Hunt's Tomato Sauce achieves a FoodScore of 46 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of positive and negative nutritional attributes. On the positive side, the product contains 3.19g of fiber per 100g, contributing positively to its score. Additionally, it has 0g of added sugar and 0g of total fat, which are favorable aspects. However, the most significant factor impacting its score negatively is the high sodium content, at 612.9mg per 100g, which incurs a penalty. The presence of 'Salt' as an ingredient contributes to this. Furthermore, as a NOVA class 3 processed food, it receives a penalty for being processed, indicating it contains more than just minimally processed ingredients. Compared to a generic unbranded tomato sauce, which would typically be NOVA class 1 (unprocessed) and contain only tomatoes, Hunt's includes additional ingredients like 'Water', 'Citric Acid', 'Onion Powder', 'Garlic Powder', and 'Red Pepper', contributing to its NOVA 3 classification and lower score.
What the nutrients in hunt's tomato sauce actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Hunt's Tomato Sauce provides 3.19g of dietary fiber per 100g. Fiber is an important component of a balanced diet, supporting digestive health and contributing to feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods can help regulate blood sugar levels and may contribute to heart health. This product can be a convenient way to add a small amount of fiber to meals, especially when used as a base for vegetable-rich dishes.
This tomato sauce is naturally low in fat, with 0g of total fat per 100g, and contains no added sugars. This makes it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their fat and sugar intake. The absence of added sugars aligns with dietary guidelines that recommend limiting consumption of these ingredients. Its formulation focuses on the tomato base, providing flavor without contributing to excess caloric intake from fats or sugars.
As a product made from tomato puree, Hunt's Tomato Sauce is a source of lycopene, a naturally occurring carotenoid found in tomatoes. Lycopene is responsible for the red color of tomatoes and is known for its antioxidant properties. While not a direct nutrient, consuming foods rich in lycopene is part of a healthy dietary pattern. Cooking tomatoes, as in the production of this sauce, can actually enhance the bioavailability of lycopene.
Hunt's Tomato Sauce is commonly used as a base for various cooked dishes, including pasta sauces, stews, soups, and casseroles. A typical serving size is 1/4 cup (62g), which can be easily incorporated into meals to add flavor and a tomato base. It's a versatile ingredient for home cooking.
The primary caution for Hunt's Tomato Sauce is its high sodium content, at 612.9mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, particularly those with hypertension or at risk for cardiovascular disease, should be mindful of portion sizes and overall dietary sodium when consuming this product. The ingredient 'Salt' is listed, directly contributing to this. While the product contains 'Citric Acid' as a preservative, it is generally recognized as safe. There are no common allergens declared on the label, making it suitable for most individuals without specific food sensitivities to tomatoes or the listed spices.