KNORR CREOLE GARLIC BUTTER FLAVOR RICE & PASTA BLEND IN A BUTTERY GARLIC & CAJUN FLAVORED SAUCE, CREOLE GARLIC BUTTER
KNORR Creole Garlic Butter Rice & Pasta Blend scores 49/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its primary nutritional concern is its high sodium content, which significantly impacts its overall score.
KNORR Creole Garlic Butter Rice & Pasta Blend has a FoodScore of 49/100.
This product provides 9.38g of protein and 3.09g of fiber per 100g serving.
A 100g serving contains 1090.63mg of sodium, a notable amount for a side dish.
As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it differs from less processed rice and pasta options.
Consider portion control to manage sodium intake when consuming this blend.
Scores +16 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
3.09g
11% of Daily Value
Protein
9.38g
19% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
1090.63mg
47% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.1g)+3
Protein (9.4g)+5
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A, Riboflavin)+6
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What holds it back
Sodium (1090.6mg)-5
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 49
KNORR Creole Garlic Butter Rice & Pasta Blend receives a FoodScore of 49 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score is influenced by both positive and negative nutritional factors. On the positive side, the product earns bonus points for its fiber content, providing 3.09g per 100g, and its protein content of 9.38g per 100g. It also contributes to micronutrient intake with 16% DV for iron and 17% DV for Vitamin A per 100g. However, significant penalties are applied due to its high sodium level, at 1090.63mg per 100g, which is a considerable amount for a single serving. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food incurs a substantial penalty. The presence of ingredients like maltodextrin and various flavor enhancers contributes to its ultra-processed status. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which often has lower sodium and fewer processed ingredients, this KNORR product presents a different nutritional profile, leaning towards convenience over minimal processing.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in knorr creole garlic butter flavor rice & pasta blend in a buttery garlic & cajun flavored sauce, creole garlic butter actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Iron
This KNORR rice and pasta blend can contribute to your daily iron intake. Iron is an essential mineral involved in oxygen transport throughout the body and plays a role in energy production. With 2.81mg of iron per 100g, providing 16% of the Daily Value, it can be a useful component in meals, especially for individuals looking to increase their iron consumption. Pairing it with vitamin C-rich foods can enhance iron absorption.
Provides Dietary Fiber
The product offers 3.09g of fiber per 100g, which is a beneficial amount for a side dish. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. While not a primary source, this fiber content can help you move closer to your daily recommended fiber intake when incorporated into a balanced meal with other fiber-rich foods like vegetables and legumes.
Contains Protein
With 9.38g of protein per 100g, this KNORR blend provides a moderate amount of protein. Protein is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and the production of enzymes and hormones. While it may not be a complete protein source on its own, it can contribute to the overall protein content of a meal, especially when combined with other protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, or plant-based proteins.
KNORR Creole Garlic Butter Rice & Pasta Blend scores 49/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its primary nutritional concern is its high sodium content, which significantly impacts its overall score.
How to eat it
This KNORR Creole Garlic Butter Rice & Pasta Blend is typically prepared as a quick side dish, often accompanying main courses like chicken, fish, or pork. It's designed for convenience, providing a flavored carbohydrate component to a meal. A common portion is 1/2 cup prepared, which is a relatively small serving size for a main carbohydrate.
To balance the meal, pair this blend with a generous serving of non-starchy vegetables like steamed broccoli or a large salad.
Consider using a smaller portion of the rice and pasta blend and adding a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken breast or chickpeas, to enhance satiety and nutrient density.
Be mindful of the sodium content; avoid adding extra salt to your meal when consuming this product to help manage overall sodium intake.
For a more complete meal, combine with a source of healthy fats, such as avocado or a drizzle of olive oil, to improve nutrient absorption and flavor.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that consumers with specific dietary needs should note. It is classified as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4), which means it has undergone significant industrial processing and contains multiple additives. Allergens declared on the label include milk, wheat, and soy, which are important considerations for individuals with sensitivities or allergies to these ingredients. The high sodium content (1090.63mg per 100g) is a significant factor, particularly for individuals monitoring their sodium intake due to blood pressure concerns or other health conditions. While specific additives like disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate are generally recognized as safe, some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of foods containing such flavor enhancers.
Is KNORR Creole Garlic Butter Rice & Pasta Blend healthy?
KNORR Creole Garlic Butter Rice & Pasta Blend scores 49/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. While it provides some protein and fiber, its high sodium content and ultra-processed nature are factors to consider. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense foods.
How does KNORR Creole Garlic Butter Rice & Pasta Blend compare to plain rice?
Compared to plain, unseasoned rice, this KNORR blend has significantly higher sodium and contains more processed ingredients, including maltodextrin and various flavor enhancers. Plain rice, like a generic white or brown rice, typically has a simpler ingredient list and no added sodium, offering a more neutral base for meals. The KNORR product offers convenience and flavor but with a trade-off in processing and sodium.
What is 'enriched parboiled long grain rice' in the ingredient list?
Enriched parboiled long grain rice means the rice has been partially boiled in its husk, which helps retain some nutrients, and then had vitamins and minerals like niacin, iron, and thiamin mononitrate added back after processing. This enrichment helps restore nutrients lost during milling, making the rice more nutritionally comparable to whole grains in some aspects, though it is still a refined grain.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The declared serving size is 1/2 cup prepared. Given the high sodium content of 1090.63mg per 100g, sticking to this portion size is advisable to manage your intake. If you consume a larger portion, your sodium intake will increase proportionally, which may exceed daily recommendations.
Can this be a main dish for a meal?
While it can be a component of a meal, this KNORR blend is typically intended as a side dish due to its nutritional profile. To make it a more complete main dish, you would need to add substantial sources of lean protein and a variety of vegetables to ensure a balanced intake of macronutrients and micronutrients.
Are there similar products with lower sodium?
Yes, many brands offer rice and pasta blends or plain rice products with lower sodium or no added sodium. For example, brands like Uncle Ben's or Success Rice offer plain rice options that allow you to control the seasoning and sodium content yourself. Always check the nutrition facts label for sodium per serving when comparing products.