FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentpreparedDEL MONTE· 0.5 cup

DEL MONTE CALIFORNIA STEWED TOMATOES, ORIGINAL RECIPE

DEL MONTE CALIFORNIA STEWED TOMATOES, ORIGINAL RECIPE scores 48/100 (Decent) due to its moderate added sugar content and classification as a processed food.

  • This product has a FoodScore of 48/100, placing it in the Decent category.
  • It provides a good source of Vitamin A (35% DV) and Vitamin C (11% DV) per 100g.
  • A serving contains 2.78g of added sugar and 166.67mg of sodium per 100g.
  • As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it contains more added ingredients than a home-cooked version.
  • Use in recipes where a small amount of sweetness and seasoning is desired.
  • Scores +2 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
2.78g
6% 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 (2.8g)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5

Why it scores 48

DEL MONTE CALIFORNIA STEWED TOMATOES, ORIGINAL RECIPE receives a FoodScore of 48/100. This score reflects a balance of beneficial micronutrients and some nutritional drawbacks. The product earns bonus points for its contribution of Vitamin A (35% DV per 100g) and Vitamin C (11% DV per 100g), which are important for immune function and vision. However, it incurs penalties primarily due to its added sugar content, with 2.78g per 100g. While not excessively high, this amount contributes to the overall caloric load without providing significant nutritional value. The presence of sugar as an ingredient, along with sea salt, distinguishes it from a baseline of plain, home-cooked stewed tomatoes, which would typically contain only tomatoes and minimal seasoning. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA class 3 processed food also results in a penalty, indicating that it has undergone significant processing and includes ingredients not typically found in a simple home preparation. The sodium content at 166.67mg per 100g is moderate.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in del monte california stewed tomatoes, original recipe actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Good Source of Vitamins A and C

This product is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 35% of the Daily Value per 100g, and also contributes 11% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision and immune function, while Vitamin C is an antioxidant important for skin health and immunity. Incorporating this product can help meet daily requirements for these essential vitamins, especially when fresh options are not readily available.

Provides Potassium

DEL MONTE CALIFORNIA STEWED TOMATOES offers 214.29mg of potassium per 100g, contributing 5% of the Daily Value. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Including foods rich in potassium can support overall cardiovascular health and help balance sodium intake, which is important for blood pressure regulation.

Convenient Vegetable Option

For individuals seeking convenient ways to increase their vegetable intake, this product offers a ready-to-use option. Tomatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be incorporated into numerous dishes, and having them pre-stewed saves preparation time. While a processed product, it can still contribute to the recommended daily servings of vegetables, particularly when fresh alternatives are not practical or accessible.

How to eat it

DEL MONTE CALIFORNIA STEWED TOMATOES are typically used as a base for sauces, soups, and casseroles. A common portion is 0.5 cup, which can easily be incorporated into various recipes. They offer a quick way to add tomato flavor and texture to meals.

Combine with lean protein and whole grains to create a balanced meal, such as in a chicken chili or a lentil stew.
Use as a base for homemade pasta sauce, adding extra fresh vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrient density.
To reduce overall sodium, dilute with unsalted tomato puree or water when preparing dishes.
Serve alongside a side salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the flavors and add fresh greens.
Consider using in recipes that call for a touch of sweetness to balance savory flavors, reducing the need for additional sugar.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware of the added sugar content (2.78g per 100g) and sodium (166.67mg per 100g) in DEL MONTE CALIFORNIA STEWED TOMATOES. While these amounts are moderate, individuals monitoring their intake of either should account for them. The ingredient list includes citric acid and calcium chloride, which are common food additives used for preservation and texture, and are generally recognized as safe. There are no common allergens declared on the label. Individuals with specific dietary restrictions related to processed foods or those sensitive to moderate sodium levels should consider these factors when incorporating this product into their diet.

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Reader questions
Is DEL MONTE Stewed Tomatoes healthy?
DEL MONTE CALIFORNIA STEWED TOMATOES, ORIGINAL RECIPE scores 48/100, indicating it's a decent choice. It provides beneficial vitamins A and C, but also contains added sugar and is a processed food. Its healthfulness depends on overall dietary context and portion sizes.
How does DEL MONTE Stewed Tomatoes compare to other brands?
Compared to plain canned diced tomatoes from brands like Muir Glen or Hunt's, DEL MONTE Stewed Tomatoes typically contain more added sugar and sodium due to the 'original recipe' seasoning. Plain canned tomatoes would generally have a higher FoodScore as they are less processed and have fewer added ingredients.
What is the role of 'sugar' in this product?
The 'sugar' listed in the ingredients contributes to the product's flavor profile, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and providing a slight sweetness. It accounts for 2.78g of added sugar per 100g, which is a factor in its FoodScore.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
A reasonable portion size is 0.5 cup, as indicated on the nutrition label. This amount contributes to your daily vegetable intake while providing a moderate amount of added sugar and sodium. Adjust based on your overall dietary goals.
Can I use this product in a low-sodium diet?
With 166.67mg of sodium per 100g, DEL MONTE CALIFORNIA STEWED TOMATOES has a moderate sodium content. For a strict low-sodium diet, it would be preferable to choose unsalted or low-sodium canned tomatoes, or to rinse this product thoroughly before use, though rinsing may not remove all sodium.

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Data & references