ORGANIC VALLEY, ULTRA PASTEURIZED GRADE A HALF & HALF CREAM, HAZELNUT, HAZELNUT
ORGANIC VALLEY, ULTRA PASTEURIZED GRADE A HALF & HALF CREAM, HAZELNUT scores 32/100 (Poor) primarily due to its significant **added sugar** and **saturated fat** content.
This product has a FoodScore of 32/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It contains 16.31g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
With 6.67g of saturated fat per 100g, it exceeds recommended daily limits for regular consumption.
As a NOVA class 2 item, it is a processed culinary ingredient, not a whole food.
Use in small portions to manage intake of added sugar and saturated fat.
Scores -1 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
3.33g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
16.31g
33% of Daily Value
Sodium
33mg
1% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (16.3g)-21
Saturated fat (6.7g)-7
Why it scores 32
ORGANIC VALLEY, ULTRA PASTEURIZED GRADE A HALF & HALF CREAM, HAZELNUT receives a FoodScore of 32 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary factors driving this score are its high levels of added sugar and saturated fat. Per 100g, this product contains 16.31g of added sugar, which incurs a significant penalty of -21 points. This amount is substantial, especially for a dairy product often added to beverages. Additionally, the 6.67g of saturated fat per 100g contributes a penalty of -7 points, reflecting a higher fat content than is generally recommended for daily intake. On the positive side, it receives +2 points for its Vitamin A content, providing 37% DV per 100g. It also gains +8 points for being a NOVA class 2 food, meaning it is a processed culinary ingredient rather than an ultra-processed item. However, these bonuses are outweighed by the penalties from organic fair trade unrefined cane sugar and the inherent fat content of cream. Compared to a generic half & half, this flavored version introduces a considerable amount of added sugar, which is not present in unflavored varieties, significantly lowering its overall nutritional score.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in organic valley, ultra pasteurized grade a half & half cream, hazelnut, hazelnut actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This ORGANIC VALLEY half & half provides 37% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin important for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. While not a primary source, it can contribute to your daily intake, especially if consumed regularly in moderate amounts. This benefit is tied to the dairy components of the product.
Provides Dairy Nutrients
As a dairy product, this half & half contains some of the nutrients naturally found in milk and cream, such as calcium (5% DV per 100g). Calcium is crucial for bone health and various bodily functions. While the amounts are not high, it can be a minor contributor to daily dairy intake, which is part of a balanced diet. The presence of organic grade A milk and cream ensures these inherent dairy components.
Culinary Versatility
This product can enhance the flavor and texture of various dishes and beverages, offering a creamy mouthfeel and hazelnut flavor. Its use as a culinary ingredient can make certain foods more palatable, potentially encouraging consumption of other nutrient-dense foods it's paired with. However, it's important to consider the added sugar and fat when incorporating it into recipes.
ORGANIC VALLEY, ULTRA PASTEURIZED GRADE A HALF & HALF CREAM, HAZELNUT scores 32/100 (Poor) primarily due to its significant added sugar and saturated fat content.
How to eat it
Flavored half & half is typically used to enrich coffee or tea, or as an ingredient in desserts and sauces. A common serving size is 2 tablespoons (30g), which can quickly add up if used multiple times a day or in larger quantities. Its sweet and creamy profile makes it a popular choice for enhancing beverages.
Use this half & half sparingly in coffee or tea to manage your intake of added sugar and saturated fat.
Consider diluting it with unsweetened milk or water to reduce the overall sugar and fat per serving.
Pair with plain, unsweetened foods like oatmeal or fruit to balance the sweetness and add fiber.
As a treat, use it in small amounts for homemade desserts instead of higher-sugar alternatives.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with dairy allergies should avoid this product as it contains organic grade A milk and cream. The presence of organic hazelnut flavor also indicates a potential allergen for those with tree nut allergies, despite hazelnuts not being explicitly listed as an allergen in all regions. The significant amount of added sugar (16.31g per 100g) means that individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with caution and in very small portions. Regular, high intake of products with substantial added sugar can contribute to increased caloric intake and may not support healthy dietary patterns.
Is ORGANIC VALLEY, ULTRA PASTEURIZED GRADE A HALF & HALF CREAM, HAZELNUT healthy?
This product scores 32/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some Vitamin A and calcium from dairy, its high content of added sugar (16.31g per 100g) and saturated fat (6.67g per 100g) significantly detracts from its nutritional value. It is best considered an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a healthy diet.
How does ORGANIC VALLEY Hazelnut Half & Half compare to unflavored half & half?
Compared to a generic unflavored half & half, the ORGANIC VALLEY Hazelnut version contains a substantial amount of added sugar (16.31g per 100g) from organic fair trade unrefined cane sugar, which is absent in unflavored varieties. This added sugar is the primary difference and contributes to a lower FoodScore. The fat content is generally comparable to other half & half products.
What is 'organic fair trade unrefined cane sugar' in this product?
Organic fair trade unrefined cane sugar is a form of added sugar used for sweetening. While it is organic and fair trade, nutritionally, it functions similarly to other forms of sugar in the body. It contributes significantly to the product's calorie count and its low FoodScore due to the high amount of added sugar.
What is a reasonable portion size for this half & half?
The declared serving size is 2 tablespoons (30g). Given its high added sugar and saturated fat content, sticking to this small portion, especially if consumed daily, is advisable. For occasional use, slightly larger portions might be acceptable, but regular consumption should prioritize moderation to align with dietary guidelines.
Can I use this half & half in cooking and baking?
Yes, you can use this half & half in cooking and baking, particularly in recipes where a hazelnut flavor and sweetness are desired. However, be mindful of the added sugar and fat it contributes to the overall dish. You may need to adjust other sweeteners or fats in your recipe to account for its composition.