SMART MADE GRILLED SESAME BEEF & BROCCOLI scores 50/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its decent score is primarily driven by beneficial micronutrients and fiber, balanced against its classification as a processed food.
This SMART MADE meal receives a FoodScore of 50/100, indicating a decent nutritional profile.
A notable strength is its Vitamin A content, providing 98% DV per 100g serving.
The product is classified as NOVA class 3 (processed), contributing a -5 penalty to its score.
Compared to a home-cooked version, this prepared meal contains 2.74g of added sugar per 100g.
This single-serving meal can be a convenient option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Scores +4 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
2g
7% of Daily Value
Protein
5.49g
11% of Daily Value
Added sugar
2.74g
5% of Daily Value
Sodium
238.82mg
10% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2g)+1
Protein (5.5g)+1
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (2.7g)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 50
The SMART MADE GRILLED SESAME BEEF & BROCCOLI earns a FoodScore of 50 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of positive and negative nutritional attributes. On the positive side, the product receives bonus points for its fiber content, providing 2g per 100g, and its protein content of 5.49g per 100g. Significant micronutrient contributions, specifically Vitamin A (98% DV) and Vitamin C (34% DV), also boost its score. However, penalties are applied due to the presence of added sugar, which is 2.74g per 100g. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA class 3 food, indicating it is processed, incurs a -5 penalty. When compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, this prepared meal includes ingredients like 'pineapple juice concentrate' and 'cornstarch' in the sauce, which contribute to its processed nature and added sugar content. While it provides some beneficial nutrients, the processing and added sugar prevent it from achieving a higher score.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in smart made, grilled sesame beef & broccoli actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Essential Vitamins
This SMART MADE meal provides a significant amount of Vitamin A, contributing 98% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. The meal also offers 34% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C, an antioxidant important for skin health and immune support. Including foods rich in these vitamins can help meet daily nutritional requirements, especially when fresh produce intake might be limited.
Supports Satiety with Protein and Fiber
With 5.49g of protein and 2g of fiber per 100g, this product can contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, while dietary fiber aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Incorporating meals that provide both protein and fiber can be beneficial for managing appetite and supporting overall digestive health, making it a suitable option for a balanced meal.
Convenient Meal Option
For individuals with limited time for meal preparation, this SMART MADE GRILLED SESAME BEEF & BROCCOLI offers a convenient and quick meal solution. It provides a pre-portioned serving with a mix of vegetables, protein, and grains. While not a substitute for home-cooked meals made from scratch, it can be a practical choice for busy days, helping to avoid less nutritious fast-food alternatives. The inclusion of ingredients like 'broccoli' and 'sugar snap peas' adds vegetable content.
SMART MADE GRILLED SESAME BEEF & BROCCOLI scores 50/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its decent score is primarily driven by beneficial micronutrients and fiber, balanced against its classification as a processed food.
How to eat it
This SMART MADE GRILLED SESAME BEEF & BROCCOLI is designed as a single-serving, microwaveable meal, typically consumed for lunch or dinner. It offers a convenient option for those seeking a quick and easy meal with a mix of protein, vegetables, and grains. Common pitfalls include not adding additional fresh components.
To enhance the nutritional value, consider adding a side salad with a light vinaigrette or extra steamed vegetables to increase fiber intake.
Pair this meal with a piece of fruit like an apple or an orange for additional vitamins and natural sweetness, complementing the existing flavors.
If you are monitoring sodium intake, balance this meal with other low-sodium foods throughout the day, as it contains 238.82mg per 100g.
For a more substantial meal, you could supplement with a small portion of plain Greek yogurt or a handful of unsalted nuts to boost protein and healthy fats.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with wheat or soy allergies should note that this product contains both ingredients, as indicated by 'wheat' and 'soybeans' in the reduced sodium soy sauce. The ingredient list also includes 'sesame seeds' and 'roasted sesame oil', which are common allergens. While the product contains added sugar (2.74g per 100g), this amount is moderate, but those managing blood sugar levels should still account for it within their daily intake. The presence of 'natural flavor' is a general term and does not specify the exact components, which might be a consideration for individuals with specific sensitivities. Overall, for most healthy adults, this product does not present significant unique cautions beyond common allergens.
Is SMART MADE GRILLED SESAME BEEF & BROCCOLI healthy?
This SMART MADE meal scores 50/100 on FoodScore, placing it in the 'Decent' category. It offers beneficial amounts of Vitamin A (98% DV) and Vitamin C (34% DV) per 100g, along with protein and fiber. However, it is a processed food (NOVA class 3) and contains some added sugar (2.74g per 100g), which lowers its overall score. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and complemented with whole, unprocessed foods.
How does SMART MADE GRILLED SESAME BEEF & BROCCOLI compare to other frozen meals?
Compared to many other frozen meals in the prepared category, SMART MADE GRILLED SESAME BEEF & BROCCOLI offers a good source of Vitamin A and C. For instance, a Lean Cuisine frozen meal might have a different nutrient profile, often varying in sodium, fat, and fiber content. This SMART MADE option provides a balanced mix of macronutrients and notable micronutrients, but consumers should always compare specific nutrition labels.
What is 'pineapple juice concentrate' doing in this meal?
'Pineapple juice concentrate' is listed as an ingredient in the sauce. It is used to provide sweetness and flavor to the dish. While it comes from fruit, concentrates can contribute to the overall added sugar content of a product, as indicated by the 2.74g of added sugar per 100g in this meal. It's a common ingredient in many prepared sauces for flavor enhancement.
What is a reasonable portion size for this meal?
The serving size for this product is 1 PACKAGE, which is the entire contents of the container. All nutrient values provided are per 100g, so for the full package, you would multiply the values by the total weight of the package. It is designed as a single-serving meal, providing 85.88 calories per 100g, making it a moderate calorie option for a main meal.
Can I add more vegetables to this meal?
Yes, adding more vegetables is an excellent way to boost the nutritional value of this SMART MADE meal. You can easily steam or sauté extra broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas and mix them in. This will increase your fiber and micronutrient intake without significantly adding to the calorie count, making the meal more filling and nutrient-dense.