PACIFIC COAST MEDITERRANEAN BLEND STEAMABLE ZUCCHINI, YELLOW SQUASH, CARROTS, GREEN BEANS, ONIONS, RED BELL PEPPERS, MEDITERRANEAN BLEND
PACIFIC COAST Mediterranean Blend Steamable scores 45/100 (Decent), primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food, despite being composed entirely of organic vegetables.
This product has a FoodScore of 45/100, placing it in the Decent category.
It contains 0g of added sugar and 0g of total fat per 100g serving.
The NOVA class 3 designation indicates it is a processed food, incurring a -5 point penalty.
Compared to plain water, this product offers a significant nutritional contribution from vegetables.
A 3/4 cup serving provides a convenient way to increase vegetable intake.
Scores +13 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
1.2g
4% of Daily Value
Protein
1.18g
2% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
12mg
1% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
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What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 45
PACIFIC COAST Mediterranean Blend Steamable earns a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a product that, while offering some nutritional benefits, also has aspects that prevent it from achieving a higher rating. The primary factor influencing its score is its NOVA classification as a 'processed' food (NOVA 3), which incurs a 5-point penalty. Despite being a blend of organic vegetables like organic zucchini squash and organic carrots, the processing involved in preparing and packaging it for steamable convenience places it in this category. On the positive side, this product contains 0g of added sugar and 0g of total fat per 100g, which are favorable attributes. It also has a very low sodium content at 12mg per 100g. However, the micronutrient profile is relatively modest, with 4% DV for potassium and 2% DV for calcium, and 0% DV for several other key vitamins and minerals. Compared to plain water, which serves as a baseline for unsweetened beverages, this product offers a substantial upgrade in terms of fiber and various micronutrients from the vegetables.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in pacific coast mediterranean blend steamable zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, green beans, onions, red bell peppers, mediterranean blend actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Vegetable Intake
This PACIFIC COAST blend provides a convenient way to increase daily vegetable consumption. With a serving size of 3/4 cup, it contributes a variety of vegetables such as organic yellow squash, organic zucchini squash, and organic green beans, which are often under-consumed in the typical American diet. Incorporating more vegetables is associated with better overall health outcomes due to their fiber and micronutrient content. This product makes it easier to meet recommended daily vegetable servings without extensive preparation.
Low in Sodium and Added Sugars
The PACIFIC COAST Mediterranean Blend is notable for its very low sodium content (12mg per 100g) and complete absence of added sugars. This makes it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their sodium intake or looking to reduce added sugars in their diet. Many processed vegetable blends can contain higher levels of sodium or added sweeteners, but this product avoids those common pitfalls, offering a cleaner nutritional profile in these respects.
Source of Dietary Fiber
With 1.2g of fiber per 100g, this vegetable blend contributes to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain regularity and support a healthy gut microbiome. While not exceptionally high in fiber, the contribution from the mixed vegetables like organic carrots and organic green beans is a positive aspect, especially when consumed as part of a balanced meal.
PACIFIC COAST Mediterranean Blend Steamable scores 45/100 (Decent), primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food, despite being composed entirely of organic vegetables.
How to eat it
PACIFIC COAST Mediterranean Blend Steamable is designed for quick and easy preparation, making it a convenient side dish or addition to various meals. It's typically consumed as part of lunch or dinner, offering a simple way to boost vegetable intake.
Serve this blend as a simple side dish alongside lean protein sources like grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.
Incorporate the steamed vegetables into a whole grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice and a light dressing for a complete and nutritious lunch.
Add the blend to stir-fries or omelets to increase vegetable volume and nutrient density without adding significant calories or sodium.
Pair with a source of healthy fats, such as a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of nuts, to enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins that may be present in the vegetables.
Things to keep in mind
The ingredient list for PACIFIC COAST Mediterranean Blend Steamable is straightforward, containing only organic vegetables: organic yellow squash, organic zucchini squash, organic carrots, organic green beans, organic onions, and organic red peppers. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives listed. This product does not contain common allergens such as milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or eggs. Given its simple composition, there are generally no significant cautions for most populations. Individuals with specific sensitivities to any of the listed vegetables should, of course, exercise caution. Overall, it is a relatively safe and clean option from a cautionary perspective.
Is PACIFIC COAST Mediterranean Blend Steamable healthy?
This product scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. It is composed entirely of organic vegetables and contains no added sugar, total fat, or significant sodium. While it is classified as processed (NOVA 3), its nutritional profile is generally positive for increasing vegetable intake, making it a health-conscious choice for many.
How does PACIFIC COAST Mediterranean Blend Steamable compare to other frozen vegetable blends?
Compared to many other frozen vegetable blends, such as those from Birds Eye or Green Giant, PACIFIC COAST Mediterranean Blend stands out for its organic ingredient list and the absence of added sauces, seasonings, or oils that can sometimes increase sodium or fat content. Its simple composition makes it a versatile and clean option.
What is the significance of 'organic' in the ingredients like organic zucchini squash?
The 'organic' designation for ingredients like organic zucchini squash means they were grown and processed according to USDA organic standards. This typically involves practices that promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity, avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. For consumers, it indicates a preference for minimally processed ingredients and specific agricultural practices.
What is a suitable portion size for this vegetable blend?
The declared serving size is 3/4 cup (per 100g). This is a reasonable portion to contribute to your daily vegetable intake. You can easily consume a larger portion, such as 1.5 cups, to double your vegetable serving without significantly increasing calories, sodium, or fat, as the product is very low in these components.
Can this blend be used in recipes beyond a simple side dish?
Absolutely. This versatile blend of vegetables can be incorporated into a variety of recipes. It can be added to pasta dishes, used as a base for vegetable soups, mixed into casseroles, or even blended into smoothies for a nutrient boost. Its neutral flavor profile makes it adaptable to many culinary applications.