FoodScore
0/ 100
PoorpreparedMARIE CALLENDER'S· 1 MEAL

MARIE CALLENDER'S TENDER BEEF WITH VEGETABLES IN A SAVORY GRAVY, BEEF POT ROAST

MARIE CALLENDER'S TENDER BEEF WITH VEGETABLES IN A SAVORY GRAVY, BEEF POT ROAST scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content.

  • This MARIE CALLENDER'S meal received a FoodScore of 40/100 (Poor).
  • It is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed.
  • A single serving contains 292.26mg of sodium per 100g, contributing to a high daily intake.
  • Compared to a home-cooked version, this product contains more additives and less fiber (1.1g per 100g).
  • Consider this product for occasional consumption rather than a regular meal staple.
  • Scores -6 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
1.1g
4% of Daily Value
Protein
4.01g
8% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0.3g
1% of Daily Value
Sodium
292.26mg
13% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table

Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.

What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 40

MARIE CALLENDER'S TENDER BEEF WITH VEGETABLES IN A SAVORY GRAVY, BEEF POT ROAST received a FoodScore of 40 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. A significant factor in this score is its classification as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, which incurs a 10-point penalty. While it provides 4.01g of protein per 100g, its fiber content is relatively low at 1.1g per 100g. The product contains 292.26mg of sodium per 100g, which is a considerable amount for a single serving and contributes significantly to daily sodium intake. Ingredients like modified corn starch and various natural flavors are present, which are common in ultra-processed items. Compared to a home-cooked beef pot roast made with whole ingredients, this MARIE CALLENDER'S product has a higher sodium level and a more extensive ingredient list, including several additives not typically found in a homemade version. The fat content is 1.29g total fat per 100g, with 0.57g saturated fat, which is moderate.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in marie callender's tender beef with vegetables in a savory gravy, beef pot roast actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Provides a Source of Protein

This MARIE CALLENDER'S meal offers 4.01g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to your daily protein requirements. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair, and for satiety. While not exceptionally high, this amount can help meet a portion of protein needs in a meal, especially when combined with other protein sources throughout the day. It can be a convenient option for individuals looking for a quick protein component.

Convenient Meal Option

MARIE CALLENDER'S TENDER BEEF WITH VEGETABLES provides a ready-to-eat meal solution for busy individuals. Its convenience means minimal preparation time, making it suitable for situations where cooking from scratch is not feasible. While its nutritional profile is not ideal for daily consumption, it can serve as an occasional meal when time is a limiting factor, offering a quick way to consume some protein and vegetables.

Contains Some Vegetables

The product includes roasted red potatoes, celery, and onions, contributing some dietary fiber and micronutrients. Although the overall vegetable content is not as high as a meal prepared with a larger variety of fresh vegetables, these ingredients still offer some nutritional value. Incorporating even small amounts of vegetables can be beneficial, especially for individuals who might otherwise consume no vegetables in a meal.

How to eat it

This frozen meal is designed for quick preparation, typically heated in a microwave or oven. It's often consumed as a single-serving lunch or dinner. Be mindful of the portion size and consider supplementing it to create a more balanced meal.

To enhance the nutritional value, pair this meal with a side salad or steamed non-starchy vegetables to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
Consider dividing the meal into two smaller portions if you are mindful of calorie or sodium intake, and combine with other low-sodium foods.
Always check the full ingredient list and nutrition facts, especially for sodium content, if you are managing blood pressure or fluid retention.
For a more balanced meal, add a serving of whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, which can also boost fiber content.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains a notable amount of sodium, at 292.26mg per 100g, which can be a concern for individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension or kidney conditions. The ingredient list includes modified corn starch and various natural flavors, which are common in ultra-processed foods. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may prefer to limit intake of such additives. The product contains milk (from butter and dried whey) and sesame oil, which are common allergens. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this product. As an ultra-processed food, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet.

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Reader questions
Is MARIE CALLENDER'S Beef Pot Roast healthy?
MARIE CALLENDER'S TENDER BEEF WITH VEGETABLES IN A SAVORY GRAVY, BEEF POT ROAST received a FoodScore of 40/100, indicating it is a 'Poor' nutritional choice. This is largely due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its relatively high sodium content. While it provides some protein, its overall nutritional density is lower than a home-cooked meal.
How does MARIE CALLENDER'S Beef Pot Roast compare to a homemade pot roast?
Compared to a homemade pot roast using whole ingredients, MARIE CALLENDER'S Beef Pot Roast typically contains significantly more sodium and a longer list of ingredients, including various additives like modified corn starch. A homemade version would generally offer more control over sodium levels and provide a higher proportion of whole, unprocessed ingredients.
What is 'modified corn starch' in this product?
Modified corn starch is a food additive used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier. In this MARIE CALLENDER'S product, it contributes to the texture of the gravy and the beef binder. While generally safe for consumption, its presence is characteristic of ultra-processed foods.
How much of this meal should I eat?
The serving size is listed as 1 MEAL. However, given its FoodScore of 40/100 and high sodium content, it is advisable to consume this product in moderation. If you are monitoring sodium, consider consuming half a portion and supplementing with low-sodium, high-fiber foods like fresh vegetables.
Does this meal provide a good source of vitamins and minerals?
This MARIE CALLENDER'S meal provides modest amounts of some micronutrients, such as 6% DV for potassium and 3% DV for iron per 100g. However, it contains 0% DV for several other key micronutrients like Vitamin D, B12, Folate, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. It is not a significant source of a broad range of vitamins and minerals.
How does this compare to other frozen meals like Lean Cuisine?
Compared to other frozen meals, such as some Lean Cuisine options, the MARIE CALLENDER'S Beef Pot Roast may have a similar or higher sodium content depending on the specific Lean Cuisine SKU. Both fall into the ultra-processed category, and consumers should compare nutrition labels for specific nutrient targets like sodium, fiber, and protein when choosing between brands.

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Data & references