WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid). Its score is primarily driven by its high content of added sugars and being an ultra-processed food.
WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING scores 0/100, indicating it offers minimal nutritional value.
The product contains 25.67g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
Classified as NOVA 4, this dressing is an ultra-processed food.
Compared to generic dressings, WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING has a similar nutrient profile.
Use in small portions to manage intake of added sugar and sodium.
Scores -32 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
25.67g
51% of Daily Value
Sodium
800mg
35% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A)+4
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (25.7g)-25
Saturated fat (6.7g)-7
Sodium (800mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 0
WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING earns a FoodScore of 0 out of 100, largely due to its formulation as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4). A primary factor in this low score is the substantial amount of added sugar, with 25.67g per 100g, primarily from high fructose corn syrup, which incurs a significant penalty. The product also contains 6.67g of saturated fat per 100g, contributing to further penalties. With 800mg of sodium per 100g, it also receives a penalty for its sodium content. The high caloric density of 533.33 calories per 100g, coupled with a lack of protein and fiber, results in an 'empty calories' penalty. While it does provide some Vitamin A (74% DV) and Iron (13% DV), these micronutrient bonuses are insufficient to offset the substantial penalties. Compared to a generic unbranded dressing, WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING exhibits a similar nutritional profile, characterized by high levels of added sugars, fats, and sodium, with limited beneficial nutrients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in western sweet & smooth dressing actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING contributes 74% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin important for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. While this dressing contains Vitamin A, it is important to consider the overall nutritional context, as the amount consumed in a typical serving size (2 Tbsp) would be less than 15% of the DV. This makes it a minor contributor to daily Vitamin A intake.
Source of Iron
This dressing provides 13% of the Daily Value for iron per 100g. Iron is a vital mineral necessary for oxygen transport in the blood and for energy metabolism. Although the iron content is present, a standard serving size of 2 tablespoons would offer a smaller amount. Consumers should not rely on this product as a primary source of iron, but it can contribute a small amount to daily intake.
Flavor Enhancement for Vegetables
For individuals who find it challenging to consume plain vegetables, a small amount of WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING can make them more palatable. The sweet and savory profile may encourage greater intake of nutrient-dense vegetables, which are often under-consumed. The key is to use it sparingly to avoid adding excessive amounts of sugar, fat, and sodium to the meal, ensuring the focus remains on the nutritional benefits of the vegetables themselves.
WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid). Its score is primarily driven by its high content of added sugars and being an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
Dressings like WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING are typically used to enhance the flavor of salads, as a marinade for meats, or as a dipping sauce. A common serving size is 2 tablespoons. Due to its nutrient profile, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes to manage intake of added sugars and sodium.
Use WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING as a flavor accent rather than a primary component of your meal, especially when dressing salads.
Consider diluting the dressing with a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice to reduce the overall amount used per serving.
Pair with a large portion of non-starchy vegetables to balance the meal's nutrient density.
Measure your portion (2 Tbsp) carefully to avoid over-serving and excessive intake of added sugar and sodium.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware that WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING contains high fructose corn syrup as its first ingredient, indicating a significant amount of added sugar. The product also includes soybean oil, a common ingredient in many processed foods. For individuals sensitive to food additives, ingredients like propylene glycol alginate and calcium disodium EDTA are present, used as a thickener and to protect quality, respectively. The dressing also contains 'color added' and 'natural flavor,' which are general terms that do not specify the exact compounds used. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label beyond what might be inferred from soybean oil (soy). Individuals monitoring their intake of added sugars, sodium, or highly processed ingredients may wish to limit consumption of this product.
WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING receives a FoodScore of 0/100, indicating it offers minimal nutritional benefits. It is high in added sugars (25.67g per 100g) and sodium (800mg per 100g), and is classified as an ultra-processed food. While it contains some Vitamin A and Iron, these do not outweigh the less desirable nutritional aspects.
How does WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING compare to other dressings?
Compared to many other salad dressings, especially those in the 'sweet' or 'creamy' categories, WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING has a similar nutritional profile, often characterized by high levels of added sugar, fat, and sodium. For instance, it is comparable to many varieties of Kraft Catalina Dressing in terms of its added sugar and fat content. Healthier alternatives often include vinaigrettes made with olive oil and vinegar, or dressings with lower added sugar and sodium.
What is high fructose corn syrup, and why is it in this dressing?
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch, and it is the first ingredient in WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING. It is used to provide sweetness and texture. Its presence as the primary ingredient means the product contains a significant amount of added sugar, which contributes to its low FoodScore.
What is a recommended portion size for this dressing?
The recommended serving size for WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING is 2 tablespoons. Adhering to this portion size is important to manage your intake of added sugars (approximately 5.1g per serving) and sodium (approximately 160mg per serving), which can quickly accumulate if larger amounts are used.
Can I use this dressing if I'm trying to reduce my calorie intake?
WESTERN SWEET & SMOOTH DRESSING is calorie-dense, with 533.33 calories per 100g, or about 107 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. If you are trying to reduce calorie intake, it is advisable to use this dressing very sparingly or consider lower-calorie alternatives. Even small amounts can add significant calories to a meal.