SWEET BABY RAY'S GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE & MARINADE scores 31/100 (Poor) due primarily to its **high sodium content** and classification as an **ultra-processed food**.
SWEET BABY RAY'S Garlic Parmesan Sauce has a FoodScore of 31/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
The primary nutritional concern is the high sodium content, at 1618.75mg per 100g.
This product is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
Compared to a generic garlic parmesan sauce, this SKU has a similar nutritional density.
Use sparingly to manage sodium intake, especially if monitoring blood pressure.
Scores -1 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
1618.75mg
70% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Sodium (1618.8mg)-9
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 31
SWEET BABY RAY'S GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE & MARINADE receives a FoodScore of 31 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely driven by significant penalties. The most impactful penalty is for its high sodium content, which is 1618.75mg per 100g. This amount contributes a substantial -9 points to the overall score, reflecting that it provides a very high percentage of the daily recommended sodium intake in a single serving. Additionally, the product is categorized as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. This classification incurs a -10 point penalty, as ultra-processed foods often contain ingredients and formulations that detract from overall dietary quality. While the product contains 0g of added sugar and 0g of saturated fat per 100g, which avoids penalties in those areas, it also provides 0g of protein and 0g of fiber, offering no nutritional bonuses. The presence of ingredients like modified corn starch and various preservatives also contributes to its ultra-processed classification. Compared to a generic unbranded garlic parmesan sauce, SWEET BABY RAY'S GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE & MARINADE has a comparable nutritional profile, particularly regarding its high sodium and fat content, and lack of beneficial macronutrients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in sweet baby ray's garlic parmesan sauce & marinade, garlic parmesan actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Flavor Enhancement for Specific Diets
For individuals following certain dietary patterns that restrict sugar or carbohydrates, SWEET BABY RAY'S GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE & MARINADE can serve as a flavorful condiment. With 0g of added sugar per 100g, it avoids contributing to daily sugar intake, which can be a consideration for those managing blood glucose levels or adhering to low-carbohydrate diets. This allows for the addition of a rich, savory taste to meals without the concern of hidden sugars often found in other sauces. It is important to consider portion sizes due to other nutritional factors.
Source of Dietary Fat
This sauce provides 25g of total fat per 100g, primarily from vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola). Dietary fats are essential for nutrient absorption, hormone production, and providing energy. While this product contains 0g of saturated fat, the overall fat content can contribute to satiety in a meal. It can be used in small quantities to add richness to dishes, which can be beneficial for individuals who need to increase their caloric intake or enhance the palatability of leaner protein sources.
Convenient Meal Addition
As a pre-made sauce and marinade, this product offers convenience for meal preparation. It can save time in the kitchen by providing a ready-to-use flavor base for various dishes. For busy individuals, having a versatile condiment like SWEET BABY RAY'S GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE & MARINADE on hand can facilitate quicker meal assembly, potentially reducing reliance on less nutritious takeout options. However, the nutritional profile suggests moderation is key.
SWEET BABY RAY'S GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE & MARINADE scores 31/100 (Poor) due primarily to its high sodium content and classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
SWEET BABY RAY'S GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE & MARINADE is typically used as a finishing sauce for chicken wings, pasta, or as a marinade for meats. A common serving size is 1 tablespoon, which is a small amount, but its concentrated flavor means a little goes a long way. Consumers often use it to add a savory, garlicky, and cheesy element to otherwise plain dishes.
Use this sauce as a flavor accent rather than a primary ingredient to manage sodium intake.
Pair with lean protein sources like grilled chicken breast or fish to add flavor without excessive fat from frying.
Dilute with a little water or unsweetened yogurt for a lighter dressing, which can help reduce the sodium per serving.
Measure your serving (1 Tbsp) precisely to avoid overconsumption, especially given the high sodium content.
Consider making your own garlic parmesan sauce from scratch with fresh ingredients to control sodium and fat.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the high sodium content in SWEET BABY RAY'S GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE & MARINADE, which is 1618.75mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet should use this product very sparingly. The ingredient list includes soybean and/or canola oil, which are common allergens for some individuals, and also contains milk-derived ingredients like Parmesan cheese and nonfat milk powder, making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. The presence of various preservatives such as sorbic acid and sodium benzoate, along with emulsifiers like polysorbate 80 and polysorbate 60, contributes to its ultra-processed classification. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of foods containing these additives.
Is SWEET BABY RAY'S Garlic Parmesan Sauce healthy?
SWEET BABY RAY'S Garlic Parmesan Sauce has a FoodScore of 31/100, which is considered 'Poor'. This is primarily due to its high sodium content (1618.75mg per 100g) and its classification as an ultra-processed food. While it contains 0g of added sugar, it offers minimal beneficial nutrients like protein or fiber.
How does SWEET BABY RAY'S Garlic Parmesan Sauce compare to a generic garlic parmesan sauce?
Compared to a generic unbranded garlic parmesan sauce, SWEET BABY RAY'S Garlic Parmesan Sauce has a similar nutritional profile. Both typically feature high levels of fat and sodium, and are often ultra-processed. For example, a generic version might also contain similar amounts of vegetable oils and salt, contributing to a comparable FoodScore.
What is 'modified corn starch' in the ingredient list?
Modified corn starch is a food additive used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier in many processed foods. It helps improve the texture and consistency of sauces like SWEET BABY RAY'S Garlic Parmesan Sauce. While generally safe for consumption, its presence contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification.
How much of this sauce can I consume daily?
Given the high sodium content, it is advisable to consume SWEET BABY RAY'S Garlic Parmesan Sauce in moderation. A typical serving size is 1 tablespoon. If you are monitoring your sodium intake, using it infrequently or in very small amounts is recommended to stay within daily dietary guidelines.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Yes, SWEET BABY RAY'S Garlic Parmesan Sauce is designed to be used as both a sauce and a marinade. Its rich flavor profile can help tenderize and season meats like chicken or pork. However, be mindful that marinating can infuse the meat with the sauce's high sodium content.
Are there lower-sodium alternatives to SWEET BABY RAY'S Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
Yes, there are often lower-sodium alternatives available in the condiment category, or you can make your own. For instance, some brands like Primal Kitchen offer sauces with reduced sodium by focusing on whole food ingredients. Reading nutrition labels and comparing sodium per serving is key.