FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentgrainCENTRAL MARKET· 0.5 cup

CENTRAL MARKET, PUTTANESCA SAUCE

CENTRAL MARKET Puttanesca Sauce scores 47/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily driven by its notable sodium content despite beneficial micronutrients.

  • This CENTRAL MARKET sauce achieved a FoodScore of 47/100, indicating a decent nutritional profile.
  • A significant strength is its Vitamin A content, providing 69% DV per 100g.
  • The primary concern is the high sodium level at 650mg per 100g.
  • It is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), similar to many prepared sauces.
  • Consider portion control to manage sodium intake when using this sauce.
  • Scores +0 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
1.7g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
1.67g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
650mg
28% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (1.7g)+1
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A)+4
What holds it back
Sodium (650mg)-3
Processed (NOVA 3)-5

Why it scores 47

CENTRAL MARKET Puttanesca Sauce receives a FoodScore of 47 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of positive and negative nutritional attributes. On the positive side, the sauce gains 1 bonus point for its fiber content of 1.7g per 100g, contributing to digestive health. It also earns 4 bonus points for its micronutrient profile, notably providing 69% DV of Vitamin A and 33% DV of Iron per 100g, which are significant contributions to daily intake. However, the product incurs penalties. A substantial penalty of 3 points is applied due to its high sodium content of 650mg per 100g, which is a common concern in many prepared sauces and can contribute to elevated blood pressure if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, as a NOVA 3 classified product, meaning it is processed, it receives a 5-point penalty. The inclusion of olives and anchovies contributes to its flavor profile but also its sodium. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which would likely score higher due to minimal processing and lower sodium, this sauce presents a more moderate nutritional choice.

Health benefits

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

Good Source of Vitamin A

This CENTRAL MARKET sauce provides a notable 69% DV of Vitamin A per 100g serving. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting cell growth and differentiation. Including sources of Vitamin A in your diet can help ensure these vital bodily processes function optimally. This sauce can contribute significantly to your daily Vitamin A needs, especially when paired with other nutrient-rich foods.

Source of Iron

With 33% DV of Iron per 100g, this product offers a good contribution to your daily iron intake. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. Adequate iron levels help prevent fatigue and support overall vitality. Incorporating this sauce into meals can be a convenient way to boost your iron consumption, particularly for those looking to increase plant-based iron sources.

Contains Dietary Fiber

The sauce contains 1.7g of fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is important for maintaining digestive regularity and can contribute to feelings of fullness, which may aid in weight management. While not exceptionally high, this amount of fiber adds to the overall fiber intake of a meal, supporting gut health. The fiber content primarily comes from the tomato pulp and other vegetable components.

How to eat it

Puttanesca sauce is typically used as a pasta sauce, but it's also versatile for other dishes. A common serving size is 0.5 cup (125g), which provides a flavorful addition to meals. Be mindful of the sodium content when pairing with other salty ingredients.

Pair with whole-wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to increase fiber and nutrient density.
Use as a topping for baked fish or chicken to add flavor without excessive fat.
Incorporate into a vegetable frittata or shakshuka for a savory, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Dilute with a small amount of unsalted tomato puree or water to slightly reduce the sodium concentration per bite.
Things to keep in mind

The primary caution for CENTRAL MARKET Puttanesca Sauce is its high sodium content of 650mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension or kidney concerns, should consume this product in moderation and be mindful of other sodium sources in their meal. The ingredient list includes anchovies, which are a fish allergen, so individuals with fish allergies should avoid this product. While citric acid is present as an acidifier, it is generally recognized as safe. There are no artificial sweeteners, colors, or common emulsifiers that typically raise red flags for most consumers in this formulation.

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Reader questions
Is CENTRAL MARKET Puttanesca Sauce healthy?
CENTRAL MARKET Puttanesca Sauce scores 47/100, which is considered 'Decent' on FoodScore. It offers beneficial micronutrients like Vitamin A (69% DV) and Iron (33% DV) per 100g. However, its high sodium content (650mg per 100g) is a factor to consider for overall dietary balance.
How does CENTRAL MARKET Puttanesca Sauce compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to a generic plain tomato pasta sauce, CENTRAL MARKET Puttanesca Sauce often has a more complex flavor profile due to ingredients like olives and anchovies. Its sodium content is on the higher side compared to some low-sodium options, but it provides a good source of Vitamin A and Iron, which might be less prominent in simpler sauces. For example, a basic Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce might have lower sodium but also fewer micronutrient bonuses.
What is the role of anchovies in this sauce?
Anchovies are a traditional ingredient in puttanesca sauce, contributing a distinct savory, umami flavor rather than a 'fishy' taste. They also contribute to the overall sodium content of the sauce. For those with fish allergies, it's important to note their presence.
What is a recommended portion size for this sauce?
The declared serving size is 0.5 cup (125g). Sticking to this portion size helps manage the intake of sodium, which is 650mg per 100g. For a 0.5 cup serving, this would be approximately 812.5mg of sodium, representing a significant portion of the daily recommended limit.
Can this sauce be used in vegetarian dishes?
No, this sauce is not suitable for vegetarian diets because it contains anchovies, which are a type of fish. Vegetarians and vegans should look for puttanesca sauces specifically labeled as vegetarian or vegan, which typically omit anchovies.

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