PREGO GARDEN CHUNKY TOMATO, ONION & GARLIC Italian Sauce scores 45/100 (Decent), primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its sodium content.
This PREGO sauce scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore.
It contains 1.7g of fiber per 100g, contributing positively to its nutritional profile.
A significant concern is the 400mg of sodium per 100g serving.
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this product is more processed.
This sauce can be a convenient base for meals when sodium intake is managed.
Scores -2 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
1.7g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
1.67g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
2.5g
5% 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
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 45
PREGO GARDEN CHUNKY TOMATO, ONION & GARLIC Italian Sauce receives a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of some beneficial components and several nutritional drawbacks. The product earns a bonus point for its fiber content, providing 1.7g per 100g, which contributes to digestive health. However, it incurs a penalty for its sodium level, with 400mg per 100g, which is a considerable amount for a single serving and can contribute to higher daily sodium intake. A more significant deduction comes from its NOVA class 3 rating, indicating it is a processed food. This classification reflects the extent of industrial processing involved in its creation, which often means a less nutrient-dense profile compared to whole foods. The ingredient list includes sugar, contributing 2.5g of added sugar per 100g, which is a factor in its overall nutritional assessment. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this PREGO sauce is generally less nutrient-dense and contains more added ingredients, impacting its FoodScore.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in prego garden chunky tomato, onion & garlic italian sauce, garden chunky tomato, onion & garlic actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This PREGO sauce provides 1.7g of fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is important for maintaining digestive regularity and can contribute to feelings of fullness, which may help with weight management. While not a primary source, this amount can contribute to your daily fiber goals when incorporated into a balanced meal. The fiber primarily comes from the tomato components and onions in the sauce.
Contains Beneficial Plant Compounds
Tomatoes, the primary ingredient in this sauce, are known for containing lycopene, an antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color. Onions and garlic also contribute various beneficial plant compounds. While processing can affect the bioavailability of some nutrients, these ingredients still offer some nutritional value. Incorporating tomato-based sauces can be a way to include these compounds in your diet.
Convenient Base for Vegetable-Rich Meals
This sauce can serve as a convenient foundation for meals that incorporate a variety of vegetables. By adding fresh or frozen vegetables to a dish made with this sauce, you can significantly boost the overall nutrient content of your meal. This makes it easier to meet daily vegetable recommendations, especially on busy days, without extensive meal preparation.
PREGO GARDEN CHUNKY TOMATO, ONION & GARLIC Italian Sauce scores 45/100 (Decent), primarily due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its sodium content.
How to eat it
PREGO GARDEN CHUNKY TOMATO, ONION & GARLIC Italian Sauce is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for chicken or meatballs, or as an ingredient in casseroles. A common portion is 1/2 cup, which is 120g. Be mindful of the sodium content when pairing with other salty ingredients.
To enhance the nutritional value, mix in extra fresh or frozen vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini when heating the sauce.
Pair with whole-grain pasta or brown rice instead of refined grains to increase fiber intake and improve satiety.
Consider diluting the sauce with unsalted crushed tomatoes or a low-sodium broth to reduce the sodium per serving.
Use this sauce as a base for homemade pizza, adding plenty of fresh vegetable toppings to create a more balanced meal.
Things to keep in mind
This PREGO sauce contains 400mg of sodium per 100g, which is a moderate to high amount for a single serving. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with high blood pressure or certain kidney conditions, should be mindful of this and account for it in their daily limits. The presence of sugar (2.5g added sugar per 100g) means that individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consider this when planning meals. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but always check for updates or cross-contamination warnings if you have severe allergies.
Is PREGO GARDEN CHUNKY TOMATO, ONION & GARLIC Italian Sauce healthy?
This PREGO sauce has a FoodScore of 45/100, indicating it is a 'Decent' choice. While it provides some fiber and beneficial plant compounds from tomatoes, its classification as a processed food and its sodium content are factors to consider. It can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with whole, unprocessed foods.
How does PREGO GARDEN CHUNKY TOMATO, ONION & GARLIC compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this sauce is more processed (NOVA 3). When compared to other branded pasta sauces like Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce, PREGO often contains more added sugar and sodium. Always check the nutrition label of specific products for direct comparison, focusing on added sugar, sodium, and fiber content.
What is the role of 'sugar' in this sauce?
The ingredient 'sugar' in PREGO GARDEN CHUNKY TOMATO, ONION & GARLIC Italian Sauce contributes 2.5g of added sugar per 100g. This is used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the flavor profile. While not a high amount, it's an aspect to consider for those monitoring their intake of added sugars.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
A reasonable portion size for this sauce is 1/2 cup (120g), as indicated on the nutrition label. This portion provides 400mg of sodium and 2.5g of added sugar. Being mindful of this portion size helps in managing overall sodium and sugar intake when incorporating the sauce into meals.
Can this sauce be used in a low-sodium diet?
With 400mg of sodium per 100g, this PREGO sauce is not considered a low-sodium product. Individuals on a low-sodium diet should look for sauces specifically labeled 'low sodium' or 'no salt added' to better manage their intake. If used, it should be in very small quantities and balanced with other very low-sodium ingredients.