PREGO TRADITIONAL ITALIAN SAUCE, TRADITIONAL scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **added sugar** and **sodium content**.
This PREGO sauce scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore.
It provides 2.5g of fiber per 100g, contributing positively to its score.
A serving contains 5.83g of added sugar and 400mg of sodium per 100g.
This product is classified as NOVA class 3, indicating it is a processed food.
Pair with whole grains and lean protein to create a more balanced meal.
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, TRADITIONAL receives a FoodScore of 43/100, placing it in the Poor category. This score is significantly impacted by the presence of added sugar, listed as 'SUGAR' in the ingredients, contributing 5.83g per 100g. This amount incurs a substantial penalty. The sodium content, at 400mg per 100g, also contributes to a penalty, though to a lesser extent. As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it receives a penalty for its level of processing. On the positive side, the sauce provides 2.5g of fiber per 100g, which is a bonus. It also offers a notable amount of Vitamin A, contributing 46% of the Daily Value per 100g, earning another bonus. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this PREGO sauce contains more added sugar and sodium, which are key factors in its lower score.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in prego traditional italian sauce, traditional actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This PREGO sauce is a good source of Vitamin A, providing 46% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Incorporating foods rich in Vitamin A can support overall well-being, especially when part of a varied diet. This sauce can contribute to your daily intake of this important vitamin.
Contains Dietary Fiber
PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce contains 2.5g of fiber per 100g, which contributes to its nutritional profile. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. While not a primary source of fiber, this amount can add to your daily intake, particularly when combined with other fiber-rich ingredients in a meal. Fiber also plays a role in blood sugar management.
Convenient Meal Base
This sauce offers a convenient base for quick meals, making it easier to prepare home-cooked dishes. Its ready-to-use format can help reduce meal preparation time, which can be beneficial for individuals with busy schedules. While it contains added sugar and sodium, using it as a foundation for a meal that includes plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can help balance the overall nutritional content of the dish.
PREGO TRADITIONAL ITALIAN SAUCE, TRADITIONAL scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its added sugar and sodium content.
How to eat it
PREGO TRADITIONAL ITALIAN SAUCE, TRADITIONAL is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for pizza, or an ingredient in casseroles. A common portion is 1/2 cup, and it's often paired with refined grains, which can increase the overall glycemic load of a meal.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair this sauce with whole-wheat pasta or serve over spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles.
Boost the fiber and micronutrient content by stirring in extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers while heating.
Consider diluting the sauce with a small amount of unsalted tomato puree or water to reduce the sodium concentration per serving.
Balance the meal by adding a source of lean protein, such as chicken breast, lean ground turkey, or lentils, to your pasta dish.
Things to keep in mind
This PREGO sauce contains added sugar (listed as 'SUGAR') and a notable amount of sodium. Individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes, or those on a sodium-restricted diet for blood pressure management, should be mindful of portion sizes. While the ingredients are generally recognized as safe, the level of processing (NOVA class 3) means it contains ingredients that have undergone significant industrial modification. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but consumers with severe sensitivities should always review the full ingredient list and manufacturer's allergen statements.
PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some fiber and Vitamin A, its added sugar (5.83g per 100g) and sodium content (400mg per 100g) are significant factors contributing to its lower score. It is best consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutrient-dense foods.
How does PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce compare to other brands?
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce contains more added sugar and sodium. When looking at other jarred pasta sauces, such as Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce, PREGO often has a higher added sugar content. Consumers should compare nutrition labels for specific nutrient levels like sugar and sodium across brands.
What is 'TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE)' in the ingredients?
Tomato puree is a common base for many sauces, made from cooked and strained tomatoes. The parenthetical 'WATER, TOMATO PASTE' indicates that the puree itself is prepared by reconstituting tomato paste with water. This is a standard method for creating a consistent tomato base in processed foods.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
A reasonable portion size for PREGO Traditional Italian Sauce is 1/2 cup, as indicated on the label. Being mindful of this portion size helps manage the intake of added sugar and sodium. Pairing this amount with a larger volume of vegetables and whole grains can create a more balanced meal.
Can I use this sauce if I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake?
This sauce contains 5.83g of added sugar per 100g, which is a notable amount. If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake, you might consider using it in smaller quantities or opting for pasta sauces that explicitly state 'no added sugar' on their labels. Always check the ingredient list for 'SUGAR' or other forms of added sweeteners.