FoodScore
0/ 100
PoorgrainCONTADINA· 1/4 cup

CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI

CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI scores 39/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and notable levels of added sugar and sodium.

  • This product received a FoodScore of 39/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
  • It is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
  • A 100g serving contains 4.44g of added sugar and 507.94mg of sodium.
  • Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this product has significantly higher sodium and added sugar.
  • Consider using smaller portions to manage intake of added sugar and sodium.
  • Scores -8 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
1.6g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
1.59g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
4.44g
9% of Daily Value
Sodium
507.94mg
22% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
What holds it back
Added sugar (4.4g)-3
Sodium (507.9mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 39

CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI receives a FoodScore of 39/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its classification as a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. The product also faces penalties for its added sugar content, contributing 4.44g per 100g, resulting in a -3 point deduction. Furthermore, the sodium level is high at 507.94mg per 100g, leading to a -2 point penalty. While the product does receive bonuses for its micronutrient content, specifically +4 points for Vitamin A (53% DV) and Vitamin C (16% DV), these are not sufficient to offset the penalties. The presence of high fructose corn syrup as a primary sweetener contributes to the added sugar content. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this product contains substantially more added sugar and sodium, which are key factors in its lower nutritional score.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in contadina pepperoni pizza sauce, pepperoni actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Vitamin A

This product provides a notable amount of Vitamin A, contributing 53% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. While not a primary source of nutrients, the presence of tomato puree contributes to this vitamin content. Incorporating foods rich in Vitamin A supports overall physiological processes.

Contains Vitamin C

CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI offers 16% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C per 100g. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant vital for immune system support, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption. The tomatoes in the sauce are the primary source of this vitamin. Including foods with Vitamin C can help protect cells from damage and support the body's healing processes.

Convenient Meal Component

This pizza sauce can serve as a convenient base for quick meals, particularly when time is limited. Its ready-to-use format allows for easy preparation of homemade pizzas or other tomato-based dishes. While its nutritional profile is not ideal, its convenience can help facilitate home cooking, which often allows for greater control over other ingredients added to a meal. It can be a practical option for busy individuals or families.

How to eat it

CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI is typically used as a base for homemade pizzas or as an ingredient in other Italian-inspired dishes. A common serving size is 1/4 cup, which should be considered when managing intake of added sugars and sodium.

To reduce overall sodium and added sugar, use a smaller portion of the sauce and supplement with fresh herbs and spices for flavor.
Pair this sauce with a whole-grain pizza crust and plenty of fresh vegetables to boost fiber and micronutrient intake.
Consider diluting the sauce with plain tomato puree or crushed tomatoes to lower the concentration of added sugar and sodium per serving.
When making pizza, load up on lean protein like chicken or plant-based options instead of additional processed meats to balance the meal.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware of the high sodium content (507.94mg per 100g) in this product, which may be a concern for individuals monitoring their blood pressure. The presence of high fructose corn syrup contributes to the added sugar content, which individuals managing blood sugar levels or overall sugar intake should note. The ingredient list also includes preservatives like BHT and BHA, which are common in processed foods. Individuals with sensitivities to natural flavor ingredients or those avoiding certain preservatives may wish to review the full ingredient list carefully. The pepperoni itself contains sodium nitrate, a common curing agent in processed meats.

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Reader questions
Is CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI a healthy choice?
CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI scores 39/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it offers some Vitamin A and C, its classification as an ultra-processed food, along with its notable added sugar and sodium content, means it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is best enjoyed in moderation.
How does CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI compare to a generic pizza sauce?
Compared to a generic pizza sauce made primarily from tomatoes with minimal added sugar and sodium, CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI has higher levels of both added sugar (4.44g/100g) and sodium (507.94mg/100g). It also contains pepperoni, which adds to its processed nature, unlike a plain tomato-based sauce.
What is high fructose corn syrup, and why is it in this product?
High fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener derived from corn starch. It is included in this product to provide sweetness and enhance flavor. Its presence contributes to the 4.44g of added sugar per 100g, which is a factor in the product's nutritional score.
What is a reasonable portion size for this pizza sauce?
The declared serving size is 1/4 cup. Sticking to this portion can help manage the intake of added sugar and sodium. For a balanced meal, consider pairing it with a whole-grain crust and plenty of vegetables, rather than using excessive amounts.
Are there any allergens in CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI?
The ingredient list for CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI does not explicitly declare common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg in bold. However, it contains 'natural flavor' and 'modified food starch (corn)', and individuals with specific sensitivities should review the full label or contact the manufacturer for detailed allergen information.
How does this compare to other pizza sauces on the market?
When compared to brands like Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce, which typically have no added sugar and lower sodium, CONTADINA PEPPERONI PIZZA SAUCE, PEPPERONI contains significantly more added sugar and sodium. Consumers looking for a less processed option might prefer a sauce with a simpler ingredient list and lower levels of these components.

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