CONTADINA MARINARA SAUCE, MARINARA scores 42/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content.
CONTADINA Marinara Sauce has a FoodScore of 42/100, indicating a Poor nutritional rating.
It contains 0g of added sugar, aligning with dietary recommendations for minimal added sugars.
A 1/2 cup serving provides 508.06mg of sodium, which is a significant contributor to its lower score.
This product is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
It offers a notable 45% DV of Vitamin A and 16% DV of Vitamin C per 100g.
Scores -5 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
1.6g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
1.61g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
508.06mg
22% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
−
What holds it back
Sodium (508.1mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 42
CONTADINA MARINARA SAUCE, MARINARA receives a FoodScore of 42 out of 100, placing it in the Poor category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA 4ultra-processed food, which incurs a -10 penalty. A significant factor in its lower score is the high sodium content, with 508.06mg per 100g, resulting in a -2 penalty. While the product contains 0g of added sugar, which is a positive aspect, the overall formulation includes ingredients like olive pomace oil and xanthan gum that are common in processed foods. On the positive side, it receives a +4 bonus for its micronutrient profile, specifically for providing 45% DV of Vitamin A and 16% DV of Vitamin C per 100g. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent baseline, which would typically offer more fiber and potentially lower sodium, this marinara sauce falls short due to its processing level and sodium load, despite its beneficial vitamin content.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in contadina marinara sauce, marinara actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Key Vitamins
This marinara sauce provides a notable amount of essential vitamins. Per 100g, it contributes 45% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A and 16% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, while Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production. Incorporating this sauce can help contribute to your daily intake of these important micronutrients, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
No Added Sugars
One beneficial aspect of CONTADINA Marinara Sauce is that it contains 0g of added sugar. This aligns with dietary guidelines that recommend limiting the intake of added sugars to promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Choosing products with no added sugars can help manage calorie intake and support better blood sugar control, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their sugar consumption.
Convenient Base for Meals
As a prepared sauce, this product offers convenience for meal preparation. It can serve as a quick base for various dishes, helping to reduce cooking time. While it is an ultra-processed food, its convenience can be beneficial for individuals with limited time for cooking, allowing them to incorporate vegetables like tomatoes into their meals more easily. Pairing it with whole grains and lean proteins can enhance the nutritional value of the overall meal.
CONTADINA MARINARA SAUCE, MARINARA scores 42/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content.
How to eat it
Marinara sauce is commonly used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for pizza, or a dipping sauce. A typical serving size is 1/2 cup, which can be easily incorporated into a balanced meal. The primary pitfall is often the sodium content, which can add up quickly when combined with other salty ingredients.
To balance the sodium, pair this sauce with unsalted pasta or vegetables and lean protein sources.
Use this marinara sauce as a base for homemade vegetable-rich stews or soups to boost nutrient density.
Consider diluting the sauce with a small amount of water or low-sodium broth to reduce the sodium per serving.
Portion control is key; stick to the 1/2 cup serving size to manage sodium intake, especially if you are monitoring blood pressure.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for CONTADINA MARINARA SAUCE, MARINARA is its high sodium content of 508.06mg per 100g. Individuals managing blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet should be mindful of this. The ingredient list includes xanthan gum, a common food additive used as a thickener, which is generally recognized as safe but can cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals when consumed in large amounts. The product is also classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which suggests a formulation that may be less beneficial than minimally processed alternatives. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but consumers with specific sensitivities should always review the full ingredient list.
CONTADINA Marinara Sauce scores 42/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides beneficial amounts of Vitamin A (45% DV) and Vitamin C (16% DV) and contains no added sugar, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content are significant nutritional drawbacks. It can be part of a diet, but moderation is key, especially for sodium intake.
How does CONTADINA Marinara Sauce compare to other marinara sauces?
Compared to many other branded marinara sauces, CONTADINA Marinara Sauce's nutritional profile is similar in terms of its ultra-processed nature and often comparable sodium levels. For example, a brand like Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce might have a different ingredient list and potentially varying sodium, fat, or sugar content, but many jarred sauces will share the NOVA 4 classification. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons.
What is olive pomace oil, and is it a concern?
Olive pomace oil is a type of olive oil extracted from the olive pulp after the first pressing, using solvents and heat. While it is a source of monounsaturated fats, it is more processed than extra virgin olive oil. Its presence contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification, but it is generally considered safe for consumption. For those seeking less processed oils, extra virgin olive oil would be a preferred choice.
What is a reasonable portion size for this marinara sauce?
The declared serving size for CONTADINA Marinara Sauce is 1/2 cup (125g). This portion provides 508.06mg of sodium, which is about 22% of the recommended daily limit for sodium. Sticking to this serving size is important to manage overall sodium intake, especially if you consume other processed foods throughout the day. Consider using it as a flavor enhancer rather than a primary component of a meal.
Can I use this sauce if I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake?
Yes, CONTADINA Marinara Sauce contains 0g of added sugar, making it a suitable option for individuals looking to reduce their sugar intake. This is a positive aspect of its nutritional profile. However, it's important to remember that while it's free of added sugars, its high sodium content and ultra-processed nature should still be considered in the context of your overall diet.