JENNIE-O ITALIAN SEASONED LEAN GROUND TURKEY, ITALIAN SEASONED
JENNIE-O ITALIAN SEASONED LEAN GROUND TURKEY scores 48/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its NOVA 4 classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content are the primary factors influencing this score.
FoodScore: 48/100 (Decent) due to processing and sodium.
Contains 16.96g of protein per 100g serving.
High in sodium with 553.57mg per 100g.
Classified as NOVA 4 (ultra-processed), unlike a home-cooked alternative.
Can be a convenient protein source when time is limited.
Scores +2 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
16.96g
34% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
553.57mg
24% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (17.0g)+10
−
What holds it back
Sodium (553.6mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 48
JENNIE-O ITALIAN SEASONED LEAN GROUND TURKEY receives a FoodScore of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of its positive and negative nutritional attributes. On the positive side, the product provides a significant amount of protein, contributing 16.96g per 100g, which earns it a +10 bonus. However, several factors reduce its overall score. The sodium content is notably high at 553.57mg per 100g, resulting in a -2 penalty. A more substantial deduction comes from its classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, which incurs a -10 penalty. This classification is due to the presence of ingredients like spice extractives and preservatives such as BHA and BHT, which are not typically found in a home-cooked version of ground turkey. While it contains no added sugar or trans fat, and its saturated fat content is moderate at 2.68g per 100g, the processing and sodium levels prevent it from achieving a higher score compared to a home-cooked meal using whole ingredients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in jennie-o italian seasoned lean ground turkey, italian seasoned actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Good Source of Protein
This JENNIE-O product is a good source of protein, providing 16.96g per 100g. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety, helping you feel full and satisfied after meals. Incorporating adequate protein into your diet can support various bodily functions and contribute to maintaining a healthy body composition. This makes it a useful component for meals aimed at increasing protein intake.
Convenient Meal Component
As a pre-seasoned and prepared ground turkey, this product offers significant convenience for meal preparation. It can reduce cooking time, making it a practical option for individuals with busy schedules who still want to include a protein source in their meals. While it is an ultra-processed food, its convenience can help avoid less nutritious fast-food options when time is a constraint, offering a quick protein base for various dishes.
Low in Saturated Fat Compared to Some Meats
With 2.68g of saturated fat per 100g, JENNIE-O ITALIAN SEASONED LEAN GROUND TURKEY is relatively lower in saturated fat compared to many cuts of ground beef. Choosing leaner protein sources can be a strategy to manage dietary intake of saturated fats, which is often recommended for cardiovascular health. This makes it a suitable option for those monitoring their saturated fat consumption.
JENNIE-O ITALIAN SEASONED LEAN GROUND TURKEY scores 48/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its NOVA 4 classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content are the primary factors influencing this score.
How to eat it
This Italian seasoned ground turkey is typically used as a versatile protein base in cooked meals. It's often incorporated into pasta sauces, casseroles, or as a filling for wraps and tacos. A common serving size is 4 ounces (113g), which provides a substantial amount of protein for a single meal.
Pair with plenty of vegetables and a whole grain to create a balanced meal and dilute the sodium content.
Use in recipes where the seasoning complements other ingredients, such as turkey meatballs or a quick Bolognese sauce.
Consider using a smaller portion of this seasoned turkey and supplementing with unseasoned ground turkey to reduce overall sodium intake.
Always cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for JENNIE-O ITALIAN SEASONED LEAN GROUND TURKEY is its high sodium content, which is 553.57mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, particularly those with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular concerns, should be mindful of portion sizes and balance this product with low-sodium foods throughout the day. The product also contains preservatives like BHA and BHT, which are synthetic antioxidants used to maintain freshness. While generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, some individuals prefer to limit their intake of such additives. There are no common allergens explicitly declared in the ingredient list, but consumers with specific sensitivities should always review the full label.
Is JENNIE-O ITALIAN SEASONED LEAN GROUND TURKEY healthy?
This product scores 48/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category on FoodScore. It offers a good amount of protein but is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and has a high sodium content. While it can be part of a balanced diet, it's not considered a whole, unprocessed food.
How does JENNIE-O ITALIAN SEASONED LEAN GROUND TURKEY compare to unseasoned ground turkey?
Compared to plain, unseasoned ground turkey, this JENNIE-O product contains significantly more sodium due to the added seasoning. Unseasoned ground turkey would likely score higher on FoodScore because it avoids the sodium penalty and the NOVA 4 classification associated with added spices and preservatives like BHA and BHT.
What are 'spice extractives' in the ingredient list?
Spice extractives are concentrated flavor components derived from spices. They are used to provide consistent flavor without adding the bulk of whole spices. Their presence, along with preservatives, contributes to this product's classification as an ultra-processed food.
What is a reasonable portion size for this ground turkey?
A reasonable portion size is typically 4 ounces (113g), as indicated on the nutrition label. This provides 19.1g of protein and 626mg of sodium. Adjusting portion sizes based on your individual dietary needs, especially for sodium, is recommended.
Can I use this product in a low-sodium diet?
Due to its high sodium content (553.57mg per 100g), this product is not ideal for a low-sodium diet. If you are managing sodium intake, it would be better to choose unseasoned ground turkey and flavor it yourself with herbs and spices that do not contain added salt.