FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentpreparedCOLLEGE INN· 1 tsp

COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE SAVORY INFUSIONS, BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE

COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE SAVORY INFUSIONS scores 45/100 (Decent) due to its **high sodium content**, which significantly impacts its overall nutritional profile.

  • COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore.
  • The product contains 5333.33mg of sodium per 100g, a significant amount.
  • It is classified as NOVA class 3 (processed), indicating a degree of industrial processing.
  • Provides 16.67g of protein per 100g, contributing to its positive score.
  • Use sparingly to manage sodium intake, especially in recipes.
  • Scores -1 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
16.67g
33% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
5333.33mg
232% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (16.7g)+10
Micronutrients (Potassium)+2
What holds it back
Sodium (5333.3mg)-12
Processed (NOVA 3)-5

Why it scores 45

COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE SAVORY INFUSIONS receives a FoodScore of 45/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score is primarily driven by its very high sodium content, which stands at 5333.33mg per 100g. This amount incurs a substantial penalty of -12 points, reflecting its contribution to daily sodium limits. The product does receive bonuses for its protein content, providing 16.67g per 100g, which adds +10 points. Additionally, the presence of 1180mg of potassium (25% DV) contributes a small +2 bonus. As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it incurs a -5 point penalty, indicating it has undergone some industrial processing. While the product contains caramelized onions and onion juice concentrate for flavor, its overall nutritional profile is heavily weighted by the sodium. Compared to a home-cooked beef and caramelized onion base using whole ingredients, this COLLEGE INN product offers convenience but with a considerably higher sodium load.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in college inn beef & caramelized onion base savory infusions, beef & caramelized onion base actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Protein

This product provides a notable amount of protein, with 16.67g per 100g. Protein is an essential macronutrient for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting satiety. While typically used in small quantities, the protein content in this base can contribute to the overall protein of a meal, especially when incorporated into dishes with other protein sources like lean meats or legumes. It can be a convenient way to add a protein boost to soups, stews, or sauces.

Potassium Contribution

COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE contains 1180mg of potassium per 100g, which is 25% of the Daily Value. Potassium is an important electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. It also helps to counterbalance the effects of sodium on blood pressure. While the serving size is small, this product can contribute to your daily potassium intake, particularly when used as a flavoring agent in dishes that may otherwise lack this mineral.

Flavor Enhancement for Home Cooking

This savory infusion can be a useful tool for enhancing the flavor of home-cooked meals, potentially reducing the need for other high-sodium seasonings or less nutrient-dense flavorings. Its concentrated beef and onion flavor can elevate the taste of soups, gravies, marinades, and roasts. By providing a rich base, it can help create more satisfying dishes, which might encourage the consumption of more home-prepared meals over restaurant or heavily processed options, offering more control over ingredients.

How to eat it

COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE is typically used as a concentrated flavoring agent in cooking, rather than consumed directly. It's designed to add depth and richness to savory dishes like soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. A common portion is 1 teaspoon, which is then diluted or mixed into a larger volume of food.

To manage sodium intake, dilute this base significantly with water or unsalted broth when adding to recipes.
Use this base to enhance the flavor of vegetable-heavy dishes like minestrone or lentil soup, boosting their savory profile.
Consider using half the recommended amount and tasting before adding more to control the overall sodium level of your meal.
Pair with fresh herbs and spices to build flavor without relying solely on the base's sodium content.
This base can be a quick way to add umami to marinades for lean proteins like chicken or tofu, but be mindful of the added salt.
Things to keep in mind

The primary caution for COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE is its very high sodium content. With 5333.33mg per 100g, even small serving sizes contribute significantly to daily sodium intake. Individuals with hypertension or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet should use this product sparingly and account for its contribution to total sodium. The ingredient list includes yeast extract and natural flavor, which are common flavor enhancers and generally recognized as safe, but their specific composition is not detailed. There are no declared major allergens on the label, but consumers with specific sensitivities should always review the full ingredient list carefully.

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Reader questions
Is COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE healthy?
COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE scores 45/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. While it provides protein and potassium, its very high sodium content is a significant nutritional consideration. It is best used in moderation as a flavor enhancer rather than a primary nutrient source.
How does COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE compare to other beef bases?
Compared to a generic beef bouillon cube or a liquid beef broth like Swanson, COLLEGE INN BEEF & CARAMELIZED ONION BASE is a concentrated product. It offers a specific caramelized onion flavor profile. Nutritionally, many bouillon products also tend to be high in sodium, so a direct comparison would require checking the specific nutrition facts of each product.
What is 'Grill Flavor (from sunflower oil)' in the ingredients?
Grill flavor is a natural flavoring agent derived from sunflower oil, designed to impart a smoky, grilled taste to food. It is generally considered safe for consumption. Its inclusion here contributes to the savory profile of the beef base.
What is a typical serving size and how much sodium does it contribute?
A typical serving size is 1 teaspoon. While the nutrition facts are provided per 100g (5333.33mg sodium), a 1-teaspoon serving would contain a fraction of that. However, even small amounts will contribute to your daily sodium intake, so portion control is key.
Can I use this product if I'm trying to reduce my processed food intake?
This product is classified as NOVA class 3 (processed), meaning it has undergone some industrial processing. If you are strictly aiming to reduce processed foods, a homemade beef stock from scratch using whole ingredients would be a less processed alternative. This product offers convenience but is not a whole food.

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Data & references