BERTOLLI, Mediterranean Style Meal for 2, Garlic Shrimp, Penne & Cherry Tomatoes scores 42/100 (Poor) primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food.
FoodScore: 42/100 (Poor), indicating it is not a primary choice for a balanced diet.
Contains 252.94mg sodium per 100g, contributing significantly to daily intake.
Provides a notable 41% DV of Vitamin A per 100g serving.
Classified as NOVA 4 (ultra-processed), contrasting with a home-cooked alternative.
Consider this product for occasional consumption rather than a regular meal.
Scores -4 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0.9g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
3.82g
8% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
252.94mg
11% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 42
BERTOLLI, Mediterranean Style Meal for 2, Garlic Shrimp, Penne & Cherry Tomatoes receives a FoodScore of 42 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is significantly influenced by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a -10 point penalty. While the product contains some beneficial nutrients, such as 41% DV of Vitamin A per 100g, it lacks significant amounts of other key micronutrients, with 0% DV for magnesium, zinc, Vitamin D, B12, and Folate. The ingredient list includes modified corn starch and maltodextrin, which are common in processed foods and contribute to its NOVA classification. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, this BERTOLLI meal offers less dietary fiber (0.9g per 100g) and a higher sodium content (252.94mg per 100g), which can be a concern for regular consumption. The protein content is moderate at 3.82g per 100g, and it contains no added sugar.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in bertolli, mediterranean style meal for 2, garlic shrimp, penne & cherry tomatoes actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This product provides a significant amount of Vitamin A, offering 41% of the Daily Value per 100g serving. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Including foods with Vitamin A can contribute to overall well-being, especially when other dietary sources might be limited. This can be a convenient way to boost intake of this particular vitamin.
Convenient Meal Option
As a prepared meal, this BERTOLLI product offers convenience for busy individuals or those with limited time for meal preparation. Its ready-to-heat format can help ensure a meal is available when cooking from scratch is not feasible. While not a substitute for a diet rich in whole foods, it can serve as an occasional option to prevent skipping meals, which can sometimes lead to less healthy choices later.
Moderate Calorie Density
With 100 calories per 100g, this meal has a moderate calorie density, which can be helpful for portion control. Understanding the calorie content per serving allows consumers to integrate it into their overall daily calorie goals. This characteristic means it can fit into a balanced dietary pattern when consumed in appropriate portions and balanced with other nutrient-dense foods.
BERTOLLI, Mediterranean Style Meal for 2, Garlic Shrimp, Penne & Cherry Tomatoes scores 42/100 (Poor) primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
This BERTOLLI meal is designed as a quick, heat-and-eat option for lunch or dinner. It's typically consumed as a single entree, often by individuals or couples seeking a convenient meal solution. Be mindful of the serving size to manage nutrient intake.
To enhance nutrient density, consider adding fresh steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to your portion.
Pair this meal with a side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
Given its sodium content, balance this meal with low-sodium foods throughout the rest of your day.
Consider splitting the 'meal for 2' into three smaller portions if you are aiming for reduced calorie intake per sitting.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients common in ultra-processed foods, such as modified corn starch and maltodextrin, which may not be ideal for those seeking a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. The ingredient list also includes 'natural flavor,' which can encompass a variety of substances and may be a concern for individuals with specific sensitivities. Allergens declared on the label include wheat and shrimp, which are common allergens. Individuals with celiac disease or a wheat allergy should avoid this product due to the presence of enriched pasta. Those with shellfish allergies should also exercise caution due to the shrimp content. The sodium level of 252.94mg per 100g means a full serving (340g) would provide over 850mg of sodium, which is a significant portion of the daily recommended limit, particularly for individuals monitoring their blood pressure.
Is BERTOLLI Mediterranean Style Meal for 2, Garlic Shrimp, Penne & Cherry Tomatoes healthy?
This BERTOLLI meal scores 42/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it offers some Vitamin A and convenience, its classification as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and moderate sodium content mean it is not a primary choice for a consistently healthy diet. It can be consumed occasionally as part of a varied eating pattern.
How does BERTOLLI compare to other frozen meals?
Compared to some other frozen meals, such as a Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice entree, this BERTOLLI meal may have a similar nutritional profile in terms of processing and sodium. However, specific nutrient content varies widely by product. Always check the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list to make informed comparisons based on your dietary needs.
What is 'modified corn starch' in this product?
Modified corn starch is a common food additive used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier in many processed foods. It helps improve the texture and shelf-stability of the product. While generally recognized as safe, it contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification.
What is a reasonable portion size for this meal?
The declared serving size is 340g, which is intended as a meal for one person. However, if you are monitoring calorie or sodium intake, you might consider consuming half of the stated serving size and supplementing with fresh vegetables or a side salad to create a more balanced meal.
Can I freeze this BERTOLLI meal if I don't eat it all?
This product is sold frozen and designed to be cooked from frozen. If you cook the entire meal and have leftovers, it is generally safe to refrigerate them and consume within 1-2 days. Refreezing cooked leftovers is not recommended as it can affect texture and quality.