HEART Exam Food Review: Reggano Traditional Pizza Sauce — A Slice of Nostalgia
💖 H – Health Check:
Each ¼ cup serving gives 40 calories, 1.5g fat, 5g carbs (1g fiber), and 1g protein, plus a bit of iron and potassium. The first ingredients are tomato purée and soybean oil — nothing fancy, but solid basics.
It’s not labeled gluten free or dairy free, but I’ve safely eaten it many times with Celiac disease and EOE without any issues. I do wish Aldi would make the labeling clearer, but this one works for me.
Tomatoes are technically a fruit, but per USDA MyPlate, tomato sauce counts as a vegetable. For a true serving, you’d need closer to 1 cup — I didn’t hit that mark on my pizza bread, but added veggies (mushrooms + peppers) to help balance my plate.
Fun nutrient note 🧠: The iron in tomato products helps transport oxygen through our bloodstream — something I pay extra attention to for my daughter’s energy and health, especially during growth spurts.
😋 E – Eating:
This sauce tastes just like those childhood pizza lunch kits — sweet, simple, and nostalgic. I made pizza bread by toasting my bread first (to avoid sogginess), brushing/spraying it lightly with avocado oil, then layering the sauce, toppings, and a bit more sauce before baking at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
It’s versatile enough for pasta or pizza night, and if you’re feeling creative, you can boost flavor with your favorite herbs and spices. Sometimes, the best sauces are the ones that let you make them your own.
🛒 A – Accessibility:
Reggano Traditional Pizza Sauce is an Aldi brand, priced between $1.00 and $1.50 for a 14 oz jar — a total steal! Aldi has been upping their game in gluten-free and dairy-free options, and while this one isn’t labeled that way, it’s been safe in my experience.
💓 R – Rhythm Rating:
Sinus Rhythm 🫀 – A dependable, affordable, and tasty staple. It’s not fancy, but it’s consistent — and sometimes that’s exactly what dinner needs to be.
📢 T – Tell Others & Tips:
If you don’t plan to use the whole jar, store leftovers in a freezer-safe container, label it, and thaw later for a quick meal.
This sauce is perfect for:
Pizza bread or bagels with family
Mini kid pizzas for a fun hands-on dinner
Simple pasta nights when you need quick comfort
And don’t forget: if a store-bought base works, make it yours! Add herbs, garlic, or even roasted veggies to customize flavor.
✨ I’m a Nurse Practitioner, but not your NP. This isn’t medical advice — just my honest, allergy-safe experience.
💗 Live safe, happy, healthy.
🌐 www.glutenanddairyfreenp.com
