Food
Zararains Zatarain's Taco Rice
Score
- Ultra-processed
- High in salt
- Contains added sugars
Why it scores 51
Zararains Zatarain's Taco Rice scores 51 out of 100 (Okay) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 20 points Sugar: An added sugar. Strong
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 9 points Salt 3.1 g / 100 g: Very high in salt. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better rice and pasta side dishes
-
Couscous Mix Original Near East · 10 oz Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 100 out of 100 , 49 points higher -
Zatarain's Gumbo Mix Zatarain's · 7 oz Not ultra-processed · No added sugars Score 79 out of 100 , 28 points higher -
Sprouted Organic Quinoa Blend Truroots Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 100 out of 100 , 49 points higher -
Arborio Rice Vigo · 12 oz/340 g Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 100 out of 100 , 49 points higher -
Long grain jasmine rice Vigo · 2 lb Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 100 out of 100 , 49 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Zatarain's Taco Rice
Ingredients
- Sugar minus 20 points
- Yeast extract minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Salt 3.1 g / 100 g minus 9 points
- Energy 339 kcal / 100 g minus 2 points
- Fiber 3.6 g / 100 g plus 2 points
100 − 49.5 = 50.5 → 51
Can’t score above 79. Contains sugar, an ingredient of high concern. [1][2][3]
Can’t score above 79. High in salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [6]
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 339 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 1.8 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 76.8 g |
| Sugars | 1.8 g |
| Added sugars | 1.6 g |
| Fiber | 3.6 g |
| Protein | 7.1 g |
| Salt | 3.1 g |
Serving: 0.33 cup dry mix (56 g)
Ingredients
- enriched long grain parboiled rice (rice, iron, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, folic acid)
- taco seasoning (chili pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano)
- salt
- tomato powder
- red bell pepper
- garlic powder
- white corn flour
- sugar (high concern)
- onion powder
- onion
- yeast extract & red pepper. zatarain's new orleans
- la 70114 2023 zatarain's do not use if inner pouch has been opened (not recognized)
Label text, as published
enriched long grain parboiled rice (rice, iron, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, folic acid), taco seasoning (chili pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano), salt, tomato powder, red bell pepper, garlic powder, white corn flour, sugar, onion powder, onion, yeast extract & red pepper. zatarain's new orleans, la 70114 2023 zatarain's do not use if inner pouch has been opened
Allergens and diets
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Also popular on GoodSwap
Sources
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Guideline: sugars intake for adults and children
“In both adults and children, WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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Added and free sugars should be as low as possible
“Sugar consumption is a known cause of dental caries.”
efsa.europa.eu
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“For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”
who.int
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“Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
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“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org