PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce scores 43/100 (Poor) due to its notable added sugar content and classification as a processed food.
PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce has a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor).
Each 100g serving contains 5.83g of added sugar, contributing to score penalties.
The product is classified as NOVA 3, indicating it is a processed food.
It provides 2.5g of fiber per 100g, a positive nutritional contribution.
Consider portion control to manage sodium intake, which is 400mg per 100g.
Scores -4 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
5.83g
12% 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
Added sugar (5.8g)-5
Sodium (400mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 43
PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce receives a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily influenced by its formulation as a processed food, indicated by its NOVA 3 classification, which incurs a significant penalty. A key nutritional factor is the presence of added sugar, with 5.83g per 100g serving, contributing a substantial penalty to the overall score. The ingredient list explicitly includes "SUGAR" as the third item, after tomato components. Additionally, the sodium content, at 400mg per 100g, also leads to a penalty. On the positive side, the sauce does offer some nutritional benefits, including 2.5g of fiber per 100g, which provides a bonus. It also contributes a notable 46% DV of Vitamin A, earning another bonus. When compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent baseline, this product's nutrient density is lower, particularly concerning its higher added sugar and sodium levels relative to its caloric contribution.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in prego, traditional italian sauce actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 46% of the Daily Value per 100g serving. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. The Vitamin A content in this sauce primarily comes from the tomato puree and diced tomatoes, which are naturally rich in carotenoids that the body converts to Vitamin A. Incorporating this sauce can help contribute to your daily intake of this important vitamin, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
Contains Dietary Fiber
This sauce provides 2.5g of dietary fiber per 100g serving, which is a positive attribute for a pasta sauce. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. The fiber content in PREGO sauce comes from the tomato components. While not a primary fiber source, it can contribute to your overall daily fiber intake when consumed as part of a meal, supporting gut health and satiety.
Convenient Meal Base
PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce offers a convenient and accessible base for home-cooked meals. Its ready-to-use format can simplify meal preparation, making it easier to assemble dishes like pasta, lasagna, or chicken parmesan. This convenience can encourage more home cooking, which often allows for greater control over ingredients and portion sizes compared to eating out. While processed, its ease of use can be a practical tool for busy individuals looking to prepare meals efficiently.
PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce scores 43/100 (Poor) due to its notable added sugar content and classification as a processed food.
How to eat it
PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for chicken or eggplant parmesan, or as an ingredient in casseroles. A common serving size is 0.5 cup, which is 120g. Be mindful of the added sugar and sodium content when incorporating it into regular meals.
Pair with whole-grain pasta and plenty of non-starchy vegetables to increase fiber and nutrient density.
To reduce the overall sodium per meal, combine PREGO sauce with a no-salt-added diced tomato product.
Use as a base for homemade pizza, adding lean protein and a variety of colorful vegetables to enhance nutritional value.
Consider diluting with a small amount of water or low-sodium broth to slightly reduce the concentration of added sugar and sodium per serving.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the added sugar content in PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce, which is 5.83g per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or those following a low-sugar diet, should account for this. The sodium level of 400mg per 100g is also notable; those on a sodium-restricted diet should consider this when planning meals. The ingredient list includes "SUGAR" as a primary ingredient, indicating it's not a minor component. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, nor are there any artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives listed that typically raise concerns. Overall, the product is generally safe for consumption for most individuals, with the main considerations being sugar and sodium intake.
PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce has a FoodScore of 43/100, categorized as 'Poor.' While it offers some Vitamin A and fiber, its added sugar (5.83g/100g) and sodium content (400mg/100g) are significant. It is a processed food (NOVA 3). It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
How does PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce compare to other brands?
Compared to some other popular pasta sauces, such as Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce, PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce often contains higher levels of added sugar and sodium. Consumers looking for lower sugar or lower sodium options may find other brands or making sauce from scratch more suitable. Always check the nutrition facts label for specific comparisons.
What is 'TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE)' in the ingredient list?
Tomato puree is a common base for many tomato-based sauces. It's essentially concentrated tomatoes (tomato paste) reconstituted with water. This provides the fundamental tomato flavor and texture. In PREGO sauce, it's the primary ingredient, contributing to the product's overall consistency and some of its nutrient content, like Vitamin A.
What is a reasonable portion size for PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce?
The recommended serving size is 0.5 cup (120g). Sticking to this portion helps manage the intake of added sugar and sodium. If you're preparing a larger meal, consider how many servings you are consuming and adjust other meal components to balance your overall nutrient intake for the day.
Can I use this sauce if I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake?
While PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce contains 5.83g of added sugar per 100g, it can still be used in moderation if you are mindful of your overall daily sugar intake. For those strictly limiting sugar, consider alternatives with no added sugar or making your own sauce from fresh tomatoes to have complete control over ingredients.
Does this sauce contain any artificial ingredients?
Based on the ingredient list provided, PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce does not appear to contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The ingredients listed, such as canola oil, salt, dehydrated onions, and spices, are commonly found in food products and are not considered artificial additives.