HUNTS Tomato Sauce For Original Mild Chili Starter, 15 OZ

Common questions

Is HUNTS Tomato Sauce For Original Mild Chili Starter, 15 OZ healthy?

HUNTS Tomato Sauce For Original Mild Chili Starter, 15 OZ scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This tomato sauce is heavily processed, containing added sugar and natural flavors, which detract from its nutritional value.

How processed is HUNTS Tomato Sauce For Original Mild Chili Starter, 15 OZ?

HUNTS Tomato Sauce For Original Mild Chili Starter, 15 OZ is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive HUNTS Tomato Sauce For Original Mild Chili Starter, 15 OZ's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Tomatoes, Tomato Puree, Chili Pepper count in its favor; Sugar, Natural Flavor are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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HUNTS Tomato Sauce For Original Mild Chili Starter, 15 OZ

60 Fair

Analysis updated May 2026 · How Scout scores

$15.46 · 7.4 oz · pack of 24 · $0.09 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Conagra Brands
Category Canned Foods
Summary

This tomato sauce is heavily processed, containing added sugar and natural flavors, which detract from its nutritional value. While it includes beneficial ingredients like tomatoes and chili pepper, the presence of refined sugar and the use of a catch-all term for flavoring agents are concerning. The product's high processing level limits its overall healthiness despite some positive aspects.

Key ingredients 16

Tomatoes
Very Good

Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C and contain antioxidants like lycopene. They are minimally processed in this product, retaining most of their nutritional value. The presence of lycopene may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting overall health and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

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Tomato Puree
Good

Tomato puree is made from cooked tomatoes and retains many of the nutrients found in fresh tomatoes. It is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. The cooking process enhances the bioavailability of lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant.

Benefits

Provides vitamins and antioxidants, with enhanced lycopene bioavailability due to cooking.

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Chili Pepper
Good

Chili pepper adds flavor and a mild heat to the product. It contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting properties. The use of natural spices enhances the flavor profile without artificial additives.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals or when consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide a natural source of flavor.

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Garlic Powder
Good

Concentrated whole-food seasoning.

Benefits

Adds flavor and retains some beneficial compounds like allicin.

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Calcium Chloride
Neutral

Calcium chloride is used as a firming agent in canned tomatoes. It helps maintain the texture of the tomatoes during processing. It is generally recognized as safe when used in food products.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to hypercalcemia, but this is unlikely in typical food use.

Benefits

Helps maintain the texture of canned tomatoes, ensuring a better culinary experience.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer found in citrus fruits. It is used to maintain acidity and preserve the color of the product. It is widely used in the food industry and considered safe.

Risks

May cause tooth enamel erosion if consumed in large quantities over time.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer, maintaining product quality.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the product. It is a common ingredient in processed foods. While necessary for flavor, excessive consumption can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

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Onion Powder
Neutral

Onion powder is used for flavoring and is made from dehydrated onions. It retains some of the nutritional benefits of fresh onions, such as antioxidants. It is a convenient way to add onion flavor without the need for fresh produce.

Benefits

Adds flavor and some antioxidants, enhancing the overall taste profile.

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Green Bell Pepper Powder
Neutral

Green bell pepper powder is used for flavor and color. It is made from dehydrated green bell peppers and retains some vitamins and antioxidants. It provides a mild pepper flavor without the need for fresh peppers.

Benefits

Adds flavor and color, with some retained vitamins and antioxidants.

Dried Garlic
Neutral

Dried garlic is used for flavoring and is made from dehydrated garlic cloves. It retains some of the beneficial compounds found in fresh garlic, such as allicin. It is a convenient way to add garlic flavor without fresh garlic.

Benefits

Adds flavor and retains some beneficial compounds like allicin.

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Dried Onion
Neutral

Dried onion is used for flavoring and is made from dehydrated onions. It retains some of the nutritional benefits of fresh onions, such as antioxidants. It is a convenient way to add onion flavor without fresh produce.

Benefits

Adds flavor and some antioxidants, enhancing the overall taste profile.

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Ground Cumin
Neutral

Ground cumin is used for its distinctive flavor and aroma. It is a spice that contains antioxidants and may have digestive benefits. It enhances the flavor profile of the product without artificial additives.

Benefits

Adds flavor and contains antioxidants, potentially aiding digestion.

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Carrot Fiber
Neutral

Carrot fiber is used as a natural thickening agent and source of dietary fiber. It is derived from carrots and retains some of their nutritional benefits. It helps improve the texture of the product without synthetic additives.

Benefits

Provides dietary fiber and improves texture naturally.

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Spice
Neutral

The term 'spice' refers to a blend of various spices used for flavoring. It enhances the taste profile of the product. The specific spices used are not disclosed, which limits detailed analysis.

Risks

Potential allergen risk if specific spices are not disclosed.

Benefits

Enhances flavor with a blend of spices, adding complexity to the taste.

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Sugar
Bad

Sugar is added to balance acidity and enhance flavor. However, refined sugar contributes to empty calories and can lead to health issues if consumed in excess. It is not necessary for nutritional value and is often overused in processed foods.

Risks

Excessive sugar intake is linked to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Benefits

Provides sweetness and balances acidity, but offers no significant nutritional benefits.

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Natural Flavor
Bad

Natural flavor is a catch-all term for flavoring agents derived from natural sources. It lacks transparency regarding the specific ingredients used. This can be concerning for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Risks

Potential allergen risk due to undisclosed ingredients and lack of transparency.

Benefits

Adds flavor to the product, but offers no significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Natural Flavor →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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