HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE scores 44/100 (Poor), primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its sodium content.
This product has a FoodScore of 44/100 (Poor).
It provides a notable amount of Vitamin A, contributing 27% DV per 100g.
A significant concern is the 400mg of sodium per 100g serving.
HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), similar to many other branded tomato sauces.
Use this sauce as a base for homemade dishes to control overall sodium and added sugar.
Scores +12 points above the condiment category average (32/100 across 822 foods).
Fiber
0.8g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
1.6g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
3.92g
8% of Daily Value
Sodium
400mg
17% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (3.9g)-2
Sodium (400mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 44
HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE receives a FoodScore of 44 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is influenced by several factors, both positive and negative. On the positive side, the product earns a bonus of +2 points for its micronutrient content, specifically Vitamin A, which provides 27% of the Daily Value per 100g. However, several penalties significantly reduce the overall score. The presence of 3.92g of added sugar per 100g results in a -2 point penalty. Additionally, the sodium content of 400mg per 100g incurs a -1 point penalty, reflecting a moderate amount of sodium. The most substantial penalty, -5 points, is due to its classification as a NOVA 3 processed food. Ingredients like dehydrated onions, garlic powder, and soybean oil contribute to this classification, indicating a product that has undergone significant processing beyond basic preparation. Compared to a generic, unbranded tomato sauce, HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE has similar nutritional characteristics, with both typically containing added sugar and sodium, and being classified as processed.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in hunt's tomato sauce actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE is a source of Vitamin A, providing 27% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin important for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Incorporating this sauce into meals can contribute to your daily intake of this important micronutrient, especially when paired with healthy fats to aid absorption.
Versatile Culinary Base
While not a direct nutrient benefit, HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE serves as a versatile culinary base for numerous dishes. Its tomato paste and spice blend offer a foundational flavor profile that can be enhanced with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This allows consumers to build more nutritionally complete meals, using the sauce as a starting point rather than the sole component.
Low in Saturated and Trans Fats
This product contains 0g of saturated fat and 0g of trans fat per 100g. A diet low in saturated and trans fats is associated with maintaining cardiovascular health. Choosing sauces like HUNT'S that are free from these fats can be a component of a balanced dietary pattern, especially when considering overall fat intake from other meal components.
HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE scores 44/100 (Poor), primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its sodium content.
How to eat it
HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE is commonly used as a base for pasta sauces, stews, soups, and casseroles. A typical serving size is 0.5 cup, which can easily be incorporated into a meal. It's a convenient option for adding tomato flavor to various dishes.
To reduce overall sodium, dilute the sauce with no-salt-added diced tomatoes or vegetable broth.
Enhance the nutritional profile by adding plenty of fresh or frozen vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Pair with lean protein sources such as chicken breast, fish, or legumes to create a balanced meal.
Use as a base for homemade pizza sauce, adding your own herbs and spices to control flavor and sodium.
Consider using a smaller portion of the sauce and supplementing with fresh herbs and spices to boost flavor without additional sodium or sugar.
Things to keep in mind
HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE contains soybean oil, which is a common allergen for some individuals, though it is highly refined in many processed foods. The product's sodium content of 400mg per 100g is moderate, and individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should be mindful of portion sizes and overall dietary sodium. The added sugar content (3.92g per 100g) is also a factor for those managing blood sugar levels. While generally safe for most populations, those with specific dietary restrictions or health conditions should review the ingredient list and nutrient facts carefully.
HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE scores 44/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some Vitamin A, its classification as a NOVA 3 processed food, along with its sodium and added sugar content, contributes to a lower score. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
How does HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE compare to other brands?
Compared to a generic tomato sauce or other branded options like Contadina, HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE has a similar nutritional profile, often containing comparable levels of sodium and added sugar. Many branded tomato sauces fall into the NOVA 3 processed category due to similar ingredient formulations. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons.
What is the role of 'citric acid' in HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE?
Citric acid is a common food additive used in HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE primarily as a natural preservative and to enhance flavor. It helps maintain the acidity of the product, which is important for food safety and shelf stability. It also contributes to the tartness of the tomato flavor.
What is a reasonable portion size for this tomato sauce?
The recommended serving size for HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE is 0.5 cup (122g). This portion provides 59 calories, 488mg of sodium, and 4.8g of added sugar. Adjusting portion sizes based on your individual dietary needs and the overall sodium and sugar content of your meal is advisable.
Can I use HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE in a low-sodium diet?
With 400mg of sodium per 100g, HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE is not considered a low-sodium food. Individuals on a low-sodium diet should opt for no-salt-added tomato products or significantly dilute this sauce with water or unsalted broth to manage their sodium intake effectively.