STOUFFER'S Vegetable Lasagna receives a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor), primarily driven by its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content.
This STOUFFER'S product scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore.
It provides 6.61g of protein per 100g, contributing to satiety.
A significant concern is the 414.1mg of sodium per 100g.
As a NOVA class 4 food, it is an ultra-processed option compared to a home-cooked version.
Consider this product for occasional convenience rather than a dietary staple.
Scores -4 points above the prepared category average (47/100 across 231 foods).
Fiber
1.3g
5% of Daily Value
Protein
6.61g
13% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0.4g
1% of Daily Value
Sodium
414.1mg
18% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (6.6g)+2
Micronutrients (Calcium)+2
−
What holds it back
Sodium (414.1mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 43
STOUFFER'S Vegetable Lasagna earns a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of 10 points. While it offers a modest 6.61g of protein per 100g, contributing 2 bonus points, its sodium content of 414.1mg per 100g leads to a 1-point penalty. The product contains a blend of cheeses, including low fat ricotta cheese and low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, which contribute to its protein and calcium content. However, the overall nutritional profile, particularly the relatively low fiber (1.3g) and limited micronutrient contributions beyond calcium, prevents a higher score. Compared to a home-cooked vegetable lasagna made with whole ingredients, this STOUFFER'S version contains more processed components and higher sodium, impacting its overall nutritional quality.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in stouffer's vegetable lasagna actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This vegetable lasagna provides 6.61g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to muscle maintenance and satiety. Protein is an essential macronutrient involved in numerous bodily functions. While not a primary protein source, this amount can help meet daily protein needs, especially when combined with other protein-rich foods in a meal. The protein primarily comes from the various dairy cheeses and the grain blend in the lasagna.
Provides Calcium
With 132.16mg of calcium per 100g, this product contributes 10% of the Daily Value for calcium. Calcium is crucial for bone health and density, as well as nerve function and muscle contraction. The presence of multiple cheese varieties, such as low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese and Parmesan and Asiago cheese blend, are the primary contributors to the calcium content in this STOUFFER'S product. Including calcium-rich foods is important for overall skeletal health.
Convenient Meal Option
As a prepared frozen meal, STOUFFER'S Vegetable Lasagna offers a convenient option for quick meals. For individuals with limited time for meal preparation, this product can serve as a ready-to-heat solution. While its nutritional profile suggests it's not an everyday staple, its ease of preparation can be beneficial in specific situations, helping to avoid less nutritious fast-food alternatives when time is short. It requires minimal effort to prepare.
STOUFFER'S Vegetable Lasagna receives a FoodScore of 43/100 (Poor), primarily driven by its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content.
How to eat it
STOUFFER'S Vegetable Lasagna is typically consumed as a main course for lunch or dinner. A common portion size is often the entire package, which can be larger than a single serving. It is a convenient option for busy individuals seeking a quick meal, but portion control is important.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair this lasagna with a large side salad containing various non-starchy vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
Consider dividing the package into two servings to manage sodium intake and add a lean protein source like grilled chicken or beans to the other half.
Increase fiber intake by serving with a side of steamed green beans or broccoli, which also adds additional micronutrients.
Be mindful of the sodium content; if consuming this product, aim for lower sodium options in other meals throughout the day.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several common allergens, including milk, wheat, and egg, as declared in the ingredient list. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid consumption. The presence of carrageenan and xanthan gum in the low fat ricotta cheese are food additives that some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may wish to monitor, though they are generally recognized as safe. The sodium content of 414.1mg per 100g is relatively high, and individuals managing blood pressure or those advised to limit sodium intake should consume this product in moderation and be aware of their overall daily sodium consumption. There are no specific interactions or risks noted for particular populations beyond general allergen and sodium considerations.
STOUFFER'S Vegetable Lasagna receives a FoodScore of 43/100, indicating a 'Poor' nutritional rating. While it provides protein and calcium, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content are significant factors in its score. It is best considered an occasional convenience food rather than a regular part of a balanced diet.
How does STOUFFER'S Vegetable Lasagna compare to a homemade version?
Compared to a homemade vegetable lasagna using whole ingredients, STOUFFER'S Vegetable Lasagna is classified as an ultra-processed food (NOVA class 4). A homemade version would typically allow for control over sodium levels, the type of fats used, and the inclusion of more fresh vegetables, generally resulting in a higher nutrient density and lower processing level. For example, a home-cooked lasagna would likely use fresh ricotta cheese without added thickeners like carrageenan.
What is 'grain blend with whole wheat flour' in the ingredients?
The 'grain blend with whole wheat flour' indicates that the lasagna pasta includes whole wheat flour along with semolina. While the inclusion of whole wheat offers some fiber, the overall fiber content in the product is still relatively low at 1.3g per 100g. This blend contributes to the carbohydrate and some protein content of the dish.
What is a reasonable portion size for this lasagna?
The serving size is listed as 0.083 of the package. If consuming the entire package, it's important to recognize that this would mean a higher intake of calories, fat, and especially sodium than the per 100g values suggest. For a balanced meal, consider pairing a smaller portion with a large serving of fresh vegetables to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
Are there other frozen lasagna options that are nutritionally better?
When comparing frozen lasagnas, look for brands that emphasize lower sodium content, higher fiber from more vegetables, and less reliance on ultra-processed ingredients. For instance, some brands like Amy's Kitchen offer organic or vegetarian frozen meals that might have different nutritional profiles, though a direct comparison would require evaluating specific SKUs. Always check the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list for any frozen meal.