Tomato Sauce

Common questions

Is Tomato Sauce healthy?

Tomato Sauce scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This tomato sauce contains beneficial ingredients like tomato puree, onion powder, garlic powder, and dehydrated bell peppers, which provide essential nutrients and antioxidants.

How processed is Tomato Sauce?

Tomato Sauce is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Tomato Sauce's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Tomato Puree, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder count in its favor; Natural Flavors is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Tomato Sauce

Hill Country Fare
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by H-E-B
Category Condiments
Summary

This tomato sauce contains beneficial ingredients like tomato puree, onion powder, garlic powder, and dehydrated bell peppers, which provide essential nutrients and antioxidants. However, the presence of 'natural flavors' introduces a level of processing that lacks transparency and can include various chemical compounds. The sauce is moderately processed, which limits its score despite the overall clean ingredient list.

Key ingredients 7

Tomato Puree
Good

Tomato puree is a concentrated source of tomatoes, providing essential vitamins and antioxidants. It is minimally processed, retaining most of the nutritional benefits of fresh tomatoes. The puree is rich in lycopene, which is linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins A and C, and lycopene, which may support heart health and reduce inflammation.

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Onion Powder
Good

Onion powder is a dehydrated form of onions, providing flavor and some nutritional benefits. It retains some of the antioxidants and vitamins found in fresh onions. This ingredient adds depth to the sauce without significant processing.

Benefits

Contains antioxidants that may support immune function and reduce inflammation.

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Garlic Powder
Good

Garlic powder is made from dehydrated garlic, offering flavor and potential health benefits. It contains compounds like allicin, which have been linked to various health benefits. The powder form allows for easy incorporation into recipes without the need for fresh garlic.

Benefits

May support cardiovascular health and has antimicrobial properties.

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Dehydrated Bell Peppers
Good

Dehydrated bell peppers provide flavor and nutrients similar to fresh peppers. They are a source of vitamins A and C, and the dehydration process preserves these nutrients. This ingredient adds color and nutritional value to the sauce.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support immune health and reduce oxidative stress.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used as a seasoning and preservative in foods. It is a refined product without the trace minerals found in unrefined salts. While necessary for bodily functions, excessive intake can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer commonly used in food products. It is typically derived from citrus fruits or through fermentation processes. While generally recognized as safe, it does not provide significant nutritional benefits.

Risks

Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Helps preserve the freshness and flavor of the product.

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Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are used to enhance taste but lack transparency regarding their specific composition. They are often highly processed and can contain a variety of chemical compounds. This lack of clarity can be concerning for consumers seeking clean labels.

Risks

Potential allergens or sensitivities may be present without clear labeling.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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