PREGO, CREAMY ITALIAN SAUCE, SUNDRIED TOMATO, SUNDRIED TOMATO
PREGO Creamy Italian Sauce, Sundried Tomato scores 42/100 (Poor) due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and notable levels of added sugar and sodium.
PREGO Creamy Italian Sauce, Sundried Tomato has a FoodScore of 42/100 (Poor).
It contains 5.83g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to a penalty in its score.
The product is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), indicating a higher degree of industrial processing.
With 400mg of sodium per 100g, this sauce is higher in sodium compared to many generic dairy equivalents.
This sauce provides 46% DV of Vitamin A per 100g, a notable micronutrient contribution.
Scores +9 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
1.7g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
1.67g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
5.83g
12% of Daily Value
Sodium
400mg
17% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (1.7g)+1
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (5.8g)-5
Sodium (400mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 42
PREGO Creamy Italian Sauce, Sundried Tomato receives a FoodScore of 42 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily influenced by several factors, including its classification as a NOVA 3 processed food, which incurs a significant penalty. The product also contains 5.83g of added sugar per 100g, specifically listed as 'SUGAR' in the ingredient list, which leads to a deduction in its overall score. Furthermore, the sodium content is 400mg per 100g, contributing another penalty. On the positive side, the sauce does offer 1.7g of fiber per 100g, earning a bonus point. It also provides a notable 46% DV of Vitamin A, contributing two bonus points. However, these bonuses are outweighed by the penalties associated with processing, added sugar, and sodium. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which often has minimal added sugar and lower sodium, PREGO's formulation includes ingredients like heavy cream and canola oil alongside the tomato base, contributing to its caloric and fat profile.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in prego, creamy italian sauce, sundried tomato, sundried tomato actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This PREGO sauce provides a notable amount of Vitamin A, with 46% of the Daily Value per 100g serving. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Including this sauce in a meal can contribute to your daily intake of this important micronutrient, especially when paired with other Vitamin A-rich foods to enhance absorption.
Provides Dietary Fiber
With 1.7g of fiber per 100g, this sauce offers a modest contribution to daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. While not a primary fiber source, this amount can complement the fiber content of other ingredients in a meal, such as whole-grain pasta or vegetables, to support overall gut health.
Convenient Meal Component
PREGO Creamy Italian Sauce, Sundried Tomato offers a convenient option for preparing meals quickly. Its ready-to-use format can help individuals incorporate more vegetables (from the tomato base) into their diet with minimal preparation time. For those with busy schedules, this product can serve as a base for various dishes, making it easier to assemble a meal that includes some beneficial nutrients like Vitamin A and fiber.
PREGO Creamy Italian Sauce, Sundried Tomato scores 42/100 (Poor) due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and notable levels of added sugar and sodium.
How to eat it
This creamy Italian sauce is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, casseroles, or as a topping for chicken or vegetables. A common portion is 0.5 cup, which is 125g. Be mindful of the sodium and added sugar when combining with other ingredients.
To balance the meal, pair this sauce with whole-grain pasta and a generous serving of non-starchy vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
Consider using a smaller portion of the sauce and supplementing with fresh diced tomatoes or a low-sodium tomato paste to reduce overall sodium.
Enhance the protein content of your meal by adding lean protein sources such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or lentils to dishes made with this sauce.
If concerned about added sugar, combine this sauce with an unsweetened tomato sauce to dilute the sugar content while maintaining flavor.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains heavy cream and ricotta cheese, indicating it is not suitable for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. The ingredient list also includes 'SUGAR' and 'SALT' among the first few ingredients, contributing to the product's added sugar and sodium content. Individuals managing blood sugar levels or blood pressure should be mindful of these amounts. While no artificial colors or preservatives are listed, the presence of onion extract and garlic extract might be a consideration for those with sensitivities to concentrated flavorings.
Is PREGO Creamy Italian Sauce, Sundried Tomato healthy?
PREGO Creamy Italian Sauce, Sundried Tomato has a FoodScore of 42/100 (Poor). While it provides some Vitamin A and fiber, it is classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and contains notable amounts of added sugar (5.83g/100g) and sodium (400mg/100g). Its nutritional profile suggests it's best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does PREGO compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to many generic tomato-based pasta sauces, PREGO Creamy Italian Sauce, Sundried Tomato may have higher fat and calorie content due to the inclusion of heavy cream and canola oil. For example, a standard RAGÚ Old World Style Traditional Sauce typically has lower fat and calories, though sodium levels can vary. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons, especially regarding added sugar and sodium.
What is 'SUGAR' doing in this sauce?
The 'SUGAR' listed in the ingredients is an added sugar and contributes to the overall sweetness and flavor profile of the sauce. It also acts as a preservative and can enhance the texture. However, its presence contributes to the product's penalty for added sugar in the FoodScore assessment.
What is a recommended serving size for this sauce?
The recommended serving size is 0.5 cup (125g). This portion provides approximately 115 calories, 7.3g of added sugar, and 500mg of sodium. Being mindful of this serving size can help manage your intake of calories, added sugar, and sodium, especially if you are pairing it with other high-sodium or high-calorie ingredients.
Can I use this sauce for more than just pasta?
Yes, this PREGO sauce is versatile. You can use it as a base for chicken or vegetable bakes, a topping for homemade pizzas, or even as a flavorful addition to soups or stews. Its creamy texture and sundried tomato flavor make it suitable for various culinary applications beyond traditional pasta dishes.