HUNT'S, PASTA SAUCE, GARLIC & HERB, HUNT'S, PASTA SAUCE, GARLIC & HERB
HUNT'S Pasta Sauce, Garlic & Herb scores 48/100 (Decent) primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its sodium content.
This HUNT'S product has a FoodScore of 48/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
It provides 2.4g of fiber and is a good source of Vitamin A (44% DV) per 100g.
A notable concern is the sodium content at 488mg per 100g, contributing to penalties.
As a NOVA 3 processed food, it scores lower than a generic whole-grain equivalent.
Consider balancing its sodium content by pairing it with low-sodium ingredients.
Scores +1 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
2.4g
9% of Daily Value
Protein
0.8g
2% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
488mg
21% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2.4g)+2
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Sodium (488mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 48
HUNT'S Pasta Sauce, Garlic & Herb achieves a FoodScore of 48/100, categorized as 'Decent'. This score reflects a balance of some nutritional positives against processing and sodium content. The product receives bonuses for its fiber content, providing 2.4g per 100g, and for its significant Vitamin A contribution, at 44% DV. However, penalties are applied due to its sodium level of 488mg per 100g, which is a considerable amount for a sauce. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA 3 processed food incurs a 5-point penalty, indicating that it contains multiple ingredients not typically found in home kitchens, such as fractionated coconut oil and natural flavors. While the label highlights 'Garlic & Herb', the presence of soybean oil and added sugar (though 0g per 100g in this specific SKU) are factors in its processing level. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which would typically score higher due to minimal processing and often lower sodium, this HUNT'S sauce falls short due to its formulation.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in hunt's, pasta sauce, garlic & herb, hunt's, pasta sauce, garlic & herb actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This pasta sauce provides 2.4g of fiber per 100g, primarily from tomato puree and carrot fiber. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to promote regularity and contribute to feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can support overall gut function and may help manage blood sugar levels. While not a primary fiber source, this contribution can add to your daily intake when consumed as part of a meal.
Good Source of Vitamin A
HUNT'S Pasta Sauce, Garlic & Herb is a good source of Vitamin A, supplying 44% DV per 100g. Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting proper cell growth and differentiation. The Vitamin A content in this sauce primarily comes from the tomato puree. Incorporating foods rich in Vitamin A can contribute to your daily micronutrient needs, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense ingredients.
Versatile Base for Nutrient-Dense Meals
Despite being a processed food, this pasta sauce can serve as a convenient base for creating more nutrient-dense meals. Its flavor profile allows for easy incorporation of additional vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. By adding ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, lean ground turkey, or whole wheat pasta, consumers can significantly enhance the overall nutritional value of their meal, leveraging the sauce's convenience to build a balanced plate.
HUNT'S Pasta Sauce, Garlic & Herb scores 48/100 (Decent) primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its sodium content.
How to eat it
Pasta sauce like HUNT'S Garlic & Herb is typically used as a topping for pasta, a base for casseroles, or an ingredient in various Italian-inspired dishes. A common serving size is 0.5 cup, which can be part of a larger meal. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially regarding sodium intake.
To reduce the overall sodium per meal, combine this sauce with unsalted or low-sodium ingredients, such as plain pasta, fresh vegetables, and unseasoned lean protein.
Boost the fiber and nutrient content by stirring in extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach while heating the sauce.
Use this sauce as a base for homemade pizza, spreading it thinly over a whole-wheat crust and topping with lean protein and plenty of vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Consider diluting the sauce with a small amount of unsalted tomato puree or water if you are particularly sensitive to sodium, helping to moderate the flavor intensity.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for HUNT'S Pasta Sauce, Garlic & Herb is its sodium content, at 488mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with high blood pressure, should be mindful of portion sizes and balance this with other low-sodium foods throughout the day. The ingredient list includes soybean oil and fractionated coconut oil, which are common in processed foods. While generally recognized as safe, individuals with specific dietary sensitivities to highly processed oils might consider this. The product also contains 'natural flavors', which is a broad category and may contain various components. Overall, for most healthy individuals, this product is unremarkable in terms of specific allergen or additive concerns beyond its sodium level.
HUNT'S Pasta Sauce, Garlic & Herb scores 48/100, indicating it's a 'Decent' choice. It offers some fiber and a good amount of Vitamin A. However, its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its sodium content mean it's not a top-tier nutritional choice. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with other nutrient-rich foods.
How does HUNT'S compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent or less processed pasta sauces, HUNT'S Pasta Sauce, Garlic & Herb's NOVA 3 classification and sodium level (488mg/100g) might place it lower. For instance, a brand like Rao's Homemade often uses simpler ingredient lists, which could result in a higher FoodScore depending on their specific formulations. Always check the nutrition facts and ingredient list of any pasta sauce for a direct comparison.
What is 'carrot fiber' in the ingredient list?
Carrot fiber is an ingredient derived from carrots, added to foods primarily to boost their fiber content and sometimes to improve texture. In this HUNT'S sauce, it contributes to the 2.4g of fiber per 100g. It's a natural source of dietary fiber and is generally well-tolerated.
What is a reasonable portion size for this pasta sauce?
A typical serving size for this sauce is 0.5 cup (approximately 120g). When considering the sodium content, sticking to this portion size or slightly less is advisable, especially if you are consuming other high-sodium foods in the same meal. Balancing it with low-sodium components of your meal is key.
Does this sauce contain added sugar?
According to the nutrition facts, HUNT'S Pasta Sauce, Garlic & Herb contains 0g of added sugar per 100g. While 'sugar' is listed as an ingredient, its quantity is less than 2% and does not contribute to the 'added sugar' metric per 100g. This means it's a suitable option for those looking to limit their intake of added sugars.