LEAN CUISINE RANCHERO BRAISED BEEF IN A SPICY RED CHILE SAUCE SERVED WITH A SIDE OF CHIPOTLE MASHED SWEET POTATOES, RANCHERO BRAISED BEEF
LEAN CUISINE RANCHERO BRAISED BEEF scores 44/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food, despite providing a notable amount of Vitamin A.
FoodScore: 44/100 (Poor), indicating it is not a primary choice for daily nutrition.
Provides 191% DV of Vitamin A per 100g, a significant micronutrient contribution.
Classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
Contains 245.06mg of sodium per 100g, which contributes to daily intake.
Can be a convenient option for occasional meals when time is limited.
Scores +3 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
0.9g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
6.44g
13% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
245.06mg
11% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (6.4g)+2
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 44
LEAN CUISINE RANCHERO BRAISED BEEF receives a FoodScore of 44 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. While the product does offer some nutritional benefits, such as 6.44g of protein and a substantial 191% DV of Vitamin A per 100g, these positive contributions are not enough to offset the impact of its processing level. The ingredient list includes items like modified corn starch, dextrose, and natural flavor, which are common in ultra-processed foods. Compared to a baseline of air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, this LEAN CUISINE meal contains more sodium at 245.06mg per 100g and a lower fiber content at 0.9g per 100g. Although it contains 0g of added sugar, the overall formulation and processing contribute to its lower FoodScore.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in lean cuisine ranchero braised beef in a spicy red chile sauce served with a side of chipotle mashed sweet potatoes, ranchero braised beef actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This LEAN CUISINE meal is a significant source of Vitamin A, providing 191% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting proper cell growth and differentiation. Including foods rich in Vitamin A can contribute to overall health, particularly for eye health. This product can help meet daily Vitamin A requirements, especially for individuals who may not regularly consume other rich sources like carrots, sweet potatoes, or leafy greens.
Provides Protein
With 6.44g of protein per 100g, this product contributes to your daily protein intake. Protein is a macronutrient essential for muscle repair, growth, and the production of enzymes and hormones. Adequate protein consumption helps support satiety, which can be beneficial for managing hunger between meals. While not a primary high-protein source, the protein content in this meal can be a component of a balanced dietary pattern, especially when combined with other protein-rich foods throughout the day.
Convenient Meal Option
This LEAN CUISINE meal offers a convenient and quick option for individuals with limited time for meal preparation. Its ready-to-heat format can be useful for busy schedules, providing a structured meal without extensive cooking. While it is an ultra-processed food, its convenience can help prevent skipping meals or opting for less nutritionally complete fast-food alternatives. It can fit into a varied diet when balanced with whole, unprocessed foods at other times.
LEAN CUISINE RANCHERO BRAISED BEEF scores 44/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food, despite providing a notable amount of Vitamin A.
How to eat it
This LEAN CUISINE meal is typically consumed as a single-serving, ready-to-heat lunch or dinner. It is designed for convenience, often microwaved directly in its packaging. While it can serve as a standalone meal, consider ways to enhance its nutritional profile.
To increase fiber and micronutrient intake, pair this meal with a side salad of fresh greens or steamed non-starchy vegetables.
Consider adding a source of healthy fats like a quarter of an avocado or a small handful of nuts to complement the meal.
Be mindful of the sodium content; balance this meal with other low-sodium food choices throughout the day to manage overall sodium intake.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains skim milk as an ingredient, which is relevant for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. The ingredient list also includes soybean oil and modified corn starch, which are common in many processed foods. While generally recognized as safe, individuals with specific sensitivities to highly processed ingredients may wish to review the full ingredient list. The product is also classified as NOVA 4 (ultra-processed), indicating it has undergone significant industrial processing. For those monitoring sodium intake, the 245.06mg per 100g should be considered as part of the daily allowance, especially for individuals with hypertension or other conditions requiring sodium restriction.
Is LEAN CUISINE Ranchero Braised Beef a healthy choice?
LEAN CUISINE Ranchero Braised Beef scores 44/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides protein and a high amount of Vitamin A, its classification as an ultra-processed food and moderate sodium content mean it is not ideal for frequent consumption as a primary healthy choice. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed occasionally and paired with whole foods.
How does LEAN CUISINE Ranchero Braised Beef compare to other frozen meals?
Compared to some other frozen meals, such as those from Healthy Choice, LEAN CUISINE Ranchero Braised Beef has a similar convenience factor. Nutritional profiles vary widely across brands and specific SKUs. Always check the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list, as some competitors may offer higher fiber or lower sodium options. This specific LEAN CUISINE meal is notable for its high Vitamin A content.
What is 'modified corn starch' and should I be concerned about it?
Modified corn starch is a food additive used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier. It is generally considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies. For most people, it does not pose a health concern, but it is an indicator of a more processed food product. It does not significantly contribute to the nutritional value of the meal.
What is a reasonable portion size for this meal?
The serving size for LEAN CUISINE Ranchero Braised Beef is 1 package, which is 255g. This portion provides 272 calories, 16.4g of protein, and 625mg of sodium. This is intended to be a single meal. If you are looking to reduce calorie or sodium intake, consider pairing it with a large, low-calorie side like a salad rather than consuming additional processed foods.
Can I add vegetables to this meal to make it more nutritious?
Yes, adding vegetables is an excellent way to enhance the nutritional value of this LEAN CUISINE meal. Incorporating steamed broccoli, green beans, or a side salad can increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals without significantly adding calories or sodium. This can help create a more balanced and filling meal.