FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentgrainCENTRAL MARKET· 0.5 cup

CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE

CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE scores 51/100 (Decent) due to its significant Vitamin A content and fiber, balanced against its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food.

  • This product received a FoodScore of 51/100, placing it in the Decent category.
  • A serving provides 93% DV of Vitamin A and 2.5g of fiber.
  • It is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), indicating some level of industrial processing.
  • Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this sauce offers a different nutritional profile.
  • Consider portion sizes due to the 258.33mg of sodium per 100g.
  • Scores +4 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
2.5g
9% of Daily Value
Protein
1.67g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
258.33mg
11% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2.5g)+2
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A)+4
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5

Why it scores 51

CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE achieves a FoodScore of 51/100, categorized as 'Decent.' This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and its level of processing. On the positive side, the sauce provides a notable amount of micronutrients, particularly Vitamin A, contributing 93% of the Daily Value per 100g, and Iron, at 33% DV. It also offers 2.5g of fiber per 100g, which contributes positively to its score. However, the product is classified as NOVA 3, meaning it is a processed food, which incurs a penalty in the FoodScore system. While it contains no added sugar, and the total fat content is moderate at 2.5g per 100g, the sodium content is 258.33mg per 100g. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which typically offers more complex carbohydrates and fiber, this sauce provides a concentrated source of certain vitamins and minerals, primarily from its tomato pulp and tomato puree base, but does not serve as a primary grain source.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in central market arrabbiata sauce actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Supports Vision and Immune Function

This CENTRAL MARKET sauce is an excellent source of Vitamin A, providing 93% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining good vision, especially in low light, and plays a vital role in supporting a healthy immune system. Including this sauce in meals can help contribute significantly to your daily Vitamin A intake, leveraging the natural content found in tomatoes.

Contributes to Daily Fiber Intake

With 2.5g of fiber per 100g, CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE can contribute to your daily fiber goals. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. While not a primary fiber source, incorporating this sauce into a meal can help incrementally increase your fiber consumption, especially when paired with other fiber-rich foods.

Provides Essential Iron

This sauce offers 33% of the Daily Value for Iron per 100g. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. Adequate iron intake helps prevent fatigue and supports overall cellular function. For individuals looking to increase their iron intake, this sauce can be a useful component of a balanced diet, particularly when combined with Vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption.

How to eat it

Arrabbiata sauce is typically used as a pasta sauce, but its versatility extends to various dishes. A common serving size is 0.5 cup, which can be part of a main meal. It's important to consider what you pair it with to create a balanced meal.

Pair with whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles to increase fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Incorporate into dishes with lean protein sources like chicken, fish, or legumes to create a more balanced meal.
Use as a base for shakshuka or as a topping for baked chicken or vegetables to add flavor and nutrients.
To manage sodium intake, balance meals with low-sodium ingredients and fresh produce.
Things to keep in mind

The ingredient list for CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE includes citric acid, which is used as an acidifier. While generally recognized as safe, individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux might find that acidic foods, including those with citric acid, can trigger discomfort. The product is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), indicating it has undergone some industrial processing, which is a factor to consider for those aiming for a diet primarily composed of minimally processed foods. The sodium content of 258.33mg per 100g should be noted, especially for individuals monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management.

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Reader questions
Is CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE healthy?
CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE scores 51/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. It is a good source of Vitamin A (93% DV) and Iron (33% DV) and provides 2.5g of fiber per 100g. However, it is a processed food (NOVA 3) and contains 258.33mg of sodium per 100g. Its healthfulness depends on how it fits into your overall dietary pattern.
How does CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to many other branded pasta sauces, CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE stands out for having 0g of added sugar. For instance, some Prego or Ragu sauces may contain added sugars. Its micronutrient profile, particularly for Vitamin A and Iron, is also a strong point. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons on sodium and fat content.
What is the role of 'chili pepper' in this sauce?
The chili pepper in CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE is primarily responsible for the 'arrabbiata' style, which means 'angry' in Italian, referring to its spicy kick. Beyond flavor, chili peppers contain capsaicin, which some research suggests may have minor metabolic benefits, though its primary role here is culinary.
What is a typical serving size for this sauce?
A typical serving size for CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE is 0.5 cup (approximately 120g). This serving provides 70 calories, 3g of protein, and 300mg of sodium. It's important to measure your serving to accurately track your nutrient intake, especially for sodium.
Can this sauce be used in a low-sodium diet?
With 258.33mg of sodium per 100g, CENTRAL MARKET ARRABBIATA SAUCE is not considered a low-sodium food. Individuals on a restricted sodium diet should consume it in moderation and balance it with very low-sodium ingredients in the rest of their meal. There are lower-sodium pasta sauce options available if sodium intake is a primary concern.

Explore more

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Data & references