FoodScore
0/ 100
PoordairyCHESTER'S· 42 PIECES | ABOUT

CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN FLAVORED SNACKS, CHEESE

CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN FLAVORED SNACKS, CHEESE scores 36/100 (Poor). The primary factor for this low score is its classification as an ultra-processed food, combined with high sodium content.

  • FoodScore for CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN is 36/100 (Poor).
  • This product contains 1071.43mg of sodium per 100g, contributing to a significant penalty.
  • It is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
  • Compared to generic dairy, this snack offers minimal protein and fiber.
  • Portion control is important due to the high calorie and sodium density.
  • Scores +3 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
1071.43mg
47% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5.4g)-4
Sodium (1071.4mg)-5
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 36

CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN FLAVORED SNACKS, CHEESE receives a FoodScore of 36 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty. While the product does offer some positive attributes, such as 3.61g of fiber and 7.14g of protein per 100g, earning it bonus points, these are outweighed by several nutritional drawbacks. A major concern is the high sodium content, at 1071.43mg per 100g, which results in a substantial penalty. Additionally, the presence of 5.36g of saturated fat per 100g also contributes to a deduction. The ingredient list includes vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil) and cheese seasoning with ingredients like maltodextrin and monosodium glutamate, which are typical of ultra-processed items. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which often provides more protein and calcium with less sodium and saturated fat, CHESTER'S falls short in overall nutritional density.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in chester's cheese puffcorn flavored snacks, cheese actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Provides some Iron

This product contributes 2.14mg of iron per 100g, which is 12% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral involved in oxygen transport and energy production within the body. While not a primary source, consuming CHESTER'S can help meet a small portion of daily iron needs, particularly for individuals who may have lower iron intake from other dietary sources. It is important to consider this contribution within the context of an overall balanced diet.

Source of Fiber

CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN contains 3.61g of fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. While this amount is not exceptionally high, it does offer a modest contribution to daily fiber intake, which many Americans struggle to meet. Including fiber-containing foods can support regular bowel movements and overall gut function, making this a minor positive aspect of the snack.

Contains Protein

With 7.14g of protein per 100g, this snack provides a small amount of this macronutrient. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, and plays a role in various bodily functions. While not a high-protein food, this amount can contribute to satiety when consumed as part of a snack. It's important to pair snacks like CHESTER'S with other protein-rich foods throughout the day to meet overall dietary needs.

How to eat it

CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN FLAVORED SNACKS are typically consumed as a standalone snack, often in larger portions, and are popular in social settings or as a convenient treat. The crunchy texture and savory flavor make them a common choice for casual snacking.

To manage sodium intake, consider portioning out a smaller serving rather than eating directly from a large bag.
Pair with a source of fresh produce, such as carrot sticks or apple slices, to add vitamins and dietary fiber.
Consider these snacks for occasional consumption rather than a daily staple, due to their ultra-processed nature and high sodium content.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware of the high sodium content in CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN, which is 1071.43mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should consume this product sparingly. The ingredient list includes artificial color [Yellow 6], which some individuals may choose to avoid. The product also contains common allergens such as milk, due to the presence of cheddar cheese and whey. As an ultra-processed food, it contains several additives, including monosodium glutamate and natural and artificial flavors, which contribute to its NOVA 4 classification. While generally safe for most, those with sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.

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Reader questions
Is CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN FLAVORED SNACKS healthy?
CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN FLAVORED SNACKS received a FoodScore of 36/100, indicating a 'Poor' nutritional quality. This is largely due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content. While it offers some fiber and protein, these benefits are outweighed by other nutritional factors.
How does CHESTER'S compare to other cheese-flavored snacks?
Compared to other cheese-flavored snacks like Cheetos Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks, CHESTER'S has a similar nutritional profile, often being high in sodium and saturated fat and classified as ultra-processed. Specific comparisons would require evaluating individual product scores, but generally, these types of snacks share common characteristics.
What is 'enriched corn meal' in the ingredients?
Enriched corn meal is corn meal that has had certain nutrients, such as iron, niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, added back to it after processing. This enrichment helps to restore some of the micronutrients lost during the milling process of the corn.
What is a reasonable portion size for CHESTER'S CHEESE PUFFCORN?
The declared serving size is 42 pieces, which is about 28g. This portion contains approximately 300mg of sodium and 11g of fat. Sticking to this serving size can help moderate calorie and sodium intake, as consuming larger amounts would significantly increase these values.
Does this product contain real cheese?
Yes, the ingredient list specifies 'Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes]' as part of the cheese seasoning. However, the seasoning also includes natural and artificial flavors and artificial color, indicating that the cheese flavor is enhanced beyond just the real cheese component.

Explore more

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