DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish receives a FoodScore of 7/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high added sugar content**.
FoodScore is 7/100 (Avoid) due to high added sugar and processing.
Contains 25.36g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
This relish is a NOVA class 3 processed food.
Provides 16% DV of Vitamin A per 100g, a minor nutritional bonus.
Use sparingly due to its concentrated sugar and sodium levels.
Scores -35 points above the other category average (42/100 across 979 foods).
Fiber
1.4g
5% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
25.36g
51% of Daily Value
Sodium
275.36mg
12% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (25.4g)-25
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Empty calories-15
Why it scores 7
DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish scores 7 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This low score is largely driven by its significant added sugar content, which is 25.36g per 100g. This amount incurs a substantial penalty of -25 points. The ingredient list clearly shows sugar as the second ingredient, indicating its prominence. Additionally, as a NOVA class 3 processed food, it receives a -5 point penalty for its level of processing. The product also incurs a -15 point penalty for 'empty calories,' meaning it provides calories with minimal beneficial nutrients. While it does offer a minor bonus of +2 points for its Vitamin A content (16% DV), this is not enough to offset the considerable penalties. Compared to a generic unbranded pepper and onion relish, this product's nutritional profile is similar, with both typically being high in added sugars and sodium.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in dickinson's, premium pepper & onion relish, sweet 'n' hot, sweet 'n' hot actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish provides 16% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. While not a primary source of this vitamin, it can contribute a small amount to your daily intake. This is primarily due to the tomatoes and red bell peppers present in the relish.
Flavor Enhancement for Meals
This relish can serve as a flavorful condiment to enhance the palatability of various dishes. Its sweet and hot profile, derived from ingredients like jalapeno peppers and sugar, can make plainer foods more appealing. Using small amounts to add zest to meals can be a way to enjoy its taste without significantly impacting overall nutrient intake, especially when paired with otherwise bland but nutritious foods.
Convenient Ingredient
As a processed relish, DICKINSON'S offers convenience for meal preparation. It is ready to use directly from the jar, saving time that would be spent chopping and preparing fresh peppers and onions. This can be particularly useful for individuals with limited time for cooking, allowing for quick additions to sandwiches, grilled meats, or as a component in sauces, offering a quick flavor boost.
DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish receives a FoodScore of 7/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high added sugar content.
How to eat it
Pepper and onion relish is typically used as a condiment or ingredient to add a sweet and savory, slightly spicy flavor to dishes. Common uses include topping grilled meats, mixing into sandwiches, or incorporating into dips and sauces. Due to its concentrated flavor and sugar content, it's generally consumed in small portions.
Use as a condiment for grilled chicken or fish to add flavor without excessive amounts.
Mix a small spoonful into cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a savory spread for crackers or vegetables.
Incorporate into homemade vinaigrettes or marinades for a sweet and tangy note, balancing the other ingredients.
Pair with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain crackers or fresh vegetables to help mitigate the impact of its added sugar.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish is its high added sugar content, with 25.36g per 100g. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product very sparingly. The ingredient list includes sugar as the second item, indicating its significant presence. While the sodium content of 275.36mg per 100g is moderate, those on sodium-restricted diets should also be mindful of portion sizes. There are no common allergens explicitly declared, but individuals with sensitivities to natural spice flavor should exercise caution. Overall, for most healthy individuals, the main concern is the amount of added sugar.
Is DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish healthy?
DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish has a FoodScore of 7/100, indicating it is not a health-promoting food. Its low score is primarily due to its high added sugar content (25.36g per 100g) and its classification as a processed food. While it offers a minor amount of Vitamin A, it lacks significant amounts of other beneficial nutrients like protein or fiber.
How does DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish compare to other relishes?
Compared to a generic unbranded pepper and onion relish, DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish is nutritionally similar, typically being high in added sugars and sodium. For example, a common sweet pickle relish like Heinz Sweet Relish also contains significant added sugar, often around 20-25g per 100g. Many relishes in the 'other' category share this high sugar profile.
What is 'natural spice flavor' in the ingredient list?
The term 'natural spice flavor' refers to a flavor derived from a spice, fruit or vegetable, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. The specific spices are not disclosed, which is common in the food industry. For most consumers, this ingredient is generally recognized as safe, but individuals with specific spice allergies might want to exercise caution.
What is a reasonable portion size for this relish?
The declared serving size is 0.25 cup, which is approximately 60g. However, given its high added sugar and sodium content, a more reasonable portion for regular consumption might be smaller, such as 1-2 tablespoons (around 15-30g). This allows for flavor enhancement without contributing excessively to daily sugar or sodium intake. Always consider the overall nutritional context of your meal.
Can this relish be used in cooking?
Yes, DICKINSON'S Premium Pepper & Onion Relish can be used in cooking to add flavor to various dishes. It can be incorporated into glazes for roasted meats, mixed into meatballs or meatloaf, or used as a base for sauces. Its sweet and hot profile makes it versatile for both savory and slightly sweet applications. However, be mindful of the added sugar it contributes to the overall dish.