FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentgrainMAIER'S· 1 slice

MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD, SEEDED ITALIAN

MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD, SEEDED ITALIAN scores 47/100 (Decent). Its NOVA 4 classification as an ultra-processed food is the primary factor impacting its score.

  • MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD has a FoodScore of 47/100.
  • It provides 3.1g of fiber and 6.25g of protein per 100g.
  • A significant concern is its sodium content at 718.75mg per 100g.
  • This bread is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
  • Consider pairing with whole foods to enhance overall nutritional value.
  • Scores +0 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
3.1g
11% of Daily Value
Protein
6.25g
13% of Daily Value
Added sugar
3.1g
6% of Daily Value
Sodium
718.75mg
31% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.1g)+3
Protein (6.3g)+2
Micronutrients (Iron, Folate, Riboflavin)+6
What holds it back
Added sugar (3.1g)-1
Sodium (718.8mg)-3
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 47

MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD, SEEDED ITALIAN receives a FoodScore of 47 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. The score is positively influenced by its micronutrient profile, providing 16% DV for iron and 28% DV for folate per 100g, along with contributions from riboflavin. The product also gains points for its fiber content of 3.1g and protein content of 6.25g per 100g. However, several factors reduce its overall score. It incurs a penalty for its added sugar content of 3.1g per 100g. A more substantial penalty is applied due to its high sodium content, at 718.75mg per 100g. The most significant deduction comes from its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which reflects the presence of ingredients like DATEM and monoglycerides. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, MAIER'S bread contains enriched flour rather than whole grains, contributing to a lower fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio and a less favorable overall nutritional density.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in maier's seeded italian premium bread, seeded italian actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Fortified Micronutrients

MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD contributes to daily micronutrient intake, particularly for iron and folate. Per 100g, it provides 16% of the Daily Value for iron and 28% for folate. These nutrients are added back to the enriched wheat flour during processing, which can be beneficial for individuals who may have insufficient intake of these vitamins and minerals from other dietary sources. Including this bread as part of a varied diet can help meet some daily requirements for these essential micronutrients.

Provides Dietary Fiber

This bread offers 3.1g of dietary fiber per 100g. While not a primary source, this amount can contribute to your daily fiber goals. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain regularity and support a healthy gut microbiome. Incorporating foods with some fiber, like MAIER'S bread, can be a small step towards increasing overall fiber intake, especially when paired with other fiber-rich foods.

Contains Some Protein

With 6.25g of protein per 100g, MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD provides a modest amount of this macronutrient. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and plays a role in satiety. While not a high-protein food, the protein content can add to the overall protein intake when consumed as part of a meal or snack, particularly when combined with other protein sources like lean meats, eggs, or legumes.

How to eat it

MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD is typically consumed as part of sandwiches, toast, or as an accompaniment to meals. A common portion is one or two slices. Be mindful of portion sizes and what you pair it with, as these choices significantly impact the overall nutritional profile of your meal.

To enhance the nutritional value, pair a slice of MAIER'S bread with lean protein sources like turkey breast or hummus, and plenty of vegetables.
Consider using it as a base for open-faced sandwiches to reduce total bread intake while still enjoying the flavor.
Be aware of the sodium content; if you are monitoring sodium, balance this bread with low-sodium foods throughout the rest of your day.
Things to keep in mind

Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD as it contains enriched wheat flour and wheat gluten. The product also lists soy lecithin and sesame seeds, which are common allergens. The presence of calcium propionate as a preservative, along with other additives like DATEM and monoglycerides, contributes to its NOVA 4 classification as an ultra-processed food. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of ultra-processed foods due to their overall dietary impact and the presence of various food additives.

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Reader questions
Is MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD, SEEDED ITALIAN a healthy choice?
MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD scores 47/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. While it provides some iron, folate, and fiber, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content are factors to consider. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense foods.
How does MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD compare to other breads?
Compared to a generic 100% whole wheat bread, MAIER'S bread, made with enriched wheat flour, typically offers less dietary fiber and may have a higher glycemic impact. For example, brands like Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat Bread often provide significantly more fiber per serving. The sodium content of MAIER'S is also higher than many plain whole grain options.
What is 'enriched wheat flour' and why is it used?
Enriched wheat flour is refined wheat flour that has had certain B vitamins (niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) and iron added back after processing. This enrichment helps restore nutrients lost during the milling process. It is a common ingredient in many commercially produced breads in the US.
What is a reasonable portion size for this bread?
A standard serving size for MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD is one slice. Consuming one to two slices as part of a meal or snack is generally considered a reasonable portion. Be mindful of the overall calorie and sodium intake from the bread and any accompanying spreads or fillings.
Does this bread contain whole grains?
The primary ingredient in MAIER'S SEEDED ITALIAN PREMIUM BREAD is enriched wheat flour, not whole wheat flour. While it contains some sesame seeds, it is not considered a whole grain bread. For those prioritizing whole grains, look for products that list 'whole wheat flour' or other whole grains as the first ingredient.

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