PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, ITALIAN SAUCE scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **added sugar** content and classification as a processed food.
This PREGO sauce receives a FoodScore of 45/100, indicating a decent nutritional profile.
A notable strength is its Vitamin A content, providing 139% DV per 100g serving.
The primary concern is the 5.25g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to penalties.
Classified as NOVA 3 (processed), it contains more added sugar and sodium compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent.
Consider balancing its use with other low-sodium and low-sugar ingredients in your meal.
Scores -2 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
5.25g
11% of Daily Value
Sodium
341.67mg
15% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2.5g)+2
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (5.3g)-4
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 45
PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, ITALIAN SAUCE achieves a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of some beneficial nutrients and certain nutritional drawbacks. On the positive side, the sauce receives bonus points for its fiber content, providing 2.5g per 100g, and a significant amount of Vitamin A, contributing 139% of the Daily Value. However, the product incurs penalties primarily due to its added sugar content, listed as 5.25g per 100g, which is a notable amount for a savory sauce. The ingredient list shows 'SUGAR' as the third ingredient and 'SWEET POTATO JUICE CONCENTRATE' as the fourth, both contributing to the added sugar total. Furthermore, its classification as NOVA 3 indicates it is a processed food, which also contributes to a score reduction. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this PREGO sauce contains more added sugar and a higher sodium level of 341.67mg per 100g, which are factors to consider for overall dietary balance.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in prego, veggie smart, italian sauce actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Good Source of Vitamin A
This PREGO Italian sauce is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 139% of the Daily Value per 100g serving. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. Incorporating foods rich in Vitamin A can support overall health, particularly for those looking to increase their intake of this vitamin through dietary sources like tomatoes and carrot juice concentrate.
Contains Dietary Fiber
The sauce provides 2.5g of dietary fiber per 100g. Fiber is an important component of a balanced diet, contributing to digestive health and helping to promote feelings of fullness. While not a primary source of fiber, this amount can contribute to your daily fiber intake, especially when combined with other fiber-rich foods like whole-grain pasta or vegetables.
Versatile Base for Vegetable-Rich Meals
PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, ITALIAN SAUCE can serve as a convenient base to encourage the consumption of more vegetables in meals. Its flavor profile allows it to be easily paired with a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables, helping to create nutrient-dense dishes. This can be particularly useful for individuals aiming to increase their daily vegetable intake without significantly altering meal preparation time.
PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, ITALIAN SAUCE scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its added sugar content and classification as a processed food.
How to eat it
This Italian sauce is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for pizza, or an ingredient in casseroles. A common serving size is 0.5 cup, which is 125g. Be mindful of the added sugar and sodium content when pairing it with other ingredients.
To enhance the nutritional value, combine this sauce with whole-grain pasta and a generous amount of fresh or frozen vegetables.
Consider diluting the sauce with a small amount of unsalted tomato puree to reduce the overall sodium and added sugar per serving.
Use this sauce as a base for homemade minestrone or vegetable soup, adding extra vegetables and a lean protein source for a complete meal.
Pair with a side salad dressed with vinaigrette to add more fiber and micronutrients to your meal.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the added sugar content in PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, ITALIAN SAUCE, which is 5.25g per 100g. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should account for this when planning meals. The ingredient list includes 'SUGAR' and 'SWEET POTATO JUICE CONCENTRATE' as sources of sweetness. The sodium content of 341.67mg per 100g is also notable; those monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management should consider this. The product does not contain common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, or nuts, making it a suitable option for individuals with these specific allergies. Overall, while generally safe for consumption, moderation is key due to the processed nature and nutrient levels.
PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, ITALIAN SAUCE scores 45/100 on FoodScore, indicating a decent nutritional profile. It offers a good source of Vitamin A and some fiber. However, it contains 5.25g of added sugar and 341.67mg of sodium per 100g, which are factors to consider for overall dietary balance. Its healthfulness depends on how it's incorporated into your overall diet.
How does PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, ITALIAN SAUCE compare to other brands?
Compared to some other Italian sauces like RAGÚ Old World Style Traditional Sauce, PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, ITALIAN SAUCE may have a similar or slightly higher added sugar content depending on the specific SKU. It's important to check the nutrition facts panel of any brand you're considering, as values can vary significantly. Some brands may offer lower sodium or no-added-sugar options.
What is 'SWEET POTATO JUICE CONCENTRATE' in the ingredients?
'SWEET POTATO JUICE CONCENTRATE' is used as a sweetener and potentially for color in this sauce. While it comes from a vegetable, in concentrate form, it primarily contributes to the product's added sugar content. It's a way to add sweetness without directly listing 'sugar' higher up on the ingredient list, though it functions similarly from a nutritional perspective.
What is a typical serving size for this sauce?
A typical serving size for PREGO, VEGGIE SMART, ITALIAN SAUCE is 0.5 cup (125g). This serving provides approximately 73 calories, 6.5g of added sugar, and 427mg of sodium. Being mindful of this portion size is important, especially if you are watching your intake of added sugars or sodium.
Can I use this sauce for a low-sodium diet?
With 341.67mg of sodium per 100g, this sauce is not considered a low-sodium food. Individuals on a low-sodium diet should be cautious with their portion sizes or look for specific 'low sodium' or 'no salt added' varieties of pasta sauce. You could also try diluting it with unsalted tomato products to reduce the sodium per serving.