HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE, CLASSIC RECIPE, scores 31/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its significant content of added sugar and sodium.
HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE has a FoodScore of 31/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
This sauce is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
A single serving contains 8.62g of added sugar and 569.23mg of sodium per 100g.
It provides a notable amount of Vitamin A, contributing 51% DV per 100g.
Use sparingly to manage intake of added sugars and sodium.
Scores -1 points above the condiment category average (32/100 across 822 foods).
Fiber
1.5g
5% of Daily Value
Protein
1.54g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
8.62g
17% of Daily Value
Sodium
569.23mg
25% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (8.6g)-9
Sodium (569.2mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 31
HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE, CLASSIC RECIPE, receives a FoodScore of 31 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant 10-point penalty. The product also contains 8.62g of added sugar per 100g, leading to a 9-point deduction, and 569.23mg of sodium per 100g, resulting in a 2-point penalty. While the sauce does offer a notable amount of Vitamin A (51% DV per 100g), contributing 2 bonus points, this is not enough to offset the substantial penalties. The ingredient list includes sugar as the third ingredient, indicating its prominence. Compared to a generic unbranded sloppy joe sauce, this HEINZ HOMESTYLE product has a similar nutritional profile, often sharing common characteristics like high sodium and added sugar content, and being categorized as ultra-processed due to its formulation with multiple industrial ingredients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in heinz homestyle sloppy joe sauce, classic recipe actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This sloppy joe sauce provides a significant amount of Vitamin A, contributing 51% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting proper cell growth and differentiation. While not a primary source of vitamins in a balanced diet, this product can contribute to your daily intake of this specific micronutrient when consumed as part of a meal.
Convenient Meal Base
HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE offers convenience as a meal starter, simplifying the preparation of a classic sloppy joe dish. For individuals with limited time for cooking from scratch, a pre-made sauce can reduce meal preparation time. This allows for quick assembly of a meal, which can be useful in busy households, provided other components of the meal are nutritionally balanced.
Flavor Enhancement
The sauce provides a distinctive flavor profile that can make meals more palatable and enjoyable. Its blend of tomato puree, vinegar, and spices is designed to deliver the familiar taste of sloppy joes. This can be particularly helpful in encouraging consumption of other, more nutrient-dense ingredients when combined in a meal, such as lean ground meat or plant-based protein alternatives and vegetables.
HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE, CLASSIC RECIPE, scores 31/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its significant content of added sugar and sodium.
How to eat it
HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE is typically used as a base for ground meat or plant-based protein to create sloppy joes, commonly served on buns. A typical serving is 0.25 cup, which contributes to the flavor of the overall dish.
To improve the nutritional balance, combine the sauce with lean ground beef or turkey, or a plant-based protein like lentils or mushrooms.
Serve sloppy joes on whole-wheat buns and add a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
Consider using a smaller portion of the sauce per serving to reduce intake of added sugar and sodium.
Dilute the sauce with a small amount of unsalted tomato paste or diced tomatoes to reduce the overall sodium concentration in your meal.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be mindful of the added sugar content in HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE, which is 8.62g per 100g. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should account for this when planning meals. The product also contains a notable amount of sodium, at 569.23mg per 100g. Those monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management should consider this contribution. The presence of guar gum and xanthan gum as thickeners is generally recognized as safe, but some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience mild discomfort from these ingredients.
Is HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE, CLASSIC RECIPE healthy?
HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE, CLASSIC RECIPE, has a FoodScore of 31/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile. It is classified as an ultra-processed food and contains significant amounts of added sugar and sodium. While it provides some Vitamin A, it is not considered a healthy food choice for regular consumption.
How does HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE compare to other brands?
Compared to generic sloppy joe sauces, HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE often has a similar nutritional breakdown, including comparable levels of added sugar and sodium. For instance, a brand like Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce also typically features high sodium and added sugar, placing it in a similar nutritional category.
What is 'natural flavorings' in the ingredient list?
'Natural flavorings' refers to flavor components derived from natural sources like spices, fruits, vegetables, or meat. While they originate from natural sources, they undergo processing to extract and concentrate the flavor. Their specific composition is not disclosed on the label.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
The declared serving size is 0.25 cup. Adhering to this portion size helps manage the intake of added sugar and sodium. Using larger amounts will increase the nutritional impact, particularly concerning these two nutrients.
Can I use this sauce for dishes other than sloppy joes?
Yes, you can use HEINZ HOMESTYLE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE as a base for other savory dishes, such as a quick chili, a topping for baked potatoes, or mixed into a meatloaf. However, always consider the added sugar and sodium content when incorporating it into different recipes.