FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentgrainCLASSICO· 1/2 cup

CLASSICO MARINARA PASTA SAUCE, MARINARA

CLASSICO MARINARA PASTA SAUCE, MARINARA scores 48/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its primary nutritional benefit comes from its vitamin content, while its sodium level is a key area for moderation.

  • This CLASSICO sauce received a FoodScore of 48/100, placing it in the Decent category.
  • It provides a notable amount of Vitamin A (89% DV) and Vitamin C (24% DV) per 100g serving.
  • A 100g serving contains 408mg of sodium, contributing to the -1 penalty in its FoodScore.
  • As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it is more processed than a generic whole-grain equivalent.
  • Consider portion control and pairing with low-sodium foods to balance its sodium content.
  • Scores +1 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
0.8g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
1.6g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
408mg
18% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
What holds it back
Sodium (408mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5

Why it scores 48

CLASSICO MARINARA PASTA SAUCE, MARINARA achieves a FoodScore of 48 out of 100, indicating it is a decent option within its category. The score reflects a balance of beneficial micronutrients and areas for moderation, primarily sodium. On the positive side, the sauce is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 89% of the Daily Value per 100g, and Vitamin C, contributing 24% of the Daily Value. These micronutrient contributions earned the product a +4 bonus. However, the sauce incurs a -1 penalty due to its sodium content of 408mg per 100g, which is a significant amount for a single serving. The presence of organic evaporated cane sugar is noted, though the product contains 0g of added sugar per 100g, suggesting it is used in minimal amounts or its sugars are naturally occurring from the tomatoes. As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it receives a -5 penalty, indicating it has undergone processing that alters its natural state. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which would typically be less processed and lower in sodium, this CLASSICO sauce presents a different nutritional profile, emphasizing vitamin density over minimal processing.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in classico marinara pasta sauce, marinara actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Good Source of Vitamin A

This CLASSICO marinara sauce is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 89% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. The high content of organic tomato puree and organic diced tomatoes in the ingredient list likely contributes significantly to this vitamin profile. Incorporating this sauce can help meet daily Vitamin A requirements, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense foods.

Source of Vitamin C

The sauce also offers 24% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C per 100g. Vitamin C is a crucial antioxidant that supports immune health, collagen production, and iron absorption. The tomatoes, both in puree and diced form, are natural contributors to the Vitamin C content. Including this sauce in meals can be a convenient way to add a boost of this essential vitamin to your diet, supporting overall cellular health.

Contains Healthy Fats from Olive Oil

CLASSICO MARINARA PASTA SAUCE contains 2.8g of total fat per 100g, with only 0.4g as saturated fat, and includes organic extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is known for its monounsaturated fatty acids, which are considered heart-healthy fats. These fats can help support cardiovascular health when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The presence of olive oil also contributes to the flavor and texture of the sauce.

How to eat it

Marinara sauce is a versatile staple in many American kitchens, commonly used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for pizza, or a dipping sauce. A typical serving is 1/2 cup (125g), which provides a moderate amount of calories and nutrients. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when pairing with other ingredients.

To balance the sodium, pair this sauce with low-sodium pasta or fresh vegetables instead of processed meats.
Use this sauce as a base for homemade pizza with plenty of fresh vegetables to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
Consider diluting with a small amount of water or low-sodium broth if you are particularly sensitive to sodium levels.
Serve with a side of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or fish, to create a more balanced meal.
Things to keep in mind

This CLASSICO MARINARA PASTA SAUCE is generally safe for most individuals. The primary caution for this product is its sodium content of 408mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with high blood pressure, should be mindful of portion sizes and consider how this sauce fits into their overall daily sodium limit. The ingredient list includes calcium chloride and citric acid, which are common food additives used as firming agents and acidity regulators, respectively, and are generally recognized as safe. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, and no specific ingredients that typically cause widespread adverse reactions in the general population.

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Reader questions
Is CLASSICO MARINARA PASTA SAUCE, MARINARA healthy?
CLASSICO MARINARA PASTA SAUCE, MARINARA has a FoodScore of 48/100, classifying it as 'Decent.' It offers beneficial amounts of Vitamin A (89% DV) and Vitamin C (24% DV) per 100g. However, its sodium content of 408mg per 100g is a factor to consider for those monitoring their intake. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
How does CLASSICO MARINARA PASTA SAUCE compare to other brands?
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this CLASSICO sauce is more processed (NOVA class 3) and higher in sodium. When compared to other marinara sauces like Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce, CLASSICO's nutritional profile may differ in terms of sodium, sugar, and fat content. Always check the nutrition facts panel of specific products to make the best choice for your dietary needs.
What is 'organic evaporated cane sugar' in the ingredient list?
'Organic evaporated cane sugar' is a form of sugar derived from sugarcane, where the water has been evaporated. While it is a type of sugar, this particular CLASSICO product contains 0g of added sugar per 100g. This indicates that it is either present in very small amounts or the sugars are primarily from the organic tomatoes themselves, which naturally contain sugars.
What is a typical serving size for this marinara sauce?
A typical serving size for CLASSICO MARINARA PASTA SAUCE, MARINARA is 1/2 cup (125g). This serving size provides 64 calories, 1.6g of protein, and 408mg of sodium. Being mindful of this portion size is important, especially when considering the sodium contribution to your daily intake.
Can this sauce be used for more than just pasta?
Yes, this marinara sauce is quite versatile. Beyond pasta, it can be used as a base for homemade pizzas, a simmering sauce for meatballs or chicken, or a dipping sauce for breadsticks or vegetables. Its flavor profile, with organic onions and organic garlic, makes it suitable for various culinary applications.

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