NATURAL CHOICE Hormel Natural Choice Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
NATURAL CHOICE Hormel Natural Choice Oven Roasted Turkey Breast scores 30/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium and saturated fat content.
This NATURAL CHOICE product has a FoodScore of 30/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It contains 17.54g of protein per 100g, which is a notable strength.
A significant concern is the 824.56mg of sodium per 100g.
This product is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is ultra-processed, unlike a home-cooked version.
Consider this item for occasional use rather than a daily staple due to its processing and nutrient balance.
Scores -17 points above the prepared category average (47/100 across 231 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
17.54g
35% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
824.56mg
36% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (17.5g)+10
Micronutrients (Calcium)+2
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (12.3g)-15
Sodium (824.6mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 30
The NATURAL CHOICE Hormel Natural Choice Oven Roasted Turkey Breast receives a FoodScore of 30 out of 100, primarily driven by its classification as an ultra-processed food (NOVA class 4). While it provides a good amount of protein, with 17.5g per 100g contributing a +10 bonus, this is offset by several nutritional drawbacks. The product contains 12.3g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a significant -15 penalty. Additionally, the high sodium content of 824.6mg per 100g results in a -4 penalty. The inclusion of ingredients like smoked sugar and cultured celery powder contributes to its ultra-processed nature. Although the label declares 0g of added sugar, the overall formulation, including the dark chocolate-covered pretzels, contributes to a concentrated ultra-processed fat penalty of -3. Compared to a home-cooked turkey breast with whole ingredients, this product contains significantly more sodium and saturated fat, and lacks the fiber and diverse micronutrients typically found in a less processed meal.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in natural choice hormel natural choice oven roasted turkey breast actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Maintenance with Protein
This product provides 17.54g of protein per 100g, which is a substantial amount for a single serving. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, as well as for producing enzymes and hormones. Including adequate protein in your diet can help maintain satiety and support overall body function. For individuals looking to increase their protein intake, this product can contribute to daily needs, especially when paired with other protein sources.
Source of Calcium for Bone Health
With 245.61mg of calcium per 100g, this product contributes 19% of the Daily Value for calcium. Calcium is a vital mineral primarily known for its role in maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a part in nerve function and muscle contraction. While not a primary source of calcium, this product can help supplement your intake, particularly through the white cheddar cheese component.
Convenient Option for Quick Meals
The NATURAL CHOICE Hormel Natural Choice Oven Roasted Turkey Breast offers a convenient and ready-to-eat protein source, which can be beneficial for individuals with limited time for meal preparation. Its pre-portioned nature makes it easy to incorporate into packed lunches or quick snacks. This convenience can help ensure consistent protein intake even on busy days, supporting dietary adherence.
NATURAL CHOICE Hormel Natural Choice Oven Roasted Turkey Breast scores 30/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium and saturated fat content.
How to eat it
This NATURAL CHOICE product is typically consumed as a quick lunch or snack, often on-the-go. It's designed for convenience, providing a pre-packaged combination of turkey, cheese, and pretzels. A common pitfall is consuming the entire tray as a single snack without considering its contribution to daily sodium and saturated fat intake.
Pair with fresh vegetables like baby carrots or bell pepper strips to add fiber and micronutrients.
Consider splitting the tray into two portions and combining with a piece of fruit for a more balanced snack.
Use the turkey and cheese in a whole-wheat wrap with lettuce and tomato to create a more substantial and nutrient-dense meal.
Be mindful of other high-sodium foods consumed throughout the day when including this product in your diet.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that may be a concern for some individuals. The presence of cultured celery powder and cherry powder indicates the use of naturally occurring nitrates, which are used as preservatives. While derived from natural sources, these still contribute to the overall nitrate load. The dark chocolate-covered pretzels contain enriched wheat flour, making this product unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It also contains milk, which is an allergen for those with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. The high sodium content could be a concern for individuals monitoring their blood pressure.
Is NATURAL CHOICE Hormel Natural Choice Oven Roasted Turkey Breast healthy?
This product scores 30/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile. While it offers a good amount of protein, its classification as ultra-processed and its high levels of sodium and saturated fat detract from its overall healthfulness. It is best considered an occasional convenience item rather than a staple.
How does NATURAL CHOICE compare to other pre-packaged lunch kits?
Compared to similar pre-packaged lunch kits like Oscar Mayer Lunchables, this NATURAL CHOICE product may offer a comparable level of convenience but often shares similar nutritional drawbacks, such as being high in sodium and saturated fat. Always check the nutrition facts for specific comparisons, as formulations vary widely between brands and products.
What is 'cultured celery powder' in the ingredients?
Cultured celery powder is an ingredient used as a natural source of nitrates, which act as a curing agent and preservative in meat products. It helps to maintain the color and extend the shelf life of the turkey breast. While derived from celery, it functions similarly to synthetic nitrates in terms of preservation.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The declared serving size is one tray (57g). Given its high sodium and saturated fat content, sticking to this portion size is advisable. For a more balanced meal, consider supplementing this portion with fresh vegetables or fruit to increase fiber and micronutrient intake without adding more sodium or saturated fat.
Can this product be part of a low-sodium diet?
No, with 824.56mg of sodium per 100g, this product is high in sodium and would not be suitable for individuals following a low-sodium diet. A single serving contributes a significant portion of the recommended daily sodium limit. It is important to choose alternatives with much lower sodium content if you are managing blood pressure or other sodium-sensitive conditions.