REGINA Red Cooking Wine scores 56/100, a 'Decent' rating, primarily due to its **high sodium content** which impacts its overall nutritional profile.
REGINA Red Cooking Wine has a FoodScore of 56/100, rated as 'Decent'.
It is a NOVA class 2 food, indicating it is a processed culinary ingredient.
The primary nutritional concern is its 633.33mg of sodium per 100g.
This product contains 0g of added sugar, protein, and fiber per 100g.
Use sparingly to avoid significantly increasing the sodium content of your dishes.
Scores +24 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
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
633.33mg
28% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
−
What holds it back
Sodium (633.3mg)-2
Why it scores 56
REGINA Red Cooking Wine receives a FoodScore of 56 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects its composition as a processed culinary ingredient, which contributes positively to its NOVA class 2 designation, earning a +8 bonus. However, the most significant factor influencing its score is its sodium content, which is 633.33mg per 100g. This amount leads to a -2 penalty in the scoring system. The product contains 0g of protein, fiber, total fat, and added sugar per 100g, meaning it does not contribute significantly to these macronutrient targets. Micronutrient content is also minimal, with 0% DV for potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin D, B12, Folate, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. Compared to a generic unbranded red cooking wine, REGINA's nutritional profile is similar, with the sodium level being the main differentiator that consumers should note when incorporating it into their diet. The ingredient list, featuring "BURGUNDY WINE" and "SALT," directly reflects these nutritional outcomes.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in regina, red cooking wine actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
A Flavor Enhancer for Cooking
REGINA Red Cooking Wine can be a useful flavor enhancer in various culinary applications. While it doesn't offer significant nutritional benefits on its own, its role is to impart depth and complexity to dishes. Using a small amount can elevate the taste of sauces, marinades, and stews, allowing for a richer flavor profile without adding extra fat or calories. This can be particularly helpful for those looking to reduce reliance on less healthy flavorings like excessive butter or oils, provided the sodium content is managed.
Minimal Calorie Contribution
With 83 calories per 100g, and a typical serving size of 2 tablespoons (approximately 30g), REGINA Red Cooking Wine contributes a relatively low number of calories to a meal. This makes it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their caloric intake, as it can add flavor without substantially increasing the energy density of a dish. Its absence of total fat and added sugar further supports its use in calorie-conscious cooking, as long as the portion size is controlled to manage sodium.
Processed Culinary Ingredient
As a NOVA class 2 food, REGINA Red Cooking Wine is categorized as a processed culinary ingredient. This classification means it is derived from staple foods but is not typically consumed on its own. Its purpose is to be used in conjunction with other ingredients to prepare meals. This makes it a more favorable choice than ultra-processed (NOVA class 4) flavorings, as it represents a less altered form of food, aligning with dietary guidelines that encourage minimally processed ingredients in home cooking.
REGINA Red Cooking Wine scores 56/100, a 'Decent' rating, primarily due to its high sodium content which impacts its overall nutritional profile.
How to eat it
REGINA Red Cooking Wine is typically used as an ingredient in cooking, not consumed as a beverage. It's commonly added to savory dishes like stews, braises, sauces, and marinades to enhance flavor and tenderize meats. A common portion is 2 tablespoons, integrated into a larger recipe.
To manage sodium intake, dilute with low-sodium broth or water when using in recipes, especially if other ingredients are also high in sodium.
Use REGINA Red Cooking Wine to deglaze pans after searing meats or vegetables, capturing flavorful browned bits for sauces.
Incorporate into marinades for meats or vegetables to add depth of flavor before grilling, roasting, or pan-frying.
Consider using a smaller portion than recommended in recipes and taste-testing before adding more, to control the overall sodium level of your dish.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution with REGINA Red Cooking Wine is its high sodium content (633.33mg per 100g). Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension or heart conditions, should use this product sparingly and account for its contribution to the overall sodium in a meal. The ingredient list includes "SULFUR DIOXIDE ADDED TO PROTECT COLOR," which is a common preservative in wine products. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may have a sensitivity to sulfites, experiencing symptoms like headaches or digestive upset. This product does not contain common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg.
REGINA Red Cooking Wine scores 56/100, indicating it is a 'Decent' choice when used appropriately. It is not a significant source of vitamins, minerals, protein, or fiber. Its primary nutritional drawback is its high sodium content, which should be considered when incorporating it into your diet, especially if you are monitoring sodium intake.
How does REGINA Red Cooking Wine compare to regular drinking wine?
REGINA Red Cooking Wine is formulated specifically for cooking, containing added salt and often preservatives like sulfur dioxide. Regular drinking wine typically has no added salt. While both can be used in cooking, the added salt in REGINA means you should adjust other salt in your recipe accordingly. For instance, a brand like Gallo Family Vineyards' cooking wines would have a similar profile.
What is 'SULFUR DIOXIDE ADDED TO PROTECT COLOR'?
Sulfur dioxide is a common food additive used as a preservative in many wine products, including REGINA Red Cooking Wine. Its purpose is to prevent oxidation and bacterial growth, which helps maintain the wine's color and freshness over time. While safe for most, some individuals may have a sensitivity to sulfites.
What is a typical serving size for cooking wine?
The declared serving size for REGINA Red Cooking Wine is 2 tablespoons (approximately 30g). This amount is usually sufficient to impart flavor in most recipes without overwhelming the dish. It's important to remember that this is a condiment meant for flavor enhancement, not a beverage, and should be used in moderation.
Can I use REGINA Red Cooking Wine if I'm on a low-sodium diet?
Due to its high sodium content (633.33mg per 100g), REGINA Red Cooking Wine should be used with caution on a low-sodium diet. If you choose to use it, ensure it's in very small quantities and that you significantly reduce or eliminate other sources of added salt in your recipe to stay within your dietary guidelines. Consider using a low-sodium broth or water as an alternative.