CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE scores 39/100 (Poor), primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its added sugar content.
CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE has a FoodScore of 39/100 (Poor).
It is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
A 1/2 cup serving contains 3.36g of added sugar and 432mg of sodium.
This product provides 44% DV of Vitamin A per 100g serving.
Consider pairing with whole grains or vegetables to enhance overall meal nutrition.
Scores -8 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
0.8g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
0.8g
2% of Daily Value
Added sugar
3.36g
7% of Daily Value
Sodium
432mg
19% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (3.4g)-2
Sodium (432mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 39
CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE receives a FoodScore of 39/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. A significant factor contributing to this score is its classification as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. This classification alone incurs a 10-point penalty. The product also contains 3.36g of added sugar per 100g, leading to a 2-point penalty. Furthermore, its sodium content of 432mg per 100g results in a 1-point penalty. On the positive side, the sauce provides a notable 44% DV of Vitamin A, earning a 2-point bonus for its micronutrient contribution. When compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which typically offers more fiber and fewer added sugars and sodium, this CONTADINA sauce falls short in overall nutritional density. The presence of corn syrup as an ingredient directly contributes to the added sugar content.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in contadina deluxe marinara sauce, deluxe actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 44% of the Daily Value per 100g serving. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin important for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Including this sauce in a meal can contribute to your daily intake of this important micronutrient, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
Convenient Meal Component
This marinara sauce offers culinary convenience for quick meal preparation. For individuals with limited time for cooking from scratch, a ready-to-use sauce like CONTADINA can help facilitate the creation of meals that include vegetables, such as tomatoes. Its ease of use can support efforts to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into the diet, even if the sauce itself is ultra-processed.
Flavor Enhancement for Vegetables
The rich flavor profile of this marinara sauce can make it easier to consume more vegetables. By adding a serving of CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE to dishes like roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or steamed broccoli, individuals may find these nutrient-rich foods more palatable. This can be a practical strategy for increasing vegetable intake, particularly for those who struggle with the taste of plain vegetables.
CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE scores 39/100 (Poor), primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its added sugar content.
How to eat it
Marinara sauce is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for pizza, or a dipping sauce. A common serving size is 1/2 cup. While convenient, it's important to be mindful of its added sugar and sodium content.
Pair with whole-wheat pasta or spiralized vegetables to increase fiber and nutrient density.
Use as a sauce for homemade pizza with plenty of fresh vegetable toppings.
Dilute with a small amount of water or unsalted tomato puree to slightly reduce the sodium concentration per serving.
Combine with lean protein sources like chicken or legumes to create a more balanced meal.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals monitoring their intake of added sugars should be aware that CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE contains corn syrup, contributing to its 3.36g of added sugar per 100g. The sodium content of 432mg per 100g is also notable; those on sodium-restricted diets should consider this when planning meals. The presence of natural flavor means the exact components are not disclosed, which may be a consideration for individuals with specific sensitivities. Overall, for most healthy adults, this product is unlikely to pose significant immediate health risks when consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet.
Is CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE healthy?
CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE has a FoodScore of 39/100, indicating it is a 'Poor' choice nutritionally. While it provides Vitamin A, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its content of added sugar and sodium contribute to its lower score. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense foods.
How does CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE compare to other marinara sauces?
Compared to some other marinara sauces on the market, such as Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce, CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE contains corn syrup and has a higher added sugar content. Many premium brands often prioritize simpler ingredient lists without added sugars. Always check the nutrition facts and ingredient list of specific products for direct comparison.
What is 'natural flavor' in the ingredient list?
The term 'natural flavor' refers to a substance extracted from a plant or animal that is used to impart flavor, not for nutritional purposes. While derived from natural sources, these flavors can be complex mixtures of many different compounds. For some individuals, the lack of specificity around natural flavor ingredients can be a concern.
What is a reasonable portion size for this marinara sauce?
The declared serving size for CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE is 1/2 cup. Adhering to this portion size helps manage the intake of added sugar and sodium. If using it as a dipping sauce, consider smaller amounts to control overall intake.
Can I use this sauce if I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake?
This sauce contains 3.36g of added sugar per 100g, with corn syrup listed as an ingredient. If you are actively trying to reduce your sugar intake, you might consider marinara sauces with no added sugars or making your own from scratch to have full control over ingredients.
Is this marinara sauce suitable for a low-sodium diet?
With 432mg of sodium per 100g, CONTADINA DELUXE MARINARA SAUCE, DELUXE is relatively high in sodium. Individuals following a low-sodium diet should choose marinara sauces specifically labeled as 'low sodium' or 'no salt added' to better manage their intake.