ENGINE 2 RED BELL PEPPER MARINARA PASTA SAUCE, RED BELL PEPPER MARINARA
ENGINE 2 RED BELL PEPPER MARINARA PASTA SAUCE scores 50/100 (Decent) due to its significant micronutrient content, particularly Vitamin A and C, balanced against its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food.
This ENGINE 2 pasta sauce earns a FoodScore of 50/100.
A strength is its high Vitamin A (393% DV) and Vitamin C (59% DV) content.
The product is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), contributing to score penalties.
It offers a comparable nutritional profile to generic whole-grain pasta sauces, with no added sugar.
Best used as a base for meals, paired with lean protein and vegetables.
Scores +3 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
1.8g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
0.88g
2% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
123.89mg
5% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (1.8g)+1
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 50
ENGINE 2 RED BELL PEPPER MARINARA PASTA SAUCE achieves a FoodScore of 50 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance between its beneficial micronutrient profile and its classification as a processed food. The product receives bonus points for its fiber content, with 1.8g per 100g, and notably for its micronutrients. It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, providing 393% of the Daily Value, and a good source of Vitamin C, contributing 59% of the Daily Value. These come from ingredients like whole tomatoes, red bell peppers, and carrot puree. A significant factor impacting the score negatively is its NOVA class 3 designation, indicating it is a processed food, which incurs a 5-point penalty. Despite being processed, it contains 0g of added sugar and 0g of total fat, aligning with positive dietary choices. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this sauce offers a similar nutritional foundation, with the added benefit of high Vitamin A and C without added sugars.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in engine 2 red bell pepper marinara pasta sauce, red bell pepper marinara actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Rich in Antioxidant Vitamins
This ENGINE 2 pasta sauce is notably rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, providing 393% and 59% of the Daily Value per 100g respectively. These vitamins function as antioxidants in the body, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Including foods high in these vitamins, such as the red bell peppers and whole tomatoes in this sauce, supports overall cellular health. Incorporating this sauce into meals can contribute significantly to your daily intake of these essential micronutrients.
Supports Digestive Health with Fiber
With 1.8g of fiber per 100g, this product contributes to your daily fiber intake, which is important for digestive regularity and gut health. Dietary fiber adds bulk to stool and can help maintain a healthy digestive system. The fiber content in this sauce primarily comes from the vegetable ingredients like tomatoes, red bell peppers, and sweet potato puree. Pairing this sauce with whole-grain pasta or other fiber-rich foods can further enhance its benefits for digestive wellness.
Low in Added Sugars and Fats
ENGINE 2 RED BELL PEPPER MARINARA PASTA SAUCE contains 0g of added sugar and 0g of total fat per 100g. This makes it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their intake of these components. Many commercially prepared sauces can be sources of hidden added sugars and unhealthy fats, so choosing options like this one can help manage overall dietary quality. This formulation supports a balanced diet, especially when used as a base for meals with lean proteins and plenty of vegetables.
ENGINE 2 RED BELL PEPPER MARINARA PASTA SAUCE scores 50/100 (Decent) due to its significant micronutrient content, particularly Vitamin A and C, balanced against its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food.
How to eat it
Pasta sauce is a versatile staple in many American kitchens, typically used as a base for pasta dishes, lasagna, or as a topping for chicken or vegetables. A common serving size is 1/2 cup, which provides a good flavor base without overwhelming a meal. It's often heated and combined with other ingredients.
Pair this sauce with whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles to boost fiber content and create a more balanced meal.
Enhance the nutritional value by stirring in extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers while heating.
Use this sauce as a base for a lean protein like baked chicken breast or white fish to create a complete meal.
Consider using it as a flavorful dip for raw vegetables or as a sauce for homemade pizza to control other ingredients.
Things to keep in mind
This ENGINE 2 pasta sauce is generally well-tolerated and does not contain common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg. The ingredient list is straightforward, primarily consisting of vegetables and spices, without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Individuals sensitive to nightshades, such as tomatoes and bell peppers, might experience discomfort, though this is a common characteristic of most marinara sauces. The sodium content is 123.89mg per 100g, which is moderate; those on sodium-restricted diets should consider their total meal's sodium intake. Overall, this product presents minimal specific cautions for the general population.
Is ENGINE 2 Red Bell Pepper Marinara Pasta Sauce healthy?
This ENGINE 2 pasta sauce scores 50/100, which is considered 'Decent'. It is a good source of Vitamin A and C, and contains no added sugar or fat. While it is a processed food (NOVA 3), its nutrient density from vegetables makes it a reasonable choice when incorporated into a balanced meal.
How does ENGINE 2 compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to many conventional pasta sauces, ENGINE 2 Red Bell Pepper Marinara stands out for its absence of added sugars and its high Vitamin A and C content. For example, some sauces like Prego Traditional can contain added sugars, which this product avoids. It offers a cleaner ingredient profile focused on vegetables.
What does 'WHOLE TOMATOES (TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, SALT, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, CITRIC ACID)' mean?
This ingredient declaration indicates that the primary tomato component consists of whole tomatoes preserved in their own juice, with salt, calcium chloride, and citric acid added. Calcium chloride helps maintain the firmness of the tomatoes, and citric acid acts as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. This is a common and safe practice in canned tomato products.
What is a typical serving size for this pasta sauce?
The recommended serving size for ENGINE 2 Red Bell Pepper Marinara Pasta Sauce is 1/2 cup (125g). This portion provides a good amount of flavor and nutrients without excessive calories or sodium. It's important to measure your serving to accurately track your intake, especially if you are monitoring specific nutrients.
Can I use this sauce for more than just pasta?
Absolutely. This sauce is versatile and can be used in various dishes. It makes an excellent base for homemade pizzas, a flavorful simmer sauce for meatballs or chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or vegetables. Its savory and slightly sweet profile from the red bell peppers makes it adaptable to many culinary applications.