 43/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
This product is typically consumed as a side dish with Mexican-inspired meals, or as an ingredient in dishes like burritos, tacos, or bowls. A common portion is 1/2 cup, which is the declared serving size.
To balance the sodium content, pair these beans with low-sodium main dishes and plenty of fresh vegetables.
Consider using a smaller portion of these beans and supplementing with plain, unsalted cooked beans to reduce overall sodium intake.
Incorporate these beans into a larger meal with whole grains like brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber and nutrient density.
Rinse the beans before heating to potentially reduce some surface sodium, although a significant amount will remain within the beans themselves.
Things to keep in mind
This product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed. Ultra-processed foods often contain ingredients like natural flavor, modified starches, and oils that contribute to their highly processed nature. While generally safe for consumption, individuals aiming to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods may wish to consume this product in moderation. The sodium content of 337.69mg per 100g (or 654mg per 1/2 cup serving) is relatively high, and individuals managing blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet should be mindful of their portion sizes and overall daily sodium intake from all food sources.
Is Bush Brothers & Company BUSH'S COCINA LATINA Frijoles A La Mexicana healthy?
This product receives a FoodScore of 43/100, categorized as Poor. While it provides some fiber and iron, it is classified as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) and contains a notable amount of sodium. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense foods.
How does Bush Brothers & Company Frijoles A La Mexicana compare to other canned beans?
Compared to plain canned pinto beans, such as those from Goya or a generic store brand, this product contains additional ingredients like bacon fat, natural flavor, and modified corn starch. Plain canned beans typically have fewer ingredients and are less processed, often scoring higher on FoodScore if they are low in sodium.
What is 'natural flavor' in the ingredient list?
Natural flavor is a broad term for flavorings derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, or meat. While derived from natural sources, these flavors are often highly processed and concentrated, contributing to the product's ultra-processed classification.
What is a reasonable portion size for these beans?
The declared serving size is 1/2 cup (130g). This portion provides 654mg of sodium, which is about 28% of the Daily Value. Being mindful of this sodium contribution is important, especially if you are consuming other salty foods throughout the day.
Can I rinse these beans to reduce sodium?
Rinsing canned beans can help reduce some of the sodium content, particularly the sodium from the canning liquid. However, a significant amount of sodium is absorbed into the beans themselves during processing. While rinsing is a good practice, it will not eliminate all the added sodium.