CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN scores 35/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **high sodium content** and classification as an ultra-processed food.
This product has a FoodScore of 35/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
A single serving contains 1070mg of sodium, which is 46% of the Daily Value.
It is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
Compared to a home-cooked version, this sauce offers fewer whole ingredients and higher sodium.
Use this sauce in moderation to manage sodium intake in your meal.
Scores -11 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
1.67g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
1070mg
47% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Sodium (1070mg)-5
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 35
CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN receives a FoodScore of 35 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary factor driving this low score is its high sodium content, with 1070mg per 100g, contributing significantly to the daily recommended limit. This product also falls into NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which incurs a penalty in the FoodScore system due to its formulation with multiple industrial ingredients and additives. Ingredients like modified food starch, yeast extract, and various flavorings contribute to this classification. While it contains no added sugar and a moderate amount of total fat (6.67g per 100g), the lack of fiber (0g) and negligible amounts of most micronutrients like potassium (117mg, 2% DV), calcium (17mg, 1% DV), and iron (0.17mg, 1% DV) further diminish its nutritional value. Compared to a home-cooked chicken sauce made with whole ingredients, CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN contains a higher concentration of sodium and a less diverse nutrient profile.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in campbell's sauces chicken actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Convenient Meal Component
This product offers convenience for meal preparation, allowing for quick assembly of dishes. For individuals with limited time for cooking, a pre-made sauce like CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN can reduce preparation time significantly. It can be a useful option when a home-cooked sauce is not feasible, helping to create a meal with minimal effort.
Source of Energy
With 100 calories per 100g, this sauce provides a modest amount of energy, primarily from fat. The fat content of 6.67g per 100g can contribute to satiety when consumed as part of a balanced meal. This can be beneficial for individuals needing to meet specific caloric needs or to add richness to a dish.
Flavor Enhancement
The blend of chicken stock, cream, and spices in CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN is designed to enhance the flavor of poultry dishes. For those seeking a specific taste profile without needing to combine multiple ingredients, this sauce can provide a consistent and familiar flavor. It can make plain chicken more palatable for some consumers.
CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN scores 35/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high sodium content and classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN is typically used as a base or an addition to chicken dishes, often baked or simmered. A common portion might be half a cup, mixed with cooked chicken and vegetables. The main pitfall is the high sodium content, which can quickly add up if not balanced with other low-sodium components.
To mitigate the high sodium content, pair this sauce with unsalted chicken and plenty of fresh or frozen unsalted vegetables.
Consider using only half the recommended amount of sauce and supplementing with low-sodium chicken broth or water to dilute the flavor and reduce sodium per serving.
Enhance the nutritional value by adding fiber-rich ingredients such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to your dish.
Serve with a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa to add dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates to your meal.
Always check the nutrition label for sodium content when combining this sauce with other packaged foods to avoid exceeding daily recommendations.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals monitoring their sodium intake should be particularly mindful of CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN due to its very high sodium content (1070mg per 100g). Those with hypertension or kidney conditions may need to limit or avoid this product. The ingredient list includes cream (milk), indicating a dairy allergen, which is important for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. While no artificial colors or sweeteners are listed, the presence of 'flavoring' and 'yeast extract' means the exact components of these ingredients are not fully disclosed. This product is generally safe for most healthy adults when consumed in moderation, but its ultra-processed nature and high sodium should be considered in the context of an overall dietary pattern.
CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN scores 35/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. Its primary drawback is the high sodium content, providing 1070mg per 100g, which is a significant portion of the daily recommended limit. While it has no added sugar, its classification as an ultra-processed food and lack of fiber contribute to its lower score.
How does CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN compare to a generic homemade chicken sauce?
Compared to a generic homemade chicken sauce, CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN typically contains significantly higher sodium and a less diverse nutrient profile. A homemade version allows for control over ingredients, enabling the use of fresh herbs, lower sodium broths, and whole food components, which generally results in a higher FoodScore. For example, a homemade sauce would likely avoid ingredients like modified food starch.
What is 'modified food starch' in this product?
Modified food starch is an ingredient used as a thickener and stabilizer in many processed foods, including CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN. It helps achieve the desired texture and consistency of the sauce. While generally recognized as safe, it is a refined ingredient that contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
A reasonable portion size for CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN would be around 1/4 to 1/2 cup, especially if you are mindful of your sodium intake. Given its high sodium concentration, using smaller amounts and supplementing with other low-sodium liquids or spices can help manage your overall intake. Always consider the sodium from other meal components.
Can I use this sauce if I have a dairy allergy?
No, CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN contains cream (milk) as a declared ingredient, making it unsuitable for individuals with a dairy allergy or severe lactose intolerance. Always check the ingredient list for allergens if you have dietary restrictions. You would need to seek a dairy-free alternative.
How does this compare to other prepared sauces like RAGÚ?
When comparing CAMPBELL'S SAUCES CHICKEN to other prepared sauces like RAGÚ pasta sauces, the nutritional profiles can vary significantly. RAGÚ sauces, for instance, might have different sodium levels and often contain added sugars not present in this CAMPBELL'S product. It's crucial to compare the specific nutrition facts panel for each product to understand their differences in sodium, sugar, and other nutrients.