# Goya Sofrito > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Goya - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 14 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-sofrito-14-oz - **Slug:** `goya-sofrito-14-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial ingredients and additives (monosodium glutamate, maltodextrin, preservatives, gums, natural & artificial flavors) and is a ready-to-use shelf-stable product, consistent with NOVA group 4 ultraprocessed foods. ## Review Goya Sofrito (14 oz) is a ready-to-use jar of Latin-style flavor base you’d find in the international or Hispanic aisle of a supermarket, often shelved near canned tomatoes, bottled adobo, sofrito powders, and other jarred sauce bases. Shoppers reach for it on busy weeknights, for weekend meal prep, or when assembling quick rice, bean, stew, or protein dishes — it’s positioned as a pantry shortcut for home cooks. As a Goya product, it carries strong cultural associations with Caribbean and Latin American home cooking, marketed toward consumers wanting authentic regional taste with convenience; the brand leans into tradition while promising time savings. The label emphasizes familiar ingredients like green pepper, onion, and culantro and may suggest “family flavor” or “authentic” cues, but it is not an organic product and does not carry specialty health certifications. Visually it’s a green, spoonable mixture in a clear jar with a screw lid and a bold Goya logo; the jar invites a quick scoop-and-saute ritual. Sensory-wise, expect a chunky, slightly oily texture with visible vegetable pieces, bright herbal aromas (culantro and garlic), a savory umami lift from added monosodium glutamate and ham-flavored components, and a subtle smoky or salty finish. People typically spoon it straight from the jar into a hot pan with oil as the first step in building a meal. Processing context: this is a commercially prepared, shelf-stable convenience product that includes preservatives, stabilizers, and flavoring agents to extend freshness and standardize taste. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 tsp - **Servings per container:** 57 - **Calories:** 0 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 95mg (4% DV) - **Total carbs:** 0g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Green Pepper, Onion, Water, Soybean Oil, Salt, Culantro (Recao), Spices, Garlic Powder, Monosodium Glutamate, Ham Type Flavor (Maltodextrin, Salt, Palm Oil, Yeast Extract, Molasses, Silicon Dioxide, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Sunflower Oil, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Natural Smoke Flavor and Citric Acid), Guar Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate to Preserve Freshness and Annatto. ## Flagged ingredients - **Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Sunflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Palm Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Monosodium Glutamate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Potassium Sorbate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Sodium Benzoate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Annatto** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** meal-prep-sunday, weekend-brunch, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, nostalgic, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Goya Sofrito healthy? The healthiness of Goya Sofrito really depends on your personal dietary needs and goals. It’s low in calories and sugar, which is great if you’re watching those aspects, but it’s also packed with sodium and preservatives. Think of it as a tasty flavor booster rather than a standalone health food. ### Is Goya Sofrito vegan? Nope, Goya Sofrito isn’t vegan. It contains a ham-type flavor, which includes ingredients derived from animal sources. So if you’re sticking to a plant-based diet, you might want to look for a different sofrito option. ### Is Goya Sofrito gluten-free? Yes! Goya Sofrito is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can use it to enhance your favorite dishes without worrying about any sneaky gluten. ### Does Goya Sofrito contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain soybean oil, which is a type of seed oil. While some folks steer clear of seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, they’re also quite common in processed foods and can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. ### Does Goya Sofrito contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, Goya Sofrito doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners in its ingredient list. It's more about enhancing flavors with spices and natural ingredients, so you won’t find any hidden sweeteners trying to sneak in. ### Is Goya Sofrito high in sugar? Not at all! Goya Sofrito is low in sugar, with no added sugars in the mix. It’s more about savory flavors than sweet ones, so you can use it liberally without worrying about sugar overload. ### What are healthier alternatives to Goya Sofrito? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making your own sofrito at home using fresh vegetables and herbs. You can control the ingredients and skip the preservatives. Another option is to look for brands with organic or minimal ingredient lists, which often focus on whole foods. ### Can kids eat Goya Sofrito? Yes, kids can enjoy Goya Sofrito, but keep in mind the sodium content. It can add a tasty kick to meals, but you might want to use it sparingly or balance it with other low-sodium ingredients, especially for younger kiddos. ### Is Goya Sofrito good for weight loss? Goya Sofrito can be a flavorful addition to meals while you're managing your weight, especially since it’s low in calories. Just remember to watch portions, as it does contain sodium, which can lead to water retention if consumed in excess. ### Is Goya Sofrito ultra-processed? You could say Goya Sofrito leans toward the ultra-processed side, given its ingredient list that includes preservatives and flavor enhancers. While it’s not the same as fresh ingredients, it can still be a convenient way to add flavor to your dishes when you need something quick and tasty. ## Related products - [Goya Pitted Alcaparrado Manzanilla Olives with Peppers & Capers](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-pitted-alcaparrado-manzanilla-olives-with-peppers-capers-7-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-pitted-alcaparrado-manzanilla-olives-with-peppers-capers-7-oz - [Nabisco Mini Chips Ahoy 10 Counts](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/chips-ahoy-nabisco-mini-chips-ahoy-10-counts-10-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/chips-ahoy-nabisco-mini-chips-ahoy-10-counts-10-oz - [Goya Kidney Beans, Red 15 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-kidney-beans-red-15-oz-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-kidney-beans-red-15-oz-15-oz - [Kedem Grape Juice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kedem-grape-juice-64-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kedem-grape-juice-64-oz - [Old El Paso Refried Beans, Fat Free](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-refried-beans-fat-free-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-refried-beans-fat-free-16-oz - [Thai Kitchen Coconut Cream](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/thai-kitchen-kitchen-coconut-cream-1366-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/thai-kitchen-kitchen-coconut-cream-1366-oz - [Good to Grow Fruit Punch](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/good2grow-good-to-grow-fruit-punch-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/good2grow-good-to-grow-fruit-punch-6-oz - [Goya Corn Meal, Fine](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-corn-meal-fine-24-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-corn-meal-fine-24-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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