CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs 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, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It provides 35% DV of Vitamin A and 11% DV of Vitamin C per 100g serving.
A 100g serving contains 3.33g of added sugar and 206.35mg of sodium.
Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food, unlike a home-cooked alternative.
Use in moderation to flavor dishes, being mindful of its added sugar content.
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
206.35mg
9% 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 Tomatoes with Italian Herbs earned a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary factor contributing to this score is its classification as a NOVA 4 food, meaning it is ultra-processed, which incurs a significant -10 point penalty. This classification reflects the extensive industrial processing and the inclusion of ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen. Additionally, the product contains 3.33g of added sugar per 100g, specifically from high fructose corn syrup, which results in a -1 point penalty. While tomatoes are naturally rich in certain micronutrients, the processing and added ingredients detract from the overall nutritional quality. On the positive side, the product receives a +4 bonus for its notable micronutrient content, providing 35% DV of Vitamin A and 11% DV of Vitamin C per 100g. However, these benefits are outweighed by the penalties. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, this CONTADINA product introduces added sugar and undergoes more extensive processing, which impacts its overall FoodScore.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in contadina stewed tomatoes with italian herbs actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 35% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting cell growth. Incorporating foods rich in Vitamin A can contribute to overall well-being. While this product is processed, it still retains a meaningful amount of this important vitamin from the tomatoes.
Provides Vitamin C
This product offers Vitamin C, contributing 11% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, aids in collagen formation for healthy skin, and helps with iron absorption. Including sources of Vitamin C in your diet is beneficial for maintaining various bodily functions. The presence of Vitamin C in these stewed tomatoes adds a positive nutritional aspect.
Convenient Culinary Base
CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs serves as a convenient base for various dishes. While it is an ultra-processed food, its ready-to-use format can save preparation time in the kitchen. For individuals with limited time for cooking from scratch, this product can be a practical ingredient for sauces, stews, and casseroles, allowing for quicker meal assembly. It provides a starting point for adding more whole ingredients.
CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs 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
Stewed tomatoes are typically used as a flavorful base for cooked dishes, rather than eaten plain. Common uses include pasta sauces, chili, soups, and casseroles. A typical serving size is 0.5 cup, which is 125g, so be mindful of the added sugar and sodium when incorporating it into your meals.
To reduce the overall added sugar and sodium, combine CONTADINA stewed tomatoes with plain diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes in your recipes.
Use this product as a base for a homemade pasta sauce, adding extra fresh vegetables and lean protein to enhance the nutritional value.
When making chili or soup, dilute the stewed tomatoes with water or low-sodium broth to manage the sodium content.
Consider using this product in dishes where its sweet and savory profile can complement other ingredients, such as in a chicken cacciatore or a vegetable stew.
Things to keep in mind
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 overall sugar consumption, should be aware of this ingredient. The sodium content, at 206.35mg per 100g, is also a consideration for those on sodium-restricted diets. While not excessively high, it contributes to daily intake, especially if consumed in larger portions or with other high-sodium foods. The presence of calcium chloride is a common firming agent in canned tomatoes and is generally recognized as safe. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label.
Is CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs healthy?
CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs has a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor). While it provides some Vitamin A and Vitamin C, it is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and contains added sugar from high fructose corn syrup. For a healthier option, consider plain canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes.
How does CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes compare to other brands?
Compared to a generic brand of plain canned diced tomatoes, CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs typically contains more added sugar and sodium due to its formulation with high fructose corn syrup and sea salt. Brands like Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes, for example, often offer similar products without added sugars or with lower sodium levels, providing a more minimally processed option.
What is high fructose corn syrup doing in this product?
High fructose corn syrup is included in CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs as a sweetener. It contributes to the product's overall flavor profile and can also act as a preservative. This ingredient is a source of added sugar, which impacts the product's nutritional score.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
A reasonable portion size for CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs is 0.5 cup (125g), as indicated on the label. When incorporating it into meals, be mindful of the added sugar and sodium content per serving, especially if you are consuming multiple servings or pairing it with other processed foods.
Can I use this product in a low-sodium diet?
For individuals on a low-sodium diet, CONTADINA Stewed Tomatoes with Italian Herbs may not be the best choice due to its 206.35mg of sodium per 100g. While not extremely high, it contributes to daily intake. It is advisable to opt for no-salt-added or low-sodium canned tomato products to better manage sodium intake.