FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidcondimentRAO'S HOMEMADE· 2 Tbsp

RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB

RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB scores 27/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content.

  • This RAO'S HOMEMADE dressing has a FoodScore of 27/100, indicating it is an 'Avoid' choice.
  • It is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
  • A 100g serving contains 1230mg of sodium, contributing significantly to daily intake.
  • Compared to generic Italian herb dressings, this product has a similar nutritional profile.
  • Use sparingly to manage intake of added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat.
  • Scores -5 points above the condiment category average (32/100 across 822 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
2.33g
5% of Daily Value
Sodium
1230mg
53% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table

Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.

−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5g)-4
Sodium (1230mg)-6
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 27

RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB receives a FoodScore of 27 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely influenced by several factors, particularly its classification as a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. The product's high sodium content is another major detractor, with 1230mg per 100g, leading to a -6 point penalty. Additionally, the presence of 5g of saturated fat per 100g results in a -4 point penalty. While the ingredient list includes various herbs like oregano and basil, the base of canola oil and sugar contributes to its overall nutritional profile. The product also receives a -3 penalty for being a concentrated ultra-processed fat. Compared to a generic unbranded Italian herb dressing, RAO'S HOMEMADE offers a similar nutritional composition, with comparable levels of fat, sodium, and added sugar, indicating it does not significantly outperform its category average in terms of nutrient density.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in rao's homemade italian herb dressing, italian herb actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

A Flavorful Addition for Specific Dietary Needs

For individuals seeking to add flavor to meals while adhering to specific dietary preferences, this dressing can be a useful option. Its blend of herbs and spices such as garlic, onions, oregano, and basil provides a distinct taste without contributing significant protein or fiber. When used in small quantities, it can enhance the palatability of otherwise plain dishes, which may be beneficial for those with limited food choices or specific texture sensitivities. However, it's important to be mindful of the portion size due to its sodium and fat content.

Convenience in Meal Preparation

The primary benefit of a pre-made dressing like RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING is its convenience for meal preparation. It eliminates the need to source and combine individual ingredients, saving time for consumers with busy schedules. This can be particularly helpful for quickly assembling salads or marinating proteins, making it easier to incorporate vegetables into meals. While convenient, it is still advisable to consider the overall nutritional impact of the meal when using such products.

Source of Dietary Fats

This dressing contains 30g of total fat per 100g, primarily from canola oil. Dietary fats are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and provide energy. Canola oil is a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. While fats are a necessary part of the diet, the high overall fat content and the presence of 5g of saturated fat per 100g in this product mean that portion control is important to manage total fat intake within daily recommendations.

How to eat it

Italian herb dressing is commonly used as a topping for salads, a marinade for meats and vegetables, or as an ingredient in pasta salads. A typical serving size is 2 tablespoons, which can quickly add to the overall calorie, fat, and sodium content of a meal if not measured carefully.

To reduce sodium intake, consider diluting the dressing with a small amount of water or white balsamic vinegar before use.
Pair this dressing with a large portion of non-starchy vegetables like mixed greens, cucumbers, and bell peppers to boost fiber and nutrient intake.
Use this dressing as a flavor enhancer for marinades rather than a primary dressing, combining it with fresh herbs and lemon juice.
Measure the 2 Tbsp serving size accurately to avoid overconsumption of added sugar and saturated fat.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware of the high sodium content in RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB, which is 1230mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should use this product sparingly. The dressing also contains xanthan gum, a natural thickener, which is generally recognized as safe but can cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals when consumed in large quantities. The presence of added sugar, while not excessively high at 2.33g per 100g, contributes to the overall caloric load. There are no declared major allergens on the label.

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Reader questions
Is RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB healthy?
RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB scores 27/100, categorizing it as an 'Avoid' food. This is primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food, its high sodium content, and its saturated fat levels. While it offers flavor, it does not contribute significant amounts of beneficial nutrients like protein or fiber.
How does RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING compare to other brands?
Compared to a generic unbranded Italian herb dressing, RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING has a similar nutritional profile in terms of fat, sodium, and added sugar. When compared to a brand like Wish-Bone Italian Dressing, the nutritional values are often comparable, with both typically being ultra-processed and containing similar levels of sodium and fats. Always check the specific nutrition facts panel for direct comparisons.
What is canola oil, and is it a good ingredient?
Canola oil is a common vegetable oil derived from rapeseed. It is a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including some omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered beneficial for heart health. However, in this dressing, canola oil is part of an ultra-processed formulation, and the overall fat content contributes to the product's lower FoodScore.
What is a reasonable portion size for this dressing?
The recommended serving size for RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING is 2 tablespoons. Adhering to this portion size is important to manage your intake of sodium, saturated fat, and calories. Using more than the recommended serving will significantly increase the nutritional impact of the dressing on your meal.
Can I use this dressing if I am trying to reduce my sugar intake?
This dressing contains 2.33g of added sugar per 100g. While not extremely high, it does contribute to your daily added sugar intake. If you are strictly monitoring sugar, consider dressings with no added sugar or make your own with vinegar, oil, and herbs to have full control over the ingredients.
Does this dressing contain any artificial ingredients?
The ingredient list for RAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB does not explicitly list artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It includes 'xanthan gum,' which is a natural thickener. The ingredients are generally recognizable, though the product is still classified as ultra-processed due to its overall formulation and processing.

Explore more

CategoryAll oils, sauces & condiments →BrandAll Made Good SKUs →Competitor · 82/100MaraNatha Crunchy Almond Butter →Competitor · 81/100PACIFIC PRIDE SMOKED MUSSELS IN SUNFLOWER OIL →Head-to-headRAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB vs. Egg Whole Cooked Hard Boiled →Head-to-headRAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB vs. MaraNatha Crunchy Almond Butter →Head-to-headRAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB vs. PACIFIC PRIDE SMOKED MUSSELS IN SUNFLOWER OIL →Head-to-headRAO'S HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB DRESSING, ITALIAN HERB vs. MaraNatha Organic Creamy Peanut Butter →

Data & references

Sources: USDA FoodData Central (Branded, fdcId 1969653, modified 7/11/2019)Updated 2026-04-24