STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI scores 45/100, primarily due to its **high sodium content** and classification as an ultra-processed food.
STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI has a FoodScore of 45/100 (Decent).
It provides a notable amount of protein at 14.12g per 100g.
The primary nutritional concern is its high sodium content of 905.88mg per 100g.
This product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed.
Consider this panini as an occasional meal option rather than a daily staple.
Scores +3 points above the other category average (42/100 across 979 foods).
Fiber
1.2g
4% of Daily Value
Protein
14.12g
28% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
905.88mg
39% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (14.1g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A)+4
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5.9g)-5
Sodium (905.9mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 45
STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI receives a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. The score is positively influenced by its protein content, providing 14.12g per 100g, which contributes a +10 bonus. Additionally, the presence of micronutrients like iron (12% DV) and Vitamin A (13% DV) adds a +4 bonus. However, several factors significantly penalize the score. The product contains 5.88g of saturated fat per 100g, resulting in a -5 penalty. A major detractor is the high sodium content of 905.88mg per 100g, leading to a -4 penalty. Furthermore, the product's classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, incurs a substantial -10 penalty. Ingredients such as enriched unbleached wheat flour and soybean oil are common in ultra-processed foods. Compared to a generic unbranded panini, STEFANO'S offers a similar nutritional profile, with the ultra-processed nature being a consistent factor across many convenience paninis.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in stefano's italian style grilled panini actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides a Source of Protein
STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI offers 14.12g of protein per 100g serving. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and for producing enzymes and hormones. Including adequate protein in meals can contribute to satiety, helping you feel full longer. This panini can be a convenient option to meet a portion of your daily protein needs, especially when time is limited for meal preparation.
Contributes to Iron Intake
This panini provides 2.12mg of iron per 100g, which is 12% of the Daily Value. Iron is a crucial mineral involved in oxygen transport throughout the body as part of hemoglobin. It also plays a role in energy production and immune function. While not a primary source, consuming STEFANO'S can help contribute to your overall iron intake, particularly for individuals who may need to monitor their iron levels.
Source of Vitamin A
STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI contains Vitamin A, contributing 13% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is vital for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. It also supports cell growth and differentiation. Including foods that provide Vitamin A, like this panini, can help ensure adequate intake of this important fat-soluble vitamin.
STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI scores 45/100, primarily due to its high sodium content and classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI is typically consumed as a quick lunch or dinner option. It's designed for convenience, often heated and eaten as a single serving. While convenient, its sodium content means portion control is important.
Pair with a side salad or raw vegetables to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
Consider sharing a panini and adding a side of fruit or a yogurt to balance the meal.
If consuming regularly, be mindful of other high-sodium foods in your diet throughout the day.
For a more balanced meal, add extra lean protein like grilled chicken or a hard-boiled egg.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several common allergens, including wheat (from enriched unbleached wheat flour and semolina flour) and milk (from provolone cheese). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this product. The ingredient list also includes soybean oil, which may be a concern for those with soy sensitivities. The presence of sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate as curing agents in the ham is typical for processed meats. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals prefer to limit intake of foods containing these preservatives. The high sodium content is a significant factor for individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those advised to follow a lower-sodium diet.
Is STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI a healthy choice?
With a FoodScore of 45/100, STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI is considered 'Decent.' It offers protein and some micronutrients like iron and Vitamin A. However, its high sodium content and ultra-processed nature mean it's best consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet.
How does STEFANO'S compare to a generic panini?
STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI has a similar nutritional profile to many generic unbranded paninis. Both typically fall into the ultra-processed category and can be high in sodium and saturated fat. For example, compared to a similar frozen panini from a brand like Hot Pockets, the STEFANO'S product offers comparable convenience and nutritional trade-offs.
What does 'enriched unbleached wheat flour' mean in the ingredients?
Enriched unbleached wheat flour indicates that the flour has had certain nutrients, such as niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, added back after processing. This is a common practice to restore nutrients lost during milling. However, it is still a refined grain, which means it lacks the fiber and some nutrients found in whole grains.
What is a suitable portion size for this panini?
The serving size is one panini. Given its sodium and saturated fat content, consuming one panini as a single meal is appropriate. To make it a more balanced meal, consider pairing it with fresh vegetables or a side salad to add fiber and other nutrients.
Can I eat this panini if I am trying to reduce my sodium intake?
STEFANO'S ITALIAN STYLE GRILLED PANINI contains 905.88mg of sodium per 100g, which is a significant amount. If you are trying to reduce your sodium intake, it would be advisable to consume this product infrequently or choose lower-sodium alternatives. Be sure to balance your sodium intake from other foods throughout the day.