PREGO ITALIAN SAUCE, MARINARA scores 48/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its moderate sodium content and classification as a processed food are the primary factors influencing its score.
PREGO Marinara Sauce receives a FoodScore of 48/100, indicating a Decent nutritional profile.
A serving provides 2.5g of fiber, contributing positively to daily intake.
The product contains 400mg of sodium per 100g, which is a notable concern for daily intake.
Classified as NOVA 3 (processed), it contains more processed ingredients than a generic whole-grain equivalent.
This sauce contains 0g of added sugar, making it suitable for those monitoring sugar intake.
Scores +1 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
2.5g
9% of Daily Value
Protein
1.67g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
400mg
17% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2.5g)+2
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Sodium (400mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 48
PREGO ITALIAN SAUCE, MARINARA achieves a FoodScore of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and areas for moderation. On the positive side, the product receives bonus points for its fiber content, providing 2.5g per 100g, which is a good contribution to daily fiber goals. It also earns points for its Vitamin A content, delivering 46% of the Daily Value per 100g. However, the score is impacted by penalty points. The sodium content is 400mg per 100g, which is a significant amount and contributes to a penalty. Furthermore, its classification as NOVA 3 indicates it is a processed food, which incurs a 5-point penalty. The ingredient list, featuring tomato puree and canola oil, is typical for a processed marinara sauce. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which would typically score higher due to minimal processing and higher fiber, PREGO Marinara Sauce falls short due to its processing level and sodium content, despite its beneficial fiber and Vitamin A.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in prego italian sauce, marinara actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
PREGO ITALIAN SAUCE, MARINARA is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 46% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient important for vision, immune function, and skin health. Including this sauce in meals can contribute to your daily Vitamin A intake, especially when paired with other nutrient-rich foods. The Vitamin A in this product primarily comes from the tomato puree and diced tomatoes.
Contribution to Fiber Intake
This marinara sauce provides 2.5g of fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is crucial for digestive health, helping to maintain regularity and promote satiety. While not a primary source of fiber, incorporating PREGO Marinara Sauce into a meal, particularly with whole grains or vegetables, can help you meet your daily fiber recommendations. Adequate fiber intake is also associated with blood sugar regulation.
No Added Sugar
PREGO ITALIAN SAUCE, MARINARA contains 0g of added sugar. This is a significant benefit for individuals looking to reduce their intake of added sugars, which are often found in many processed sauces. Choosing products without added sugars can help manage calorie intake and support overall metabolic health. The natural sweetness comes from the tomatoes themselves, rather than supplemental sweeteners.
PREGO ITALIAN SAUCE, MARINARA scores 48/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its moderate sodium content and classification as a processed food are the primary factors influencing its score.
How to eat it
Marinara sauce is a versatile staple in many US households, commonly used as a base for pasta dishes, a dipping sauce, or an ingredient in casseroles. A typical serving size is 1/2 cup. It's often paired with pasta, meatballs, or chicken parmesan. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when combining with other high-sodium ingredients.
Pair with whole-wheat pasta and plenty of non-starchy vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost fiber and nutrient content.
Use as a base for homemade pizza with lean protein and a variety of colorful vegetables.
Consider diluting with a small amount of water or low-sodium broth to reduce the overall sodium per serving.
Incorporate into a vegetable lasagna or a hearty minestrone soup to add flavor without extra added sugars.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for PREGO ITALIAN SAUCE, MARINARA is its sodium content, at 400mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension or kidney concerns, should be mindful of portion sizes and consider this when planning their daily sodium budget. While the ingredient list is relatively straightforward, the presence of citric acid is common in tomato products as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but consumers with severe allergies should always verify with the manufacturer. Overall, this product is generally safe for consumption for most individuals when consumed in moderation.
PREGO Marinara Sauce scores 48/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. It offers beneficial Vitamin A and fiber, and contains no added sugar. However, its sodium content of 400mg per 100g and its classification as a processed food (NOVA 3) are factors to consider for overall dietary health. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
How does PREGO Marinara Sauce compare to other brands?
Compared to a generic marinara sauce, PREGO Marinara Sauce's nutritional profile is similar, often depending on the specific formulation. For example, some brands like Rao's Homemade Marinara may have different sodium or fat profiles. Always check the nutrition facts panel, as sodium content can vary significantly between brands, even within the same category.
What is 'tomato puree' in the ingredient list?
Tomato puree is a concentrated form of tomatoes, made by cooking and straining tomatoes to remove seeds and skins. In PREGO Marinara Sauce, it's listed as 'TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE)', indicating it's a blend of water and concentrated tomato paste. This provides the base flavor and texture of the sauce and is a source of its Vitamin A content.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
A reasonable portion size for PREGO Marinara Sauce is 1/2 cup (125g), as indicated on the label. This portion provides 84 calories, 3.1g of fiber, and 500mg of sodium. It's important to consider this portion size in the context of your entire meal, especially if you are monitoring calorie or sodium intake.
Can I use this sauce if I'm trying to reduce added sugar?
Yes, PREGO Marinara Sauce is a suitable option if you are trying to reduce added sugar, as it contains 0g of added sugar per 100g. This means any sweetness comes naturally from the tomatoes. This makes it a better choice than many other sauces that may include added sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar.
Is PREGO Marinara Sauce suitable for a low-sodium diet?
With 400mg of sodium per 100g, PREGO Marinara Sauce is not considered a low-sodium food. Individuals on a strict low-sodium diet may need to choose alternative sauces specifically labeled as 'low sodium' or 'no salt added'. For others, moderation and balancing with low-sodium ingredients in the rest of the meal are key.