PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce receives a FoodScore of 48/100 (Decent). Its primary nutritional benefit comes from its vegetable content, while its sodium level is a notable concern.
FoodScore: 48/100 (Decent) due to a balance of benefits and penalties.
A strength is its fiber content at 2.5g per 100g serving.
The biggest concern is the sodium content at 383.33mg per 100g.
This product is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), indicating a moderate level of processing.
Use a 0.5 cup serving as part of a meal to manage sodium 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
383.33mg
17% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2.5g)+2
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Sodium (383.3mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 48
PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce earns a FoodScore of 48/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a mix of nutritional contributions and areas for moderation. On the positive side, the sauce receives a bonus for its fiber content, providing 2.5g per 100g, which contributes to digestive health. It also gains points for its micronutrient profile, specifically its Vitamin A content, which is 46% DV per 100g, largely due to the tomato puree and other vegetables. However, the product incurs penalties due to its sodium content, at 383.33mg per 100g, which is a significant portion of the daily recommended limit. Additionally, its classification as NOVA 3 (processed) results in a 5-point penalty, indicating that it has undergone considerable processing. While the ingredient list includes whole vegetables like diced tomatoes in tomatoes juice, zucchini, and spinach, the presence of sugar and canola oil, along with various extracts, contributes to its processed nature. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this sauce offers different nutritional benefits, primarily from its vegetable base rather than whole grains.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in prego, summer squash $ herbs italian sauce actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Contributes to Vegetable Intake
This PREGO sauce can help increase your daily vegetable consumption. With tomato puree, diced tomatoes, zucchini, red peppers, and spinach listed among the primary ingredients, it provides a source of various vegetables. Including more vegetables in your diet is associated with a range of health benefits, and this sauce offers a convenient way to incorporate them into meals. A 0.5 cup serving contributes to the recommended daily intake of vegetables.
Source of Vitamin A
PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 46% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin important for vision, immune function, and cell growth. The high content of tomatoes and other red and orange vegetables in the sauce contributes significantly to this micronutrient. Consuming foods rich in Vitamin A supports overall bodily functions.
Provides Dietary Fiber
This sauce offers 2.5g of fiber per 100g serving, which is a beneficial amount for a sauce. Dietary fiber is crucial for maintaining digestive health, promoting regularity, and contributing to feelings of fullness. While not a primary source of fiber for the entire day, this contribution from the sauce can add to your total daily fiber intake, especially when paired with other fiber-rich foods.
PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce receives a FoodScore of 48/100 (Decent). Its primary nutritional benefit comes from its vegetable content, while its sodium level is a notable concern.
How to eat it
PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs 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 serving size is 0.5 cup, which can be easily incorporated into a balanced meal.
Pair this sauce with whole-wheat pasta or a lean protein source to create a more balanced and filling meal.
To manage sodium intake, consider diluting the sauce with no-salt-added diced tomatoes or a splash of water, and season with herbs instead of extra salt.
Use this sauce as a base for a vegetable-rich soup or stew, adding extra fresh or frozen vegetables to boost nutrient density.
Portion control is key; stick to the recommended 0.5 cup serving size to keep sodium levels in check within your meal.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce is its sodium content, which is 383.33mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with high blood pressure, should be mindful of this amount and consider it when planning their meals. The ingredient list includes granular and Parmesan cheese, which contains milk, so individuals with dairy allergies should avoid this product. While the sauce contains sugar, it is not listed as added sugar in the nutrition facts, suggesting it's primarily from the vegetables themselves. The product is generally well-tolerated, but those sensitive to garlic or onion extracts might experience mild digestive discomfort.
Is PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce healthy?
PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce has a FoodScore of 48/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. It offers beneficial nutrients like Vitamin A (46% DV) and fiber (2.5g per 100g) from its vegetable base. However, its sodium content of 383.33mg per 100g is a factor to consider for daily intake.
How does PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this PREGO sauce provides different nutritional benefits, focusing on vegetables rather than grains. When compared to other branded pasta sauces like Rao's Homemade Marinara, PREGO's sodium content can be higher or lower depending on the specific SKU, so it's always best to check the nutrition label for direct comparison.
What is the role of 'sugar' in this sauce if there's 0g added sugar?
The ingredient list for PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce includes 'sugar.' However, the nutrition facts state 0g of added sugar. This indicates that any sugar present in the product is naturally occurring from the tomato puree, diced tomatoes, and other vegetables, rather than sugar that has been explicitly added during processing.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
A reasonable portion size for PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce is 0.5 cup (125g), as indicated on the label. Sticking to this serving size helps manage the sodium contribution to your meal and allows for a balanced intake of other nutrients. You can incorporate this portion into pasta dishes, as a topping, or in recipes.
Can I use this sauce if I have a dairy allergy?
No, PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce is not suitable for individuals with a dairy allergy. The ingredient list explicitly states the presence of granular and Parmesan cheese, which are derived from milk. Always check the ingredient list carefully for allergens if you have dietary restrictions.
How can I reduce the sodium when using this sauce?
To reduce the sodium content when using PREGO Summer Squash & Herbs Italian Sauce, you can combine it with no-salt-added tomato products like diced tomatoes or tomato paste. You can also enhance flavor with fresh herbs and spices instead of adding extra salt. Pairing it with unsalted ingredients in your meal can also help lower the overall sodium.