Nothing significantly penalised here. Well done.
DEL MONTE Diced Tomatoes achieved a FoodScore of 62 out of 100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score reflects its primary ingredient, tomatoes, which contribute beneficial micronutrients. The product received a bonus of +4 for its micronutrient content, specifically for providing meaningful amounts of Vitamin A (35% DV) and Vitamin C (11% DV) per 100g. Additionally, its classification as a NOVA class 2 food, meaning it is a processed culinary ingredient, earned it an 8-point bonus, indicating it is less processed than many other packaged foods. The ingredient list is straightforward, including TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, SALT, CITRIC ACID, and CALCIUM CHLORIDE. There are no added sugars or unhealthy fats, which prevents common penalties seen in other processed foods. The sodium content at 103.17mg per 100g is present due to the added salt, but it is not excessively high. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, this product offers similar nutritional benefits, with the main difference being the convenience and the presence of calcium chloride as a firming agent.
What the nutrients in del monte diced tomatoes actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
DEL MONTE Diced Tomatoes are a good source of essential vitamins. A 100g serving provides 35% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A and 11% for Vitamin C. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, while Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports skin health and immune defense. Incorporating this product into meals can help contribute to your daily intake of these micronutrients, especially when fresh options are not available or convenient.
This product is notably low in calories and contains no fat. With only 23.97 calories and 0g of total fat per 100g, DEL MONTE Diced Tomatoes can be a suitable addition to meals for those monitoring their caloric or fat intake. The absence of saturated and trans fats aligns with dietary recommendations for heart health. This makes it a versatile ingredient for adding volume and flavor to dishes without significantly increasing their energy density.
Classified as a NOVA class 2 food, DEL MONTE Diced Tomatoes are considered a processed culinary ingredient. This means they are derived directly from whole foods with minimal processing to make them suitable for cooking. The ingredient list is short and recognizable, without the addition of artificial flavors, colors, or excessive preservatives. Choosing products like this can help consumers incorporate more whole-food-derived ingredients into their diet, even when opting for convenience.
Canned diced tomatoes are a pantry staple, commonly used as a base for sauces, stews, and chilis. They offer a convenient way to add tomato flavor and nutrients to a variety of dishes, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season or time is limited for chopping. A typical portion is 0.5 cup, which is 120g.
DEL MONTE Diced Tomatoes contain salt and citric acid. While the sodium content (103.17mg per 100g) is moderate, individuals on very low-sodium diets should be mindful of their overall intake from all sources. Citric acid is a common food additive used for flavor and as a preservative, and it is generally recognized as safe. Calcium chloride is included as a firming agent to help maintain the texture of the diced tomatoes. There are no common allergens declared on the label. This product is generally safe for most populations, with no specific interactions or risks for children, diabetic readers, or those with IBS, beyond general dietary considerations for sodium intake.