PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, CHUNKY & SAVORY ITALIAN SAUCE scores 44/100 (Poor) due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its notable added sugar content.
This PREGO sauce received a FoodScore of 44/100, indicating a 'Poor' nutritional rating.
A serving provides 2.5g of fiber, contributing positively to daily intake.
The product contains 5.83g of added sugar per 100g, a primary nutritional concern.
Classified as NOVA 3, it is a processed food, unlike a generic whole-grain equivalent.
Consider this sauce as a component of a meal, mindful of its sodium and added sugar.
Scores -3 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
300mg
13% 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
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 44
PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, CHUNKY & SAVORY ITALIAN SAUCE received a FoodScore of 44 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily influenced by its classification as a NOVA 3 processed food, which incurs a significant penalty. While the product name suggests 'Veggie Smart,' the ingredient list includes sugar as the fourth ingredient, contributing 5.83g of added sugar per 100g, resulting in a 5-point penalty. On the positive side, the sauce earns bonus points for its fiber content, providing 2.5g per 100g, and for its high Vitamin A content, delivering 139% DV per 100g, likely from the tomato puree and carrot juice concentrate. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, which would typically score higher due to minimal processing and no added sugars, this PREGO sauce presents a different nutritional profile, leaning more towards a convenience item with added components that reduce its overall score.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in prego, veggie smart, chunky & savory italian sauce, chunky & savory, chunky & savory actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This PREGO sauce is a very good source of Vitamin A, providing 139% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin important for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Including this sauce in a meal can help contribute significantly to your daily Vitamin A requirements, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense foods to enhance absorption.
Contribution to Fiber Intake
With 2.5g of fiber per 100g, this sauce contributes to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. While not a primary fiber source, incorporating this sauce into meals can help you move closer to the recommended daily fiber intake, particularly when combined with whole grains and vegetables.
Convenient Vegetable Inclusion
This sauce offers a convenient way to include vegetables like diced tomatoes, fresh onions, and celery in your diet. For individuals seeking quick meal solutions, this product can simplify the process of adding vegetable components to dishes. While processed, it still provides some of the beneficial compounds found in its vegetable ingredients, making it a practical option for busy schedules.
PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, CHUNKY & SAVORY ITALIAN SAUCE scores 44/100 (Poor) due to its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food and its notable added sugar content.
How to eat it
PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, CHUNKY & SAVORY ITALIAN SAUCE is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for chicken or meatballs, or an ingredient in casseroles. A common serving size is 0.5 cup, which is 120g.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair this sauce with whole-wheat pasta and additional fresh or frozen vegetables.
Be mindful of the 300mg sodium per 100g; consider using low-sodium ingredients in the rest of your meal.
To manage added sugar intake, use this sauce in moderation or dilute it with unsalted tomato puree.
Things to keep in mind
This PREGO sauce is classified as NOVA 3, indicating it is a processed food. While generally safe for consumption, individuals monitoring their intake of added sugars should be aware of the 5.83g per 100g, which can add up quickly with larger portions. The sodium content at 300mg per 100g also warrants attention for those on sodium-restricted diets. The ingredient list includes 'spice,' which is a general term and typically not a concern, but individuals with specific sensitivities to certain spices might consider this. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but always check the packaging for the most current information.
Is PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, CHUNKY & SAVORY ITALIAN SAUCE healthy?
This PREGO sauce has a FoodScore of 44/100, which is considered 'Poor.' While it offers some beneficial nutrients like Vitamin A (139% DV) and fiber (2.5g per 100g), it is also a processed food (NOVA 3) and contains 5.83g of added sugar and 300mg of sodium per 100g. Its healthfulness depends on how it fits into your overall dietary pattern.
How does PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, CHUNKY & SAVORY ITALIAN SAUCE compare to other pasta sauces?
Compared to a generic plain tomato sauce, this PREGO sauce has similar benefits from tomatoes but includes added sugar and is more processed. For example, a brand like Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce often has lower or no added sugar, which could result in a higher FoodScore. Always check the nutrition facts panel for specific comparisons.
What does 'Veggie Smart' mean in this product?
The 'Veggie Smart' claim likely refers to the inclusion of vegetables like diced tomatoes, fresh onions, sweet potato juice concentrate, and celery in the ingredient list. While these contribute some nutrients, the product still contains added sugar and is classified as processed. It does not imply a significantly higher vegetable content than other sauces.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
A standard serving size is 0.5 cup (120g). When considering the added sugar and sodium, it's advisable to stick to this portion or even slightly less, especially if you are consuming other foods high in these components. Pairing it with nutrient-dense foods can help balance the meal.
Can this sauce be used in a low-sodium diet?
With 300mg of sodium per 100g, this sauce contributes significantly to daily sodium intake. For individuals on a low-sodium diet, this product might be too high in sodium. It would be prudent to seek out lower-sodium pasta sauce alternatives or use this sauce in very small quantities, balancing it with other low-sodium ingredients.