# Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner

> Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop.

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** Banquet
- **Retailer listed:** Foodtown
- **Category:** Frozen Foods
- **Size:** 11.88 oz
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/banquet-meat-loaf-dinner-1188-oz
- **Slug:** `banquet-meat-loaf-dinner-1188-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

This is an industrially formulated ready-to-eat frozen meal containing numerous additives, rehydrated ingredients, hydrogenated oils, modified starches, flavorings, and preservatives, which fits the NOVA ultra-processed category.

## Review

This Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner is the archetypal frozen TV-dinner you’d find in the supermarket’s frozen entrees aisle, shelved beside other microwave-ready single-serve meals and family frozen dinners. It reads as classic American comfort food: a gravy-topped meatloaf made from a mix of chicken, pork and beef, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and a cinnamon apple dessert. Shoppers reaching for it are often after convenience—busy weeknights, quick solo dinners, or stocking up for stormy weather when ready meals come in handy. Banquet positions itself as an affordable, nostalgic brand: value-focused, broadly familiar, and aimed at cost-conscious families, older shoppers seeking familiar flavors, or students and young adults who want a no-fuss meal. Packaging leans utilitarian and microwave-ready, typically a compartmentalized tray with a film cover and bold brand logo; copy on the box highlights comfort and tradition and notes features like mashed potatoes made with real cream and USDA inspection. There are mild health halos present—claims about real cream and inspected wholesomeness—yet there is no organic or premium certification; ingredient lists include many processed components and flavor enhancers. In plain processing terms, this is a factory-formulated frozen meal with multiple additives, stabilizers, and rehydrated ingredients. Sensory cues: expect soft, sliceable meatloaf with a smooth, savory gravy, fluffy instant-style mashed potatoes, syrupy cinnamon apples, and tender canned-style corn; aroma is warm and savory with a hint of sweet cinnamon from the dessert. Ritual: microwave, let stand, peel back film, and eat straight from the tray or transfer to a plate for an easy comfort meal.

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 1 meal
- **Servings per container:** 1
- **Calories:** 330
- **Total fat:** 11g (14% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 3.5g (18% DV)
- **Cholesterol:** 50mg (17% DV)
- **Sodium:** 1350mg (59% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 43g (16% DV)
- **Dietary fiber:** 5g (18% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 11g
- **Added sugars:** 11g (22% DV)
- **Protein:** 13g

## Ingredients

MASHED POTATOES: Rehydrated Potato Flakes and Granules (Water, Potatoes, Mono- and Diglycerides, Citric Acid, Disodium Dihydrogen Pyrophosphate, BHT, Sodium Bisulfite), Margarine (Soybean Oil, Water, Salt, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Monoglycerides, Sodium Benzoate, Soy Lecithin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Calcium Disodium EDTA, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene [Color], Vitamin D3, Natural and Artificial Flavor), Cream, Soybean Oil, Nonfat Dry Milk, Salt, Sugar, Monosodium Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Flavoring. GRAVY: Water, Seasoned Cooked Beef (Beef, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Garlic Juice, Salt), Modified Corn Starch, Tomato Paste, Wheat Flour, Onions, Contains 2% or less of: Salt, Soybean Oil, Sugar, Caramel Color, Monosodium Glutamate, Flavorings. MEATLOAF: Mechanically Separated Chicken, Pork, Beef, Water, Textured Soy Protein Concentrate (Soy Protein Concentrate, Caramel Color, Soy Lecithin), Breader (Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour [Bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Durum Flour, Leavening [Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate], Yeast), Onions, Ketchup (Tomato Concentrate, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Corn Syrup, Salt, Less Than 2% Of: Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Natural Flavors), Contains 2% or less of: Salt, Dried Whole Eggs, Dry Whole Milk, Caramel Color, Natural Flavorings, Citric Acid). CINNAMON APPLE DESSERT: Water, Apples (Citric Acid and Ascorbic Acid to Retain Color), Sugar, Brown Sugar, Modified Corn Starch, Natural Flavor, Acetylated Monoglycerides, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Cinnamon, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Propylene Glycol, Ethanol, Spice, Lemon Oil. CORN: Corn, Water, Salt, Sugar. CONTAINS: EGG, MILK, SOY, WHEAT

## Flagged ingredients

- **Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **Mono- and Diglycerides** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **Soy Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **Acetylated Monoglycerides** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **Monoglycerides** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **BHT** (preservative): Synthetic preservative
- **Sodium Benzoate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative
- **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring
- **Beta Carotene** (additive): Artificial coloring

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, storm-prep
- **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting, practical

## FAQ

### Is the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner healthy?

The Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner can be a comforting meal option, but it's important to consider what 'healthy' means for you. With 330 calories and a decent amount of protein (13g) and fiber (5g), it can fit into a balanced diet, especially if you're looking for something quick and satisfying. Just be mindful of its sodium content (1350mg) if you're watching your salt intake!

### Is the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner vegan?

Nope, the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner is not vegan. It contains meat (chicken, pork, and beef) and dairy ingredients like cream and nonfat dry milk. So, if you’re on a plant-based diet, you might want to skip this one.

### Is the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner gluten-free?

Unfortunately, the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour and breader made from enriched bleached wheat flour, which makes it a no-go for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Always read labels carefully if gluten is a concern!

### Does the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner contain seed oils?

Yes, it does contain seed oils, specifically soybean oil, which is commonly used in processed foods for its cost-effectiveness and texture-enhancing properties. While some folks try to limit seed oils due to concerns about omega-6 fatty acids, it's all about balance and moderation in your overall diet!

### Does the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner. The sweetness comes from added sugars instead, which is more common in processed meals. So if you’re avoiding artificial sweeteners, you’re in the clear here!

### Is the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner high in sugar?

Not really! The meal has 11g of total sugars, which isn't considered high, especially for a frozen dinner. However, it does contain added sugars, so if you're keeping an eye on sugar intake, it's something to note, especially with the ketchup in the meatloaf!

### What are healthier alternatives to the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner?

If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider homemade meatloaf made with lean ground turkey or chicken, paired with mashed sweet potatoes and steamed veggies. There are also some great frozen options with cleaner ingredient lists that focus on whole foods, like veggie burgers or grain bowls. Just a little extra effort can lead to a more nutritious meal!

### Can kids eat the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner?

Yes, kids can enjoy the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner! It's a classic comfort food that many children find appealing, especially with the mashed potatoes and gravy. Just be sure to balance it out with some fresh fruits or veggies on the side for a well-rounded meal.

### Is the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner good for weight loss?

While the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner can fit into a weight loss plan due to its moderate calorie count, it's also relatively high in sodium and processed ingredients. For sustainable weight loss, aim for a balanced diet rich in whole foods. This meal can be an occasional treat rather than a regular staple!

### Is the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner ultra-processed?

Yes, the Banquet Meat Loaf Dinner falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains several ingredients that are modified or added for preservation and flavor, like modified corn starch and sodium benzoate. While ultra-processed foods can be convenient, it’s a good idea to enjoy them in moderation alongside whole foods!

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