CLASSICO CREAMY TOMATO & ROASTED GARLIC PASTA SAUCE scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its moderate sodium content.
CLASSICO Creamy Tomato & Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce has a FoodScore of 40/100 (Poor).
It is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
A 1/2 cup serving contains 312mg of sodium, contributing to daily intake.
This product provides 0.8g of added sugar per 100g.
Consider pairing with whole grains and vegetables to enhance the nutritional profile.
Scores +7 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0.8g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
1.6g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0.8g
2% of Daily Value
Sodium
312mg
14% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
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What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 40
CLASSICO CREAMY TOMATO & ROASTED GARLIC PASTA SAUCE receives a FoodScore of 40/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is significantly impacted by its classification as a NOVA class 4 food, meaning it is ultra-processed. While the product contains real tomatoes and cream, the presence of ingredients like modified food starch, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and natural flavors contributes to its ultra-processed designation. Per 100g, it provides 56 calories, 1.6g of protein, and 0.8g of fiber, which are relatively low. The sodium content is 312mg per 100g, which is a moderate amount and can quickly add up depending on portion size. It also contains 0.8g of added sugar per 100g. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which often provides more protein and calcium, this pasta sauce offers limited micronutrients, with 0% DV for potassium, calcium, iron, and various vitamins. The overall nutritional profile suggests it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in classico creamy tomato & roasted garlic pasta sauce, creamy tomato & roasted garlic actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
A Convenient Base for Meals
CLASSICO Creamy Tomato & Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce offers a convenient and ready-to-use base for quick meals. Its prepared format can help reduce meal preparation time, making it easier to incorporate vegetables and protein into home-cooked dishes. While not a significant source of nutrients itself, it serves as a flavorful foundation that can encourage the consumption of more nutrient-dense ingredients like whole-wheat pasta, lean meats, or a variety of vegetables. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with limited time for cooking from scratch.
Source of Tomatoes
This pasta sauce includes tomato puree and diced tomatoes as primary ingredients. Tomatoes are known for containing lycopene, an antioxidant. While the processing involved in making a sauce can affect nutrient availability, tomatoes still contribute some beneficial compounds. Incorporating tomato-based sauces into meals can be a way to increase the intake of these compounds, especially when paired with a source of fat like olive oil, which can enhance lycopene absorption. The sauce's tomato content offers a familiar flavor profile that many enjoy.
Flavor Enhancement for Dishes
The combination of creamy tomato and roasted garlic in this CLASSICO sauce provides a rich and savory flavor profile that can enhance various dishes. This can be useful for making more palatable meals, especially when trying to increase the intake of less flavorful ingredients such as certain vegetables or whole grains. By adding a robust flavor, the sauce can help make healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable, encouraging individuals to consume a wider range of nutritious foods.
CLASSICO CREAMY TOMATO & ROASTED GARLIC PASTA SAUCE scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its moderate sodium content.
How to eat it
CLASSICO Creamy Tomato & Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, but its versatility extends to other applications. A common serving size is 1/2 cup, and it's often heated and tossed with pasta, or used in baked dishes. Be mindful of portion sizes to manage sodium and calorie intake.
Pair with whole-wheat pasta and a generous serving of non-starchy vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost fiber and micronutrient content.
Use as a sauce for baked chicken or fish to add flavor without excessive added fat, ensuring a balanced protein source.
Dilute with a small amount of low-sodium vegetable broth to slightly reduce the overall sodium per serving if desired.
Incorporate into a vegetable lasagna or a hearty minestrone soup for added depth of flavor and to increase vegetable intake.
Consider using a smaller portion of the sauce and supplementing with fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor naturally.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains cream and parmesan cheese, indicating the presence of milk, which is a common allergen. Individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should avoid this product. The ingredient list also includes modified food starch, xanthan gum, and gum arabic, which are common food additives used for texture and stability. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may experience digestive sensitivities to these ingredients. The sodium content of 312mg per 100g means that a standard 1/2 cup serving contributes significantly to daily sodium intake, which individuals monitoring their blood pressure should be aware of. There are no artificial colors or flavors declared on the label.
Is CLASSICO Creamy Tomato & Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce healthy?
CLASSICO Creamy Tomato & Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it contains tomatoes, it is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and contains moderate sodium and some added sugar. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and whole grains.
How does CLASSICO compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to a generic tomato-based pasta sauce, CLASSICO Creamy Tomato & Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce may have a similar or slightly higher fat content due to the cream. Brands like Rao's Homemade typically focus on simpler ingredient lists, which might result in a lower NOVA classification, but nutritional profiles can vary. Always check the nutrition facts panel for specific comparisons.
What is 'modified food starch' in this sauce?
Modified food starch is an ingredient used in CLASSICO Creamy Tomato & Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce primarily as a thickener and stabilizer. It helps achieve the desired creamy texture and prevents separation of ingredients. It is a common additive in many processed foods and contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification.
What is a typical serving size for this pasta sauce?
The recommended serving size for CLASSICO Creamy Tomato & Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce is 1/2 cup (125g). This serving provides 70 calories, 4g total fat, 1.5g added sugar, and 390mg sodium. It's important to measure your portion to accurately track your intake of these nutrients.
Can I use this sauce in recipes other than pasta?
Yes, this sauce is versatile and can be used in various recipes beyond pasta. It works well as a base for chicken or vegetable bakes, as a topping for homemade pizzas, or stirred into a hearty soup or stew. Its creamy texture and roasted garlic flavor can enhance many savory dishes.