PACIFIC NATURAL FOODS Vegetarian Pho Soup Base scores 45/100 (Decent) due to its highly processed nature and minimal nutrient contribution, despite being low in calories and fat.
This soup base has a FoodScore of 45/100, placing it in the Decent category.
It contains 0g of fiber and 0g of added sugar per 100g serving.
A primary concern is its NOVA class 3 rating, indicating it is a processed food.
Compared to a home-cooked pho base, this product offers significantly fewer micronutrients.
Use this product as a convenient base, but supplement with fresh ingredients for a more complete meal.
Scores -1 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0.42g
1% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
270.83mg
12% 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 NATURAL FOODS Vegetarian Pho Soup Base receives a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, categorizing it as 'Decent'. This score reflects its composition as a processed food, indicated by its NOVA class 3 rating, which incurs a 5-point penalty. While the product is notably low in calories (10 per 100g), protein (0.42g), and total fat (0g), it also provides minimal beneficial nutrients. It contains 0g of fiber and 0g of added sugar, which are positive aspects. However, the sodium content is 270.83mg per 100g, which contributes to the overall score. The ingredient list includes cane sugar and sea salt, which are common in soup bases. Compared to a home-cooked pho base made with whole ingredients, this product lacks the diverse range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that fresh vegetables and herbs would provide, making it a less nutrient-dense option on its own.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in pacific natural foods, vegetarian pho soup base actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Low Calorie and Fat Base
This pho soup base is very low in calories and fat, providing only 10 calories and 0g of total fat per 100g. This makes it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their caloric intake or looking to reduce fat in their diet. When used as a foundation, it allows for the addition of lean proteins and a variety of vegetables without significantly increasing the overall calorie count of the meal, supporting a calorie-controlled eating pattern.
Convenient Meal Starter
The PACIFIC NATURAL FOODS Vegetarian Pho Soup Base offers significant convenience for preparing a meal quickly. For those with limited time for meal preparation, this product can reduce cooking steps. Its ready-to-use format means less time spent on making broth from scratch, allowing for a faster assembly of a pho-inspired dish. This convenience can help individuals incorporate more home-cooked meals into their routine, rather than relying on takeout.
Suitable for Vegetarian Diets
As a vegetarian product, this soup base is an appropriate choice for individuals following a plant-based diet. It provides a flavorful foundation for vegetarian pho without requiring animal products. This allows vegetarians to enjoy a traditional dish that often contains meat-based broths. The formulation is designed to deliver a savory experience using mushroom broth and spices, catering to specific dietary preferences.
PACIFIC NATURAL FOODS Vegetarian Pho Soup Base scores 45/100 (Decent) due to its highly processed nature and minimal nutrient contribution, despite being low in calories and fat.
How to eat it
PACIFIC NATURAL FOODS Vegetarian Pho Soup Base is typically used as a convenient liquid base for preparing pho at home. It's designed to be heated and combined with noodles, vegetables, and protein sources. A common portion is 8 fluid ounces (240ml) per serving.
To enhance the nutritional value, add a generous amount of fresh, leafy greens like bok choy or spinach, and other vegetables such as carrots and bell peppers.
Pair this soup base with a lean protein source such as tofu, tempeh, or edamame to create a more balanced meal that provides adequate protein.
Consider diluting the soup base slightly with water or unsalted vegetable broth to manage sodium intake, especially if adding other salty ingredients.
Serve with a side of fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint, along with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors and add micronutrients.
Things to keep in mind
This product is classified as NOVA class 3, indicating it is a processed food. While generally safe for consumption, individuals sensitive to certain ingredients should review the label. The ingredient list includes sea salt and spice extracts, which contribute to the sodium content of 270.83mg per 100g. Those monitoring their sodium intake, such as individuals with high blood pressure, should be mindful of portion sizes or consider diluting the base. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but consumers with severe allergies should always exercise caution with processed foods and check for cross-contamination warnings if present.
Is PACIFIC NATURAL FOODS Vegetarian Pho Soup Base healthy?
PACIFIC NATURAL FOODS Vegetarian Pho Soup Base scores 45/100, indicating it is a 'Decent' choice. It is low in calories and fat, but also provides minimal vitamins and minerals. Its NOVA class 3 rating means it is a processed food. For a more nutrient-dense meal, it should be combined with fresh vegetables and protein.
How does PACIFIC NATURAL FOODS compare to other soup bases?
Compared to a generic home-cooked pho broth made from scratch with whole ingredients, PACIFIC NATURAL FOODS Vegetarian Pho Soup Base offers less micronutrient diversity and fiber. When compared to other branded soup bases like Imagine Foods Organic Vegetable Broth, the nutritional profile can vary, but many prepared broths share similar characteristics of being low in macronutrients and often higher in sodium.
What is 'cane sugar' doing in a pho soup base?
Cane sugar is included in the ingredient list to balance the flavors in the soup base. In traditional pho, a small amount of sugar is often used to round out the savory and aromatic notes. While this product contains cane sugar, it has 0g of added sugar per 100g, suggesting it's used in minimal amounts for flavor rather than sweetness.
What is a typical serving size for this pho soup base?
The manufacturer's declared serving size is 8 fluid ounces (approximately 240g). This amount provides 24 calories and 649mg of sodium. It's important to consider this serving size when calculating the total nutritional impact of your meal, especially regarding sodium intake.
Can I use this soup base for dishes other than pho?
Yes, while specifically formulated for pho, this vegetarian soup base can be used as a flavorful broth for other Asian-inspired noodle soups, stews, or even as a liquid for cooking grains like rice or quinoa. Its savory and aromatic profile makes it versatile for various culinary applications where a mushroom-based broth is desired.