LUNCHABLES Nachos Cheese Dip & Salsa received a FoodScore of 44/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty. The product's sodium content, at 684.68mg per 100g, also contributes negatively to the score. While it offers some positive attributes, such as 3.2g of fiber and notable amounts of calcium (12% DV) and Vitamin A (67% DV), these are not sufficient to offset the penalties. The ingredient list includes vegetable oil (corn, sunflower, or soybean oil) and dried corn syrup in the cheese dip, which are common in ultra-processed items. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, this LUNCHABLES product contains considerably more sodium and a lower protein content, making it a less favorable choice from a nutritional standpoint.
What the nutrients in lunchables, nachos cheese dip & salsa actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
This product provides 161.29mg of calcium per 100g, contributing 12% of the Daily Value. Calcium is an essential mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and plays a role in nerve function and muscle contraction. While not a primary source, it can contribute to daily calcium intake, especially for individuals who may struggle to meet their needs from other sources. The calcium is primarily derived from the dairy components in the nacho cheese.
LUNCHABLES Nachos Cheese Dip & Salsa offers 67% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting proper cell growth and differentiation. The presence of apocarotenal (color), a common food coloring, can contribute to the Vitamin A content. This makes it a notable source of this fat-soluble vitamin within the context of a snack.
With 3.2g of fiber per 100g, this product contributes to daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. The fiber content primarily comes from the ground yellow corn used in the tortilla chips. While not a high-fiber food, this amount can be a small contribution towards the recommended daily intake of fiber.
LUNCHABLES Nachos Cheese Dip & Salsa is typically consumed as a convenient, ready-to-eat snack or a component of a packed lunch. It is designed for individual portions and is often chosen for its ease of preparation and portability. Common pitfalls include consuming it as a primary meal due to its limited nutritional completeness.
This product contains several ingredients that consumers may wish to note. The presence of canola oil, soybean oil, or sunflower oil indicates a blend of vegetable oils, which are common in processed foods. The nacho cheese dip includes sodium phosphate and sodium alginate, which are common food additives used as emulsifiers and thickeners. For individuals with allergies, this product contains milk and soy. The high sodium content (684.68mg per 100g) means that individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with high blood pressure, should consume this product in moderation. The high-fructose corn syrup in the salsa, while present in less than 2%, is another ingredient to be aware of for those managing sugar intake.