Healthy Choice Café Steamers Roasted Beef Merlot scores 46/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as a processed food and moderate sodium content.
This Healthy Choice meal earns a FoodScore of 46/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
It provides 5.65g of protein per 100g, contributing positively to its nutritional profile.
The product contains 184.1mg of sodium per 100g, which is a moderate amount for a prepared meal.
Classified as NOVA 3 (processed), it contains more processed ingredients than a home-cooked alternative.
This meal can serve as a convenient option for a quick lunch or dinner when time is limited.
Scores -1 points above the prepared category average (47/100 across 231 foods).
Fiber
1.1g
4% of Daily Value
Protein
5.65g
11% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
184.1mg
8% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (5.7g)+1
−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 46
Healthy Choice Café Steamers Roasted Beef Merlot receives a FoodScore of 46 out of 100. This score reflects a balance of some beneficial nutrients and the impact of its processing. The product gains a bonus point for its protein content, providing 5.65g per 100g, which is a positive contribution to satiety. However, it incurs a penalty of 5 points due to its NOVA 3 classification, indicating it is a processed food. While the ingredient list includes whole foods like Cooked Brown Rice and broccoli, it also features components such as Seasoned Cooked Beef Strip And Binder Product and a Sesame Soy Sauce with multiple ingredients, including sugar and corn starch. The sodium content is 184.1mg per 100g, which is moderate for a prepared meal but can add up if consumed frequently without balancing other meals. Compared to a home-cooked version made with whole ingredients, this Healthy Choice product contains more added components and less fiber (1.1g per 100g), which is typical for many convenience meals.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in healthy choice café steamers roasted beef merlot actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
A Source of Protein
This Healthy Choice meal provides 5.65g of protein per 100g, which contributes to its overall nutritional value. Protein is an essential macronutrient important for muscle maintenance and repair, and it can help promote feelings of fullness. Including adequate protein in meals can support satiety and help manage hunger between meals. While not exceptionally high, the protein content in this prepared meal can contribute to your daily protein intake, especially when combined with other protein sources throughout the day.
Convenient Meal Option
Healthy Choice Café Steamers Roasted Beef Merlot offers a convenient and quick meal solution for busy individuals. As a pre-portioned, microwaveable meal, it requires minimal preparation time, making it suitable for lunch at work or a quick dinner at home. This convenience can help individuals avoid less nutritious fast-food options when time is short. While not a substitute for home-cooked meals made from scratch, it can be a practical choice for occasional use in a balanced diet.
Contains Whole Grains and Vegetables
The meal includes Cooked Brown Rice and broccoli, providing some whole grains and vegetables. Brown rice is a source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, while broccoli contributes vitamins and minerals. While the overall fiber content is 1.1g per 100g, the inclusion of these ingredients is a positive aspect for a prepared meal. Incorporating whole grains and vegetables is important for a balanced diet, and this product offers a way to include them even when cooking from scratch is not feasible.
Healthy Choice Café Steamers Roasted Beef Merlot scores 46/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as a processed food and moderate sodium content.
How to eat it
This Healthy Choice Café Steamers meal is designed for single-serving convenience, typically consumed as a quick lunch or dinner. It's a microwaveable meal that provides a complete, pre-portioned serving. Consumers often choose it when they need a fast option without extensive cooking.
To enhance the meal's nutritional value, consider adding a side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
Increase the fiber content by steaming extra vegetables, such as spinach or green beans, and mixing them in.
Pair this meal with a piece of fruit, like an apple or an orange, to add natural sweetness and vitamins.
If you are monitoring sodium intake, balance this meal with other low-sodium foods throughout the day.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains declared allergens: sesame, soy, and wheat, as listed on the ingredient label. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this product. The meal is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), meaning it contains ingredients that have undergone significant processing, such as Seasoned Cooked Beef Strip And Binder Product. While generally safe for consumption, individuals aiming for a diet rich in minimally processed foods may wish to limit their intake. The sodium content of 184.1mg per 100g is moderate, but those on a sodium-restricted diet should account for this when planning their daily intake.
Is Healthy Choice Café Steamers Roasted Beef Merlot a healthy meal?
This Healthy Choice meal scores 46/100 on FoodScore, placing it in the 'Decent' category. It offers protein and includes some whole grains and vegetables, making it a reasonable option for a convenient meal. However, its NOVA 3 classification indicates it is a processed food, and while not excessively high, its sodium content should be considered as part of your overall daily intake.
How does Healthy Choice Café Steamers compare to other frozen meals?
Compared to some other frozen meals, such as those from Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice Café Steamers often emphasize ingredients like whole grains and vegetables. This specific SKU provides 5.65g of protein per 100g and 1.1g of fiber. While individual products vary, always check the nutrition facts and ingredient list of any frozen meal to compare its specific nutrient profile and processing level.
What is 'Seasoned Cooked Beef Strip And Binder Product'?
This ingredient refers to beef that has been processed with added water, sugar, potassium chloride, potato starch, sea salt, isolated soy protein, flavorings, and olive oil. The 'binder product' indicates that other ingredients are used to hold the beef strips together and enhance texture or flavor, which is common in many processed meat products to improve consistency and juiciness.
Can I eat this Healthy Choice meal every day?
While this meal can be part of a balanced diet, consuming it every day might not be ideal for everyone. Its NOVA 3 classification and moderate sodium content suggest it's best enjoyed in moderation. For daily meals, prioritize a variety of whole, unprocessed foods to ensure a broader spectrum of nutrients and lower intake of processed ingredients.
How can I make this meal more filling?
To make this Healthy Choice meal more filling, you can easily supplement it with additional fiber and protein. Consider adding a hard-boiled egg or a handful of edamame for extra protein. Mixing in a generous portion of steamed or roasted non-starchy vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, will boost fiber and volume without significantly increasing calories.