CLASSICO Tomato, Herbs & Spices Organic Pasta Sauce scores 45/100, primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its moderate sodium content.
This pasta sauce has a FoodScore of 45/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
It contains 1.6g of fiber per 100g, contributing to daily fiber intake.
The product has 312mg of sodium per 100g, which is a moderate amount.
As a NOVA 3 processed food, it is more processed than a generic whole-grain equivalent.
A 1/2 cup serving provides 48 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie sauce option.
Scores -2 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
1.6g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
1.6g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
1.6g
3% 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
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 45
CLASSICO Tomato, Herbs & Spices Organic Pasta Sauce receives a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, categorizing it as 'Decent'. This score reflects its composition as a NOVA 3 processed food, which incurs a penalty in the FoodScore system. While the product is made with organic ingredients like organic tomato puree and organic diced tomatoes, it also includes organic sugar, contributing 1.6g of added sugar per 100g. The sodium content is 312mg per 100g, which is a moderate amount that can add up quickly depending on portion size and other meal components. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which would typically be less processed and offer more fiber, this pasta sauce is a more processed option. The presence of organic extra virgin olive oil contributes to its total fat content of 0.8g per 100g, with minimal saturated fat.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in classico tomato, herbs & spices organic pasta sauce, tomato, herbs & spices actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Potassium
This CLASSICO pasta sauce provides 392mg of potassium per 100g, contributing 8% of the Daily Value. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Including foods rich in potassium can support overall cardiovascular health and help balance sodium intake. This sauce can be a convenient way to add some potassium to meals, especially when paired with other potassium-rich ingredients.
Contains Dietary Fiber
With 1.6g of fiber per 100g, this pasta sauce contributes to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. While not a high-fiber food, this amount can still add to the total fiber content of a meal, particularly when combined with whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. Fiber also contributes to satiety, which can be helpful for weight management.
Low in Saturated Fat
CLASSICO Tomato, Herbs & Spices Organic Pasta Sauce is low in saturated fat, containing only 0.16g per 100g. Limiting intake of saturated fat is a key recommendation of dietary guidelines for maintaining heart health. This product's low saturated fat content makes it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their intake of this type of fat. The primary fat source, organic extra virgin olive oil, is known for its beneficial monounsaturated fats.
CLASSICO Tomato, Herbs & Spices Organic Pasta Sauce scores 45/100, primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its moderate sodium content.
How to eat it
Pasta sauce is typically consumed as a topping for pasta, a base for casseroles, or an ingredient in various Italian-inspired dishes. A common serving size is 1/2 cup. It's important to consider the overall meal composition to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients, especially regarding sodium and added sugars.
Pair this sauce with whole-wheat pasta and plenty of non-starchy vegetables to increase fiber and nutrient density.
To manage sodium intake, use this sauce as a base and dilute it with unsalted diced tomatoes or a low-sodium vegetable broth.
Incorporate lean protein sources like chicken, fish, or legumes into your pasta dish to create a more filling and balanced meal.
Use this sauce as a base for homemade pizza with a whole-wheat crust and a variety of vegetable toppings.
Things to keep in mind
This CLASSICO pasta sauce contains sea salt and organic sugar. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should be mindful of the 312mg of sodium per 100g serving and adjust other meal components accordingly. The presence of organic sugar means there is added sugar, which should be considered within daily limits, particularly for individuals managing blood sugar levels. The ingredient list does not indicate common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg, making it suitable for those avoiding these specific allergens. However, always check the label for the most up-to-date allergen information.
Is CLASSICO Tomato, Herbs & Spices Organic Pasta Sauce healthy?
This CLASSICO pasta sauce scores 45/100, indicating it is a 'Decent' choice. It offers some potassium and fiber, but it is a NOVA 3 processed food with moderate sodium and a small amount of added sugar. Its healthfulness depends on how it fits into your overall dietary pattern and portion sizes.
How does CLASSICO compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this CLASSICO sauce is more processed. When comparing to other branded pasta sauces like Prego Traditional, this sauce has a similar nutritional profile in terms of sodium and added sugar. Always check the nutrition facts panel for specific comparisons, as values can vary significantly between brands and varieties.
What is 'organic tomato puree'?
Organic tomato puree, listed as the first ingredient, is made from organic tomatoes that have been cooked and strained to remove seeds and skins, resulting in a smooth, concentrated tomato product. The 'water' listed indicates it's reconstituted from organic tomato paste. This provides the base flavor and texture for the sauce.
What is a typical portion size for this pasta sauce?
The declared serving size for this CLASSICO pasta sauce is 1/2 cup (125g). This portion provides 48 calories, 1.6g of fiber, and 392mg of potassium. It's important to adhere to this serving size or adjust based on your dietary needs, especially when considering the sodium and added sugar content.
Can I use this sauce in recipes other than pasta?
Yes, this CLASSICO pasta sauce is versatile. You can use it as a base for homemade pizzas, in lasagna, as a simmering sauce for meatballs or chicken, or even as a dipping sauce. Its herbs and spices flavor profile makes it suitable for a variety of savory dishes beyond traditional pasta.