# Cal Sundried Tomato Spread > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** California Sun-Dry - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Produce - **Size:** 9 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/california-sun-dry-cal-sundried-tomato-spread-9-oz - **Slug:** `california-sun-dry-cal-sundried-tomato-spread-9-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial additives (soy lecithin, citric acid, natural flavors) and preservatives (sulfiting agents) and is a formulated, shelf-stable spread rather than a single whole food, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed). ## Review California Sun-Dry Cal Sundried Tomato Spread is a jarred, shelf-stable spread that reads like a Mediterranean shortcut: sun-dried tomatoes folded into tomato paste with a ribbon of blended oil. You'd spot it in the grocery aisle alongside specialty condiments — near pasta sauces, jarred tapenades, pestos and canned tomato products — or on an endcap with artisanal spreads and antipasti. Shoppers grab it for quick weekend brunches to smear on bagels with cream cheese, to stir into pasta sauces for extra depth, or to layer into lasagna for a savory boost. The brand leans into a California–Mediterranean lifestyle: sunny, artisanal, and slightly upscale, aimed at home cooks who want approachable gourmet flavors without the time commitment. Package cues play to that positioning: a clear jar that shows deep red color, copy calling out sun-dried tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil, and a clean label that suggests “natural” ingredients — though there is no organic seal. Label halos include mentions of olive oil and tomato-forward ingredients; kid branding is absent and the tone skews adult and culinary. In plain terms the spread is a processed, shelf-stable condiment containing preservatives, emulsifiers and flavorings to maintain texture and shelf life. Sensory notes: glossy, thick and spreadable with small bits of tomato, a tangy-umami hit, a slightly oily mouthfeel and a garlicky, herbed aroma. Typical ritual: open jar, use a small knife or spoon to spread, scoop into sauces, or nestle into layered baked dishes. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.0 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 8 - **Calories:** 50 - **Total fat:** 3g (4% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 240mg (10% DV) - **Total carbs:** 5g (2% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 4g - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients Tomato Paste, Water, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, (Preserved within Sulfiting Agents), Blended Oil (Canola and Extra Virgin Olive Oils), Salt, Garlic, Sugar, Spices, Soy Lecithin, Citric Acid and Natural Flavor. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Soy Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Sulfiting Agents** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, meal-prep-sunday, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** indulgent, convenient, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is the Sundried Tomato Spread healthy? The Sundried Tomato Spread can definitely fit into a balanced diet, but calling it 'healthy' depends on what you're comparing it to. It’s low in calories and has some flavor-packed ingredients, but it’s also processed and contains preservatives. If you're looking for a rich taste without a ton of calories, this could be a tasty option! ### Is the Sundried Tomato Spread vegan? Nope, the Sundried Tomato Spread isn’t vegan because it contains soy lecithin, which is derived from soybeans, but it’s often included in products that aren’t strictly plant-based. If you're on a vegan journey, you might want to explore spreads made entirely from fruits and veggies without any animal-derived ingredients. ### Is the Sundried Tomato Spread gluten-free? Absolutely! The Sundried Tomato Spread is gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can enjoy it without worrying about hidden gluten ingredients. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, the Sundried Tomato Spread includes blended oils, specifically canola and extra virgin olive oils. While canola oil is a seed oil and sometimes gets a bad rap, it’s used here to help balance flavor and texture. In moderation, these oils can be part of a healthy diet, especially when paired with the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! The Sundried Tomato Spread uses a touch of sugar, but there's nothing fake or synthetic in the mix. It’s all about that natural flavor, so you can feel good about spreading it on your favorite snacks. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! The Sundried Tomato Spread has just 4 grams of total sugars per serving, which is pretty low. It’s not a dessert spread, but it does offer a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors, making it a versatile addition to your meals. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for alternatives, consider spreads made from pureed veggies or hummus for a fresher, whole-food option. You could also whip up a homemade sun-dried tomato spread with just tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of olive oil to keep it super clean and customizable! ### Can kids eat the Sundried Tomato Spread? Definitely! Kids can enjoy the Sundried Tomato Spread as a flavorful addition to sandwiches, pasta, or even as a dip for veggies. Just keep an eye on the sodium content, as it has 240 mg per serving, which is something to consider in a kid's diet. ### Is it good for weight loss? The Sundried Tomato Spread is low in calories at just 50 per serving, which can make it a good option for those watching their weight. However, it’s important to balance it with other whole foods and not rely solely on spreads for weight loss. It can definitely add flavor without a lot of calories! ### Is it ultra-processed? The Sundried Tomato Spread is considered processed, but not to the level of ultra-processed foods that are loaded with artificial ingredients and additives. It contains preservatives, which is common in many spreads, but the ingredient list is relatively short and straightforward. 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