FoodScore
0/ 100
PoorpreparedBUSH'S BEST· 1/2 cup

BUSH'S BEST VEGETARIAN TANGY SAUCE WITH BROWN SUGAR & SPICES BAKED BEANS, VEGETARIAN

BUSH'S BEST VEGETARIAN TANGY SAUCE WITH BROWN SUGAR & SPICES BAKED BEANS, VEGETARIAN scores 34/100 (Poor) due to its significant **added sugar** and **sodium content**, alongside its classification as an ultra-processed food.

  • This product received a FoodScore of 34/100, classifying it as Poor.
  • It contains 8.5g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • The product provides 3.1g of fiber and 5.38g of protein per 100g.
  • As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed, impacting its overall nutritional quality.
  • Consider this product as an occasional side dish rather than a dietary staple.
  • Scores -12 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
3.1g
11% of Daily Value
Protein
5.38g
11% of Daily Value
Added sugar
8.5g
17% of Daily Value
Sodium
437.69mg
19% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.1g)+3
Protein (5.4g)+1
What holds it back
Added sugar (8.5g)-9
Sodium (437.7mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 34

BUSH'S BEST VEGETARIAN TANGY SAUCE WITH BROWN SUGAR & SPICES BAKED BEANS, VEGETARIAN receives a FoodScore of 34 out of 100, indicating a 'Poor' nutritional rating. The primary factors contributing to this score are the high levels of added sugar and sodium. With 8.5g of added sugar per 100g, this product incurs a significant penalty, as the Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting intake of added sugars. Similarly, the 437.69mg of sodium per 100g also contributes to a penalty, highlighting a concern for those monitoring sodium intake. The presence of ingredients like brown sugar and modified corn starch are common in ultra-processed foods, which is reflected in its NOVA class 4 designation, leading to a substantial penalty. While the product does offer some positive attributes, such as 3.1g of fiber and 5.38g of protein per 100g, these bonuses are outweighed by the penalties. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, BUSH'S BEST baked beans contain considerably more added sugar and sodium, and lack the full spectrum of micronutrients typically found in less processed foods.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in bush's best vegetarian tangy sauce with brown sugar & spices baked beans, vegetarian 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 a healthy gut microbiome. 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 contributes to fiber intake, it's important to balance it with other fiber sources from whole foods.

Contains Plant-Based Protein

BUSH'S BEST baked beans offer 5.38g of protein per 100g, primarily from the navy beans. Plant-based protein sources are valuable for muscle maintenance and repair, and they can be a good option for individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets. Incorporating diverse protein sources is beneficial for overall health. This product can serve as a component of a meal to help meet protein needs, especially when paired with other protein-rich foods.

Convenient Meal Component

As a prepared food, BUSH'S BEST baked beans offer convenience for quick meals or side dishes. For individuals with limited time for meal preparation, this product can be a readily available option to add to a plate. While convenience is a benefit, it's important to consider the overall nutritional profile when incorporating such items regularly into your diet, aiming to balance them with less processed foods.

How to eat it

BUSH'S BEST baked beans are commonly consumed as a side dish with grilled meats, hot dogs, or sandwiches, particularly in American cuisine. A typical serving is 1/2 cup, which is 130g. Be mindful of the added sugar and sodium content when pairing with other foods.

To balance the meal, pair these baked beans with lean protein sources like grilled chicken or fish, and a generous portion of non-starchy vegetables.
Consider using a smaller portion size, such as 1/4 cup, to reduce intake of added sugar and sodium per meal.
Combine with plain, unsalted beans (canned or home-cooked) to dilute the flavor and lower the overall sugar and sodium of your serving.
Use as an occasional side rather than a daily staple to help manage your intake of ultra-processed foods.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains modified corn starch and natural flavor, which are common ingredients in ultra-processed foods. While generally recognized as safe, individuals with specific sensitivities or those aiming to minimize highly processed ingredients in their diet may wish to note their presence. The significant amount of added sugar, primarily from brown sugar, could be a concern for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The sodium content is also relatively high, which should be considered by individuals monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management. There are no common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg declared on the label for this specific SKU.

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Reader questions
Is BUSH'S BEST VEGETARIAN TANGY SAUCE WITH BROWN SUGAR & SPICES BAKED BEANS healthy?
This product received a FoodScore of 34/100, which is classified as 'Poor'. While it offers some fiber and plant-based protein, its high content of added sugar (8.5g per 100g) and sodium (437.69mg per 100g), along with its ultra-processed nature, significantly impact its nutritional quality. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with less processed foods.
How does BUSH'S BEST compare to other canned baked beans?
Compared to other brands like Campbell's or store-brand baked beans, the nutritional profile can vary. Many canned baked beans in the category tend to be high in both added sugar and sodium. Always check the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list of specific products, as some brands may offer lower sodium or reduced sugar versions. For example, some brands might use different sweeteners or less salt.
What is 'natural flavor' in the ingredient list?
The term 'natural flavor' refers to a flavor derived from a natural source, such as a spice, fruit, vegetable, or meat. Its purpose is to enhance the taste of the food. While derived from natural sources, these flavors are often highly processed and can contribute to the 'ultra-processed' classification of a food, as they are not whole ingredients.
What is a reasonable portion size for these baked beans?
The recommended serving size is 1/2 cup (130g). Adhering to this portion size helps manage your intake of added sugar and sodium. If you are monitoring these nutrients closely, you might consider a smaller portion or diluting it with plain beans to reduce the per-serving amount.
Can these baked beans be a good source of iron?
This product provides 1.46mg of iron per 100g, which is 8% of the Daily Value. While it contributes some iron, it is not considered a primary or excellent source. To significantly boost your iron intake, you would need to consume larger quantities or pair it with other iron-rich foods like lean meats, fortified cereals, or dark leafy greens.

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