The FRESCO FRESH CHEF SALAD WITH TURKEY AND HAM receives a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor). This score is primarily driven by its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content.
This FRESCO FRESH salad scores 43/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
A notable strength is its high Vitamin A content, providing 604% DV per 100g.
The primary concern is the high sodium content at 426.09mg per 100g.
As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it differs significantly from a home-cooked alternative.
Consider this product for occasional use rather than a daily meal staple.
Scores -3 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
1.3g
5% of Daily Value
Protein
6.52g
13% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
426.09mg
19% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (6.5g)+2
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Sodium (426.1mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 43
The FRESCO FRESH CHEF SALAD WITH TURKEY AND HAM earned a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of 10 points. While it provides a moderate amount of protein at 6.52g per 100g, contributing a bonus of 2 points, and is notably rich in Vitamin A, adding another 2 points, these benefits are offset by other factors. The sodium content is particularly high at 426.09mg per 100g, resulting in a 1-point penalty. The ingredient list reveals components like canola oil and modified corn starch in the dressing, which are common in ultra-processed items. Compared to a home-cooked chef salad made with whole ingredients, this FRESCO FRESH product contains more processed components and higher sodium, impacting its overall nutritional quality despite some beneficial micronutrients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in fresco fresh chef salad with turkey and ham actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Excellent Source of Vitamin A
This salad is an excellent source of Vitamin A, providing 604% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for 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 bolster the body's natural defenses. This FRESCO FRESH product can help meet daily Vitamin A requirements, especially for individuals who may not regularly consume other rich sources like carrots or sweet potatoes.
Convenient Protein Source
With 6.52g of protein per 100g, this product offers a convenient source of protein for a quick meal. Protein is essential for muscle repair, hormone production, and satiety, helping you feel full and satisfied. While the protein comes from both turkey and ham, which are processed meats, it still contributes to your daily protein intake. For individuals seeking a ready-to-eat option that provides some protein, this FRESCO FRESH salad can serve as a practical choice, though it should be balanced with less processed protein sources.
Supports Vegetable Intake
This salad provides a base of romaine lettuce and carrots, contributing to your daily vegetable intake. Consuming a variety of vegetables is important for fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. While the dressing and processed meats detract from the overall nutritional quality, the presence of these vegetables can help increase the consumption of plant-based foods. This can be a useful option for those who find it challenging to incorporate vegetables into their diet, offering a quick way to include some greens and orange vegetables.
The FRESCO FRESH CHEF SALAD WITH TURKEY AND HAM receives a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor). This score is primarily driven by its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content.
How to eat it
The FRESCO FRESH CHEF SALAD WITH TURKEY AND HAM is typically consumed as a single-serving, ready-to-eat meal for lunch or a light dinner. It's designed for convenience, often eaten directly from the container.
To enhance the nutritional value, consider adding extra fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes.
If concerned about sodium, use only half of the provided dressing and supplement with a squeeze of lemon juice or vinegar.
Pair this salad with a piece of fruit or a handful of unsalted nuts to create a more balanced meal with additional fiber and healthy fats.
Be mindful of the portion size; consuming the entire container contributes significantly to your daily sodium intake, so consider splitting it into two smaller servings if you are monitoring sodium.
Things to keep in mind
This FRESCO FRESH salad contains several ingredients that some individuals may wish to monitor. The presence of egg yolk and skim milk in the homestyle ranch dressing indicates common allergens, and the turkey also contains soy protein isolate, making soy another allergen. Individuals with sensitivities to carrageenan gum or locust bean gum, used as thickeners and stabilizers, may experience digestive discomfort. The high sodium content, at 426.09mg per 100g, is a significant consideration, especially for those managing blood pressure or following a low-sodium diet. While generally safe for most, those with specific dietary restrictions or sensitivities should review the full ingredient list carefully.
Is FRESCO FRESH CHEF SALAD WITH TURKEY AND HAM healthy?
This FRESCO FRESH salad receives a FoodScore of 43/100, categorized as 'Poor.' While it offers a good source of Vitamin A and some protein, its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content are significant nutritional drawbacks. It can fit into a varied diet occasionally, but it is not a consistently healthy choice.
How does FRESCO FRESH CHEF SALAD compare to other prepared salads?
Compared to many other prepared salads, such as those from Dole or Taylor Farms, the FRESCO FRESH CHEF SALAD WITH TURKEY AND HAM has a similar nutritional profile, often characterized by moderate protein and high sodium due to dressings and processed meats. Always check the specific nutrition facts for each product, as values can vary widely based on ingredients and portion sizes.
What is 'Homestyle Ranch Dressing' and how does it impact the score?
The 'Homestyle Ranch Dressing' is a key component, contributing to both flavor and the nutritional profile. Ingredients like canola oil, egg yolk, and various gums (carrageenan, locust bean, xanthan, guar) are common in processed dressings. These ingredients, along with the overall formulation, contribute to the salad's classification as ultra-processed, which significantly lowers its FoodScore.
Can I eat this FRESCO FRESH salad every day?
Given its FoodScore of 43/100 and high sodium content, consuming this FRESCO FRESH salad daily is not recommended as a primary meal. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods with high sodium can have long-term health implications. It is best to incorporate it as an occasional meal, balancing it with whole, unprocessed foods.
Does this salad contain added sugar?
According to the nutrition facts, this FRESCO FRESH CHEF SALAD WITH TURKEY AND HAM contains 0g of added sugar per 100g. While the dressing lists 'sugar' as an ingredient, the amount is likely minimal enough to round down to zero on a per 100g basis, or it is offset by other components. This indicates it is not a significant source of added sugars.