BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans 3-28 oz cans
BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans receives a FoodScore of 37/100 (Poor), primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its notable content of added sugar and sodium.
This product has a FoodScore of 37/100, indicating a Poor nutritional rating.
It provides 3.8g of fiber per 100g, contributing to daily fiber intake.
A significant concern is the 6.46g of added sugar and 423.08mg of sodium per 100g.
Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food, unlike a home-cooked version.
Consider portion control to manage intake of added sugar and sodium.
Scores -9 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
6.46g
13% of Daily Value
Sodium
423.08mg
18% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.8g)+4
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What holds it back
Added sugar (6.5g)-6
Sodium (423.1mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 37
BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans scores 37 out of 100, placing it in the Poor category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA 4 food, indicating it is ultra-processed, which incurs a significant penalty of 10 points. The product also contains 6.46g of added sugar per 100g, leading to a 6-point penalty. Furthermore, its sodium content of 423.08mg per 100g contributes an additional 1-point penalty. On the positive side, the product receives a 4-point bonus for its fiber content of 3.8g per 100g. Ingredients like brown sugar and sugar are listed early, reflecting the higher added sugar content. While beans are a good source of fiber and protein, the overall formulation with added sugars, sodium, and modified corn starch moves it away from a whole food profile. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, this branded product contains higher levels of added sugar and sodium, and its processing level is significantly greater.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in bush's best bush's vegetarian baked beans 3-28 oz cans actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans 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 regularity and support a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also help with satiety, potentially aiding in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness. This product can be a convenient way to add fiber to meals, especially when time for meal preparation is limited.
Plant-Based Protein Contribution
With 4.62g of protein per 100g, this product offers a plant-based protein source. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. For individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets, or those looking to reduce their meat intake, baked beans can be a valuable component of a balanced meal. The protein in beans, combined with their fiber, can also help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Convenient Meal Component
BUSH'S BEST baked beans offer a convenient and ready-to-eat option that can be easily incorporated into various meals. As a shelf-stable product, it provides a quick side dish or ingredient for casseroles and other recipes, reducing preparation time. This convenience can be particularly useful for busy individuals or families seeking to include legumes in their diet without the need for soaking and cooking dried beans from scratch, making healthy eating more accessible.
BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans receives a FoodScore of 37/100 (Poor), primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its notable content of added sugar and sodium.
How to eat it
BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans are commonly consumed as a side dish with grilled meats, hot dogs, or sandwiches in American cuisine. A typical portion is 1/2 cup. While convenient, it's important to be mindful of the added sugar and sodium content when incorporating them into your diet.
Pair with a lean protein source and a generous serving of non-starchy vegetables to create a more nutritionally balanced meal.
Consider rinsing the beans if possible, though this may alter the flavor, to potentially reduce some of the surface sodium.
Use as an ingredient in homemade chili or stews, allowing you to control other added sugars and sodium in the overall dish.
Serve in smaller portions (e.g., 1/4 cup) to moderate intake of added sugar and sodium, especially for children.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains notable amounts of added sugar and sodium, which are factors to consider for individuals managing blood sugar levels or blood pressure. The ingredient list includes modified corn starch, which acts as a thickener and is common in processed foods. While generally recognized as safe, individuals with specific dietary sensitivities or those aiming to reduce their intake of ultra-processed ingredients may want to limit consumption. There are no major allergens declared on the label, but consumers with specific food sensitivities should always review the full ingredient list.
Is BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans healthy?
BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans has a FoodScore of 37/100, which is considered Poor. While it provides fiber and plant-based protein, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its content of added sugar and sodium are significant nutritional drawbacks. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with whole, unprocessed foods.
How does BUSH'S BEST compare to other baked beans or a homemade version?
Compared to a homemade version of baked beans, BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans contains higher levels of added sugar and sodium, and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4). Other brands like Heinz Baked Beans also typically contain added sugar and sodium, placing them in a similar processed category. A homemade recipe allows for full control over these ingredients.
What is 'Natural Flavor' in the ingredient list?
The term 'Natural Flavor' refers to flavorings derived from natural sources like spices, fruits, vegetables, or animal products. While natural, these flavors are often highly processed and can contribute to the 'ultra-processed' classification of a food. Their specific composition is proprietary to the manufacturer and not fully disclosed on the label.
What is a recommended portion size for these baked beans?
The recommended serving size for BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans is 1/2 cup. Sticking to this portion size helps manage the intake of added sugar (6.46g) and sodium (423.08mg) per serving. Consuming larger portions would significantly increase your intake of these components.
Can these baked beans be part of a low-sodium diet?
With 423.08mg of sodium per 100g, BUSH'S BEST BUSH'S Vegetarian Baked Beans are not considered a low-sodium food. Individuals following a low-sodium diet should limit their consumption or opt for low-sodium versions of baked beans if available. Reading nutrition labels for sodium content is crucial for managing dietary sodium intake.