FoodScore
0/ 100
PoorcondimentHUNT'S· 1/2 cup

Hunt's Pasta Sauce Garlic & Herb

HUNT'S Pasta Sauce Garlic & Herb scores 44/100 (Poor) due to its high sodium content and classification as a processed food.

  • FoodScore: 44/100 (Poor).
  • Contains 480mg sodium per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • Classified as NOVA class 3 (processed), indicating a degree of industrial processing.
  • Offers minimal protein (0.8g) and fiber (0.8g) per 100g.
  • A 1/2 cup serving provides 5% of the Daily Value for potassium.
  • Scores +4 points above the condiment category average (40/100 across 103 foods).
Fiber
0.8g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
0.8g
2% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
480mg
21% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table

Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.

What holds it back
Sodium (480mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5

Why it scores 44

HUNT'S Pasta Sauce Garlic & Herb receives a FoodScore of 44 out of 100, placing it in the Poor category. The primary factor driving this score is its high sodium content, which stands at 480mg per 100g. This amount significantly exceeds the threshold for a healthy sodium level, incurring a penalty of -1 point. Additionally, the product is categorized as NOVA class 3, indicating it is a processed food, which results in a further penalty of -5 points. While the product contains no added sugar and zero total fat, these positive attributes are not enough to offset the penalties. Ingredients like salt and natural flavors contribute to the overall formulation, with salt being a direct contributor to the high sodium. Compared to a generic unbranded pasta sauce, which often has similar sodium levels, this HUNT'S product aligns with the nutritional profile typical of many shelf-stable pasta sauces, where sodium is a common concern. The absence of significant beneficial micronutrients also prevents any bonus points from being awarded.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in hunt's pasta sauce garlic & herb actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Provides a Source of Potassium

This pasta sauce offers 240mg of potassium per 100g, contributing 5% of the Daily Value. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a role in maintaining fluid balance and normal blood pressure. While not a primary source, incorporating this sauce can contribute to your daily intake, especially when paired with other potassium-rich foods like vegetables.

Low in Calories and Fat

With only 28 calories and 0g of total fat per 100g, HUNT'S Pasta Sauce Garlic & Herb can be a suitable option for those monitoring their caloric or fat intake. Its minimal energy density means it can be used as a flavor base without significantly increasing the calorie count of a meal. This makes it a flexible ingredient for various dietary approaches.

No Added Sugar

This product contains 0g of added sugar per 100g, which is a positive aspect for individuals looking to reduce their intake of sweeteners in their diet. Many pasta sauces can contain significant amounts of added sugar, so this formulation choice helps to keep the overall sugar content low. This can be beneficial for blood sugar management and overall dietary quality.

How to eat it

Pasta sauce is typically used as a base for pasta dishes, a topping for pizza, or an ingredient in casseroles and stews. A common serving size is 1/2 cup, which is 125g of this product. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially regarding sodium intake.

To balance the sodium content, pair this sauce with unsalted pasta and a generous portion of fresh or frozen unsalted vegetables.
Use this sauce as a flavorful base for homemade soups or stews, allowing you to control other high-sodium ingredients.
Consider diluting the sauce with water or low-sodium broth to further reduce the sodium per serving when preparing meals.
Enhance the nutritional value by stirring in extra herbs and spices like fresh basil or oregano, and a source of lean protein.
Things to keep in mind

The primary caution for HUNT'S Pasta Sauce Garlic & Herb is its high sodium content. Individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet should be particularly mindful of portion sizes or consider lower-sodium alternatives. The ingredient list includes natural flavors and sorbitol, which some sensitive individuals might wish to note, though these are generally well-tolerated. There are no common allergens (milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, egg) declared on the label for this specific product.

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Reader questions
Is HUNT'S Pasta Sauce Garlic & Herb healthy?
HUNT'S Pasta Sauce Garlic & Herb scores 44/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it has no added sugar and is low in calories and fat, its high sodium content is a significant nutritional drawback. It can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderation and paired with low-sodium ingredients.
How does HUNT'S Pasta Sauce Garlic & Herb compare to a generic pasta sauce?
This HUNT'S product is nutritionally similar to many generic unbranded pasta sauces, particularly in its sodium levels. Both often fall into the processed food category (NOVA 3). To find a healthier option, look for sauces with significantly lower sodium per serving, ideally below 200mg per 100g, similar to some organic or specialty brands like Rao's Homemade.
What is 'carrot fiber' in the ingredient list?
Carrot fiber is an ingredient added to this sauce, likely to improve texture and consistency. It can also contribute a small amount of dietary fiber, though in this product, the overall fiber content is low at 0.8g per 100g. It is generally considered a benign food additive.
What is a reasonable portion size for this pasta sauce?
A standard serving size is 1/2 cup (125g). This portion contributes 600mg of sodium, which is 26% of the Daily Value. To manage sodium intake, consider using a slightly smaller portion or diluting it with other ingredients when preparing meals.
Can I use this sauce if I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake?
Yes, this product contains 0g of added sugar per 100g, making it a suitable choice if you are specifically looking to reduce added sugars in your diet. Many other pasta sauces can contain several grams of added sugar per serving.

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