DEL MONTE, CHEF'S PANTRY, MEAL TOPPERS IN A SWEET & TANGY SAUCE, ORANGE-SESAME VEGETABLES, ORANGE-SESAME VEGETABLES
DEL MONTE CHEF'S PANTRY MEAL TOPPERS, ORANGE-SESAME VEGETABLES scores 43/100 (Poor), primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food.
This DEL MONTE product received a FoodScore of 43/100, indicating a Poor nutritional rating.
It provides a notable amount of Vitamin A, contributing 93% of the Daily Value per 100g.
The product is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
With 333.33mg of sodium per 100g, it is higher in sodium compared to generic plain vegetables.
Consider this product as an occasional side dish rather than a primary vegetable source.
Scores -4 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
1.7g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
0.83g
2% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
333.33mg
14% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (1.7g)+1
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 43
DEL MONTE CHEF'S PANTRY MEAL TOPPERS, ORANGE-SESAME VEGETABLES receives a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is significantly impacted by its classification as a NOVA class 4 food, indicating it is ultra-processed, which incurs a substantial penalty of -10 points. While the product contains vegetables, the overall formulation includes ingredients like sugar, modified cornstarch, and natural flavors, contributing to its processed nature. On the positive side, it gains 1 point for its fiber content of 1.7g per 100g and 2 points for its micronutrient profile, specifically its high Vitamin A content, providing 93% of the Daily Value. However, it contains 333.33mg of sodium per 100g, which is a considerable amount. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which would typically offer more fiber and fewer processed ingredients, this DEL MONTE product falls short in overall nutritional density and processing level.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in del monte, chef's pantry, meal toppers in a sweet & tangy sauce, orange-sesame vegetables, orange-sesame vegetables actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Good Source of Vitamin A
This product is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 93% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting proper cell growth and differentiation. Including foods rich in Vitamin A can contribute to overall eye health and help protect against deficiencies. While this product is processed, it still delivers a significant amount of this key micronutrient.
Contains Dietary Fiber
DEL MONTE ORANGE-SESAME VEGETABLES provides 1.7g of fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management. While this amount is not exceptionally high, it still contributes to your daily fiber intake. The fiber primarily comes from the mixed vegetables present in the product, such as carrots and green beans.
Convenient Vegetable Option
This product offers a convenient way to incorporate vegetables into a meal, especially when time is limited. The pre-cut and pre-sauced format reduces preparation time, making it a practical choice for busy individuals or families. While it is an ultra-processed option, it can serve as an accessible component to a meal, ensuring some vegetable intake when fresh preparation is not feasible. It is important to balance such convenience foods with whole, unprocessed vegetables when possible.
DEL MONTE CHEF'S PANTRY MEAL TOPPERS, ORANGE-SESAME VEGETABLES scores 43/100 (Poor), primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
DEL MONTE CHEF'S PANTRY MEAL TOPPERS are designed for quick meal assembly, typically added to rice, noodles, or protein. A common portion is 0.5 cup, which can be part of a larger meal. Be mindful of the sodium content when pairing with other ingredients.
To enhance the nutritional profile, combine this product with plain brown rice or quinoa and a lean protein source like grilled chicken or tofu.
Consider using a smaller portion of the sauce provided and adding fresh steamed vegetables to increase overall vegetable intake and reduce sodium per serving.
Pair with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add more raw vegetables and diverse micronutrients to your meal.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that warrant attention. It includes soy sauce and soy lecithin, indicating the presence of soy and wheat, which are common allergens. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should be aware of the wheat content. The product is also high in sodium (333.33mg per 100g), which could be a concern for those monitoring their sodium intake due to blood pressure considerations. While the product contains vegetables, the overall formulation as an ultra-processed food (NOVA class 4) suggests a lower nutritional quality compared to whole, unprocessed vegetables. The presence of modified cornstarch and natural flavors are typical of processed foods.
Is DEL MONTE CHEF'S PANTRY MEAL TOPPERS, ORANGE-SESAME VEGETABLES healthy?
This DEL MONTE product scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides a good amount of Vitamin A (93% DV per 100g) and some fiber, its classification as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) and its sodium content (333.33mg per 100g) contribute to its lower score. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with less processed foods.
How does DEL MONTE CHEF'S PANTRY MEAL TOPPERS compare to plain frozen vegetables?
Compared to plain frozen vegetables, such as Green Giant Steamers, this DEL MONTE product is significantly more processed and higher in sodium and added ingredients like sugar and modified cornstarch. Plain frozen vegetables typically have a higher FoodScore due to their minimal processing and lack of added sugars or high sodium sauces, making them a more nutritionally dense choice for regular consumption.
Does this product contain added sugar?
The ingredient list shows 'sugar' as the third ingredient, and 'molasses' is also present. However, the nutrition facts state 0g of added sugar per 100g. This discrepancy suggests that the amount of added sugar per serving is below the threshold for declaration on the label, or the sugars are naturally occurring from other ingredients like orange juice concentrate. Consumers monitoring sugar intake should be aware of the presence of these sweetening agents.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The suggested serving size is 0.5 cup. Given its sodium content, it's advisable to stick to this portion size or even use a smaller amount, especially if you are consuming other high-sodium foods in the same meal. Pairing it with plain, unsalted components can help balance the overall sodium intake of your meal.
Can this product be used as a main dish?
This product is labeled as 'Meal Toppers' and is best used as an accompaniment rather than a main dish. It is low in protein (0.83g per 100g) and calories (75 per 100g), so it would not provide sufficient satiety or complete nutrition on its own. It's designed to complement a meal, adding flavor and some vegetables.