HEALTHY CHOICE, TRADITIONAL LENTIL SOUP scores 43/100 (Poor) primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food, despite offering some beneficial nutrients.
This HEALTHY CHOICE soup received a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor).
It provides 2g of fiber per 100g serving, contributing to daily fiber intake.
The product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
Compared to a home-cooked lentil soup, this option contains more processed ingredients.
A single serving provides 176mg of sodium, which is 8% of the Daily Value.
Scores -3 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
2g
7% of Daily Value
Protein
2.8g
6% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
176mg
8% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2g)+1
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 43
The HEALTHY CHOICE, TRADITIONAL LENTIL SOUP received a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is significantly impacted by its classification as a NOVA 4 food, meaning it is ultra-processed. This classification incurs a substantial penalty of -10 points. While the soup does offer some nutritional benefits, these are not enough to offset the processing penalty. It gains 1 point for its fiber content, providing 2g per 100g, and an additional 2 points for its Vitamin A content, which is 33% of the Daily Value. However, other micronutrients like potassium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin D, B12, folate, and Vitamin C are absent or present in negligible amounts. The ingredient list includes components such as maltodextrin and natural flavorings, which are common in ultra-processed foods. Compared to a home-cooked lentil soup made with whole ingredients, this product contains more added components and less of the inherent nutritional density found in minimally processed foods.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in healthy choice, traditional lentil soup actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This lentil soup provides 2g of fiber per 100g serving, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet is associated with maintaining healthy bowel function. While not exceptionally high, this amount can still be a useful addition to a meal, especially when paired with other fiber sources.
Contains Vitamin A
The HEALTHY CHOICE Traditional Lentil Soup offers 33% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g serving. Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. The presence of tomato concentrate and spinach in the ingredients likely contributes to this vitamin content. This makes the soup a convenient way to get a notable amount of this essential micronutrient.
Convenient Meal Option
As a prepared soup, this product offers a convenient and quick meal solution. For individuals with limited time for meal preparation, it provides a ready-to-eat option that includes lentils, a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. Its ease of preparation can help ensure a meal is consumed, which is beneficial for maintaining consistent eating patterns, especially when fresh ingredients are not readily available.
HEALTHY CHOICE, TRADITIONAL LENTIL SOUP scores 43/100 (Poor) primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food, despite offering some beneficial nutrients.
How to eat it
Prepared soups like HEALTHY CHOICE Traditional Lentil Soup are typically consumed as a quick lunch or light dinner. A common portion is one cup, often heated in a microwave or on the stovetop. A potential pitfall is relying solely on such soups for complete nutrition.
To enhance the nutritional profile, consider pairing this soup with a side salad rich in diverse vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
Boost the protein content by adding a small amount of cooked chicken breast or tofu to the soup.
If sodium intake is a concern, dilute the soup with a small amount of water or low-sodium broth to reduce the sodium concentration per serving.
Serve with a slice of whole-grain bread to add more complex carbohydrates and fiber to your meal.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains soybean oil and Parmesan cheese, which means it is not suitable for individuals with soy or dairy allergies. The ingredient list also includes 'natural flavorings' and 'caramel color,' which are common food additives in ultra-processed products. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of foods containing these components. The sodium content of 176mg per 100g, while not excessively high, should be considered as part of a daily intake, especially for those managing blood pressure. The presence of sorbic acid as a preservative in the Parmesan cheese is also noted.
Is HEALTHY CHOICE Traditional Lentil Soup healthy?
The HEALTHY CHOICE Traditional Lentil Soup scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some fiber and Vitamin A, its classification as an ultra-processed food and the presence of various additives contribute to its lower score. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and complemented with whole, unprocessed foods.
How does HEALTHY CHOICE Traditional Lentil Soup compare to Progresso Lentil Soup?
Compared to many other prepared lentil soups on the market, such as those from Progresso, HEALTHY CHOICE Traditional Lentil Soup often has a similar nutritional profile, including comparable sodium levels and ingredient complexity. Both typically fall into the ultra-processed category. Always check the specific nutrition facts panel and ingredient list for direct comparison, as formulations can vary.
What is 'maltodextrin' in the ingredient list?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, often used as a thickener, filler, or preservative in processed foods. It has a high glycemic index, meaning it can quickly raise blood sugar levels. In this soup, it likely contributes to the texture and stability of the mirepoix base.
What is a reasonable portion size for this soup?
The declared serving size is 1 cup (240g). This portion provides 154 calories, 4.8g of fiber, and 422mg of sodium. For a light meal, this serving size is appropriate. If you are looking for a more substantial meal, consider adding other nutrient-dense foods rather than increasing the soup portion excessively, especially due to sodium content.
Can this soup be part of a vegetarian diet?
Yes, HEALTHY CHOICE Traditional Lentil Soup is suitable for a vegetarian diet as its primary protein source is lentils, and it does not contain meat or poultry. However, it does contain Parmesan cheese, which means it is not suitable for a vegan diet. Always check for other animal-derived ingredients if adhering to strict dietary guidelines.