PREGO FLAVORED WITH BACON & PROVOLONE ITALIAN SAUCE, BACON & PROVOLONE
PREGO FLAVORED WITH BACON & PROVOLONE ITALIAN SAUCE scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **ultra-processed nature** and high sodium content.
This PREGO sauce has a FoodScore of 40/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It contains 400mg of sodium per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
Categorized as NOVA class 4, it is an ultra-processed food.
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this sauce offers fewer beneficial nutrients.
Use sparingly to manage sodium intake, especially when pairing with other salty foods.
Scores -7 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
1.7g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
2.5g
5% of Daily Value
Added sugar
1.7g
3% of Daily Value
Sodium
400mg
17% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (1.7g)+1
−
What holds it back
Sodium (400mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 40
PREGO FLAVORED WITH BACON & PROVOLONE ITALIAN SAUCE receives a FoodScore of 40/100, 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. While it provides 1.7g of fiber per 100g, earning a small bonus, this is offset by its high sodium content of 400mg per 100g, which results in a penalty. The ingredient list includes sugar and canola oil, common in processed sauces, along with various flavorings and extracts. Micronutrient contributions are minimal, with 0% DV for Vitamin D, B12, Folate, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A, and only 7% DV for potassium. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which would typically offer more fiber and complex carbohydrates with less sodium and added sugar, this PREGO sauce falls short in overall nutritional density and processing level.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in prego flavored with bacon & provolone italian sauce, bacon & provolone actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
A Source of Lycopene from Tomatoes
This sauce is made with tomato puree, providing a source of lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes. Lycopene is an antioxidant that contributes to the red color of tomatoes. While the processing of tomatoes into sauce can sometimes enhance the bioavailability of lycopene, the overall nutritional context of this product should be considered. Incorporating tomato-based products into your diet can be one way to increase your intake of this compound, though fresh tomatoes offer additional benefits.
Provides a Small Amount of Fiber
PREGO FLAVORED WITH BACON & PROVOLONE ITALIAN SAUCE contains 1.7g of fiber per 100g. While not a high-fiber food, this contribution can still be a small part of your daily fiber intake. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote satiety. To significantly increase fiber intake, this sauce should be paired with other fiber-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, rather than relying on the sauce alone.
Convenient Option for Meal Preparation
As a pre-made sauce, this PREGO product offers convenience for quick meal preparation. For individuals with limited time for cooking from scratch, it can serve as a base for pasta dishes or other recipes. Its ready-to-use format can help reduce meal prep time, making it easier to assemble a meal. However, it is important to balance this convenience with an awareness of its nutritional profile, particularly its sodium content.
PREGO FLAVORED WITH BACON & PROVOLONE ITALIAN SAUCE scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its ultra-processed nature and high sodium content.
How to eat it
This Italian sauce is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, lasagna, or as an ingredient in casseroles. A common serving size is 1/2 cup. Due to its flavor profile, it's often paired with meat or cheese, which can further impact the overall nutritional content of a meal.
To balance the sodium, pair this sauce with unsalted pasta and plenty of fresh, steamed, or roasted vegetables.
Consider using a smaller portion of the sauce and supplementing with fresh herbs and spices to boost flavor without adding more sodium.
Combine with a homemade tomato sauce (made from crushed tomatoes with no added salt) to dilute the sodium content and increase the fresh tomato flavor.
Use as a flavor enhancer in dishes rather than the primary liquid, such as a small amount mixed into a vegetable stew or soup.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains milk as an allergen due to the presence of cheese paste and Parmesan cheese. Individuals with dairy allergies or sensitivities should avoid it. The ingredient list also includes sodium nitrite as part of the bacon curing process, which is a common preservative. With 400mg of sodium per 100g, this sauce is high in sodium, which may be a concern for individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those on a sodium-restricted diet. The inclusion of 'flavoring' and 'natural smoke flavoring' indicates the presence of proprietary flavor blends, which can sometimes contain ingredients that sensitive individuals might react to, though generally recognized as safe.
Is PREGO FLAVORED WITH BACON & PROVOLONE ITALIAN SAUCE healthy?
This PREGO sauce scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some fiber and lycopene from tomatoes, its ultra-processed nature and high sodium content mean it is not a nutritionally optimal choice for regular consumption. It's best used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does PREGO compare to other Italian sauces?
Compared to a generic plain tomato sauce made with minimal added salt and no added sugar, this PREGO sauce is higher in sodium and is more processed. For example, a simple marinara from a brand like Rao's Homemade often has a cleaner ingredient list and can be lower in added sugar, though sodium levels can still vary.
What is 'cheese paste' in the ingredients?
The 'cheese paste' listed in the ingredients is a blend of granular and provolone cheese, whey, water, salt, and natural flavor. It's used to provide the cheese flavor and texture to the sauce. This is a common ingredient in many processed cheese-flavored products to ensure consistent taste and mouthfeel.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
The declared serving size is 1/2 cup. Given the high sodium content (400mg per 100g), it's advisable to stick to this portion size or even use less, especially if you are consuming other salty foods in the same meal. Pairing it with unsalted ingredients can help manage overall sodium intake.
Can I use this sauce if I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake?
This sauce contains 1.7g of added sugar per 100g. While not extremely high, it does contribute to your daily sugar intake. If you are actively trying to reduce sugar, look for Italian sauces that explicitly state no added sugar or have a lower sugar content on the nutrition label. Reading the ingredient list for 'sugar' or other sweeteners is key.