Farmland TOP,EXT,ITAL SAUS,3%TVP,FS,28PC/OZ,2/5#Z has a FoodScore of 28/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, and its classification as an ultra-processed food.
This Farmland product scores 28/100, indicating it is an ultra-processed food to avoid for regular consumption.
A 100g serving contains 980mg of sodium, contributing significantly to daily intake.
It provides 14g of protein per 100g, which is a positive nutritional aspect.
Classified as NOVA 4, this product is significantly more processed than a home-cooked Italian sausage.
Consider this product for occasional use, focusing on smaller portion sizes to manage sodium and saturated fat.
Scores -18 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
14g
28% of Daily Value
Added sugar
1.4g
3% of Daily Value
Sodium
980mg
43% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (14g)+10
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (10g)-14
Sodium (980mg)-5
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 28
Farmland TOP,EXT,ITAL SAUS,3%TVP,FS,28PC/OZ,2/5#Z receives a FoodScore of 28 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely influenced by its nutritional profile and processing level. A 100g serving contains 28g of total fat, with 10g of that being saturated fat, which incurs a significant penalty of -14 points. The product also contains 980mg of sodium per 100g, leading to a -5 point penalty. As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed, resulting in a -10 point penalty. The presence of ingredients like textured vegetable protein product and corn syrup solids, along with multiple additives such as BHA and BHT, further contributes to its ultra-processed classification. While it offers 14g of protein, earning a +10 bonus, this is outweighed by the penalties. Compared to a home-cooked Italian sausage made with whole ingredients, this Farmland product contains higher levels of sodium and saturated fat, and includes various processing aids and additives not typically found in a homemade version.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in farmland top,ext,ital saus,3%tvp,fs,28pc/oz,2/5#z actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This product provides 14g of protein per 100g serving, which can contribute to your daily protein needs. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair, and plays a role in satiety. While this Farmland product is not a primary source of protein for a balanced diet, it can help meet protein targets when included as part of a meal.
Convenience for Meal Preparation
As a pre-prepared sausage, this Farmland product offers convenience for quick meal assembly. It can be a useful option for individuals with limited time for cooking from scratch. Its ready-to-cook format allows for rapid incorporation into various dishes, reducing overall meal preparation time.
Flavor Contribution to Dishes
The seasonings and spices in this product, including garlic powder and paprika, contribute a distinct Italian sausage flavor to meals. This can enhance the palatability of dishes, making it easier to incorporate other less flavorful ingredients like vegetables. It serves as a flavor base for pasta sauces, casseroles, or other savory preparations.
Farmland TOP,EXT,ITAL SAUS,3%TVP,FS,28PC/OZ,2/5#Z has a FoodScore of 28/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, and its classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
Italian sausage is commonly used in US households as a flavorful addition to pasta dishes, pizzas, or as a component in breakfast scrambles. Given its high sodium and saturated fat content, it's important to consider portion sizes and pairings.
Pair with a generous portion of non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach to add fiber and micronutrients.
Use smaller portions of the sausage and combine with leaner protein sources such as chicken breast or beans to reduce overall fat and sodium.
Consider using this sausage as a flavor accent rather than the main protein, for example, crumbling a small amount into a vegetable-heavy soup or stew.
Drain any excess fat after cooking to reduce the total fat intake from the product.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the high sodium content in Farmland TOP,EXT,ITAL SAUS,3%TVP,FS,28PC/OZ,2/5#Z, with 980mg per 100g, which can be a concern for individuals monitoring their blood pressure. The product contains soy as an allergen, present in both hydrolyzed soy protein and textured soy protein concentrate, which is important for those with soy allergies. Additionally, it includes preservatives like BHA and BHT, which are synthetic antioxidants used to prevent spoilage. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of foods containing these additives. The presence of caramel color is also noted, which can be a consideration for some consumers.
Farmland TOP,EXT,ITAL SAUS,3%TVP,FS,28PC/OZ,2/5#Z has a FoodScore of 28/100, classifying it as an 'Avoid' food. This is primarily due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, and its status as an ultra-processed product. While it provides protein, its overall nutritional profile suggests it's not a healthy choice for regular consumption.
How does Farmland Italian Sausage compare to other brands?
Compared to a less processed option like Johnsonville Fresh Italian Sausage, Farmland's product often contains higher levels of sodium and more additives. Fresh, minimally processed sausages typically have fewer ingredients and may offer a better nutritional profile, especially regarding sodium and saturated fat, though this varies by specific SKU.
What is 'textured vegetable protein product' in the ingredients?
Textured vegetable protein product, or TVP, is a soy-based ingredient used as a meat extender or substitute. It's processed from soy flour and can contribute protein, but its presence often indicates a higher degree of processing in the final food product. In this Farmland product, it's used to supplement the pork content.
What is a recommended portion size for this sausage?
Given its high sodium and saturated fat, a recommended portion size would be smaller than the standard 100g. Consider using 50g (approximately one serving size) and balancing it with plenty of vegetables and whole grains to create a more nutritionally complete meal while managing intake of less desirable nutrients.
Can I freeze Farmland Italian Sausage?
Yes, this Farmland Italian Sausage can typically be frozen if it is not already frozen. Freezing can help extend its shelf life beyond the 'use by' date printed on the package. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.