CONTADINA STEWED ROMA STYLE TOMATOES WITH NATURAL SEA SALT
CONTADINA STEWED ROMA STYLE TOMATOES WITH NATURAL SEA SALT receives a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor), primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and the presence of added sugar.
This product has a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor).
It provides 35% DV of Vitamin A and 11% DV of Vitamin C per serving.
A serving contains 3.33g of added sugar and 166.67mg of sodium.
Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food, unlike a home-cooked version.
Consider using this product as a base for sauces or stews to dilute its impact.
Scores -3 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0.8g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
0.79g
2% of Daily Value
Added sugar
3.33g
7% of Daily Value
Sodium
166.67mg
7% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (3.3g)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 43
CONTADINA STEWED ROMA STYLE TOMATOES WITH NATURAL SEA SALT scores 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. While tomatoes are a whole food, the processing and additional ingredients move this product away from its natural state. Another contributing factor to the lower score is the presence of added sugar, specifically 3.33g per 100g, which results in a -1 point penalty. The ingredient list includes High Fructose Corn Syrup, a caloric sweetener that adds to the overall sugar content. On the positive side, the product receives +4 bonus points for its micronutrient content, notably providing 35% DV of Vitamin A and 11% DV of Vitamin C per 100g. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, this CONTADINA product contains added sugars and is more processed, which impacts its overall nutritional evaluation.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in contadina stewed roma style tomatoes with natural sea salt actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Good Source of Vitamin A
This product is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 35% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Including foods rich in Vitamin A can support overall well-being. While this product contains added sugar, its contribution of Vitamin A can be a beneficial component when incorporated into a balanced meal.
Source of Vitamin C
CONTADINA Stewed Roma Style Tomatoes offer 11% 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. Regular intake of Vitamin C-rich foods helps protect cells from damage and supports various bodily functions. This product can contribute to your daily Vitamin C needs, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
Convenient Base for Meals
While processed, these stewed tomatoes can serve as a convenient and quick base for various home-cooked meals. Using a pre-prepared product like this can save time in meal preparation, making it easier to incorporate vegetables into your diet, particularly when fresh options are unavailable or time is limited. They can be a starting point for soups, stews, and sauces, allowing for the addition of fresh vegetables and lean proteins to create a more balanced dish.
CONTADINA STEWED ROMA STYLE TOMATOES WITH NATURAL SEA SALT receives a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor), primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and the presence of added sugar.
How to eat it
CONTADINA Stewed Roma Style Tomatoes are typically used as a flavorful base for cooked dishes. Consumers often incorporate them into pasta sauces, chili, soups, or casseroles. A common portion size is 0.5 cup, which is easy to integrate into many recipes, but be mindful of the added sugar and sodium when combining with other ingredients.
To enhance the nutritional profile, combine these stewed tomatoes with additional fresh or frozen vegetables and a lean protein source.
Dilute the sodium and added sugar content by mixing this product with plain crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes.
Use as a base for a homemade vegetable soup, adding water or low-sodium broth, and a variety of fiber-rich legumes.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware that this product contains High Fructose Corn Syrup, which contributes to the added sugar content. Individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or those aiming to reduce caloric sweeteners, should consider this. The product also contains Calcium Chloride, a firming agent, and Citric Acid, a common food additive. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals with sensitive digestive systems might react to certain food acids. The sodium content of 166.67mg per 100g is moderate; however, when combined with other salty ingredients in a meal, total sodium intake can quickly accumulate, which is a consideration for those managing blood pressure.
CONTADINA Stewed Roma Style Tomatoes receive a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor). While they provide some Vitamin A and C, the product is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and contains added sugar. Its nutritional value is lower than that of plain, unsweetened canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes.
How does CONTADINA compare to other brands of canned tomatoes?
Compared to brands like Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes, CONTADINA Stewed Roma Style Tomatoes contain High Fructose Corn Syrup and sea salt, contributing to added sugar and sodium. Many other brands offer plain diced or crushed tomatoes without added sugars or with lower sodium levels, which would typically score higher on FoodScore due to less processing and fewer added ingredients.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup, and why is it in this product?
High Fructose Corn Syrup is a caloric sweetener derived from corn starch. It is included in this product to add sweetness and potentially enhance flavor and texture. From a nutritional perspective, it contributes to the added sugar content of the product, which is a factor in its FoodScore.
What is a reasonable portion size for these stewed tomatoes?
The declared serving size is 0.5 cup (121g). This is a reasonable portion to use as a base for a sauce or in a stew. However, due to the added sugar and sodium, it's advisable to balance this with other low-sodium, no-added-sugar ingredients in your meal to manage overall intake.
Can I use these tomatoes in a low-sodium diet?
This product contains 166.67mg of sodium per 100g. While not excessively high, it's not considered a low-sodium food. If you are on a strict low-sodium diet, it would be better to choose canned tomatoes with 'no added salt' or 'low sodium' labels, or use fresh tomatoes, to have more control over your sodium intake.