CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE scores 3/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its high added sugar content, which significantly contributes to its empty calories.
CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE receives a FoodScore of 3/100.
This product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed.
A 100g serving contains 16.95g of added sugar, a major nutritional concern.
It provides minimal micronutrients, with 0% DV for most vitamins and minerals.
Use sparingly as a flavor enhancer rather than a primary nutrient source.
Scores -29 points above the condiment category average (32/100 across 822 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
16.95g
34% of Daily Value
Sodium
348.48mg
15% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (16.9g)-22
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15
Why it scores 3
CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE earns a FoodScore of 3 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its nutritional profile, particularly the high amount of added sugar. With 16.95g of added sugar per 100g, this product incurs a significant penalty of 22 points. The ingredient list confirms this, with high fructose corn syrup listed as the second ingredient, followed by brown sugar. The product also receives a 10-point penalty for being ultra-processed (NOVA class 4), reflecting its complex formulation with multiple industrial ingredients. Furthermore, a 15-point penalty is applied for 'empty calories,' as it provides 136.06 calories per 100g with negligible protein (0g), fiber (0g), and most micronutrients (0% DV for calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin D, B12, Folate, and A). Compared to a generic sweet and sour sauce, CONTADINA's formulation is typical for the category, characterized by a high sugar content and minimal beneficial nutrients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in contadina sweet & sour sauce with pineapple actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Flavor Enhancement for Specific Dishes
While not a source of significant nutrients, CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE can serve as a flavorful condiment to enhance certain meals. Its sweet and tangy profile can complement dishes like stir-fries or chicken, potentially making less palatable lean proteins more appealing. This can be useful for individuals looking to add a specific taste dimension to their cooking without relying on more complex homemade sauces, provided the portion size is carefully managed.
Convenience in Meal Preparation
This sauce offers convenience for quick meal assembly, reducing preparation time in the kitchen. For busy individuals, having a ready-to-use sauce can simplify the process of putting together a meal, especially when time is limited. It eliminates the need to gather and prepare multiple ingredients for a sweet and sour flavor profile, allowing for a faster cooking experience.
Source of Vitamin C
CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE provides a modest amount of Vitamin C, contributing 8% of the Daily Value per 100g. While not a primary source, this contribution comes from ingredients like pineapple tidbits in pineapple juice and diced tomatoes. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, and even small contributions from various food sources can add up to meet daily requirements.
CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE scores 3/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its high added sugar content, which significantly contributes to its empty calories.
How to eat it
CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE is typically used as a condiment or cooking sauce, often paired with Asian-inspired dishes. A common serving size is 2 tablespoons, which is a relatively small amount. Due to its high added sugar and sodium content, moderation is key to avoid overconsumption.
Use this sauce as a finishing touch for stir-fries or grilled chicken, rather than as a primary marinade, to control portion size.
Dilute with a small amount of water or low-sodium broth to reduce the intensity of flavor and overall sugar/sodium per serving.
Pair with a meal rich in vegetables and lean protein to balance the nutritional profile of your plate.
Consider making your own sweet and sour sauce using fresh ingredients to reduce added sugar and sodium.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, should be particularly mindful of this product's high fructose corn syrup content, which contributes significantly to its 16.95g of added sugar per 100g. The sodium level of 348.48mg per 100g is also notable; those on sodium-restricted diets should limit consumption. The ingredient list includes soy sauce, indicating the presence of soy, which is a common allergen. Consumers with soy allergies should avoid this product. As an ultra-processed food, it contains several ingredients that may not be present in a home-cooked version, such as modified food starch (corn) and beet powder (for color), though these are generally recognized as safe.
Is CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE healthy?
CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE scores 3/100 on FoodScore, indicating it is not a nutritionally dense food. Its primary nutritional drawbacks are its high added sugar content (16.95g per 100g) and minimal beneficial micronutrients. It is best consumed in very small portions as an occasional flavor enhancer.
How does CONTADINA compare to other sweet and sour sauces?
Compared to many other branded sweet and sour sauces on the market, such as La Choy Sweet & Sour Sauce, CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE has a similar nutritional profile, often characterized by high levels of added sugar and sodium. Most commercial sweet and sour sauces are ultra-processed and designed for flavor rather than nutritional value. Always check the nutrition facts panel for specific comparisons.
What is 'high fructose corn syrup' and why is it in this sauce?
High fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener used in many processed foods and beverages. It is added to CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE to provide sweetness and contribute to its characteristic texture. From a nutritional standpoint, it is a source of added sugar and contributes to the product's calorie count without providing essential nutrients.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
The recommended serving size for CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE is 2 tablespoons. Sticking to this portion size helps to manage the intake of added sugar and sodium. Using it sparingly as a condiment, rather than drenching a dish, is a practical approach to moderation.
Can this sauce be used in a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Yes, CONTADINA SWEET & SOUR SAUCE WITH PINEAPPLE appears to be suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. The ingredient list does not contain any animal-derived products. It includes soy sauce and soybean oil, which are plant-based ingredients.
Does this sauce contain any allergens?
Yes, this sauce contains soy, as indicated by the presence of soy sauce and soybean oil in the ingredient list. Individuals with soy allergies should avoid this product. The label does not declare other major allergens like milk, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg.