# Birds Eye Steamfresh Broccoli with Light Cheese Sauce > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Birds Eye - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 10.80 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/birds-eye-steamfresh-broccoli-with-light-cheese-sauce-1080-oz - **Slug:** `birds-eye-steamfresh-broccoli-with-light-cheese-sauce-1080-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The product contains multiple industrial additives and reformulated components (modified food starch, xanthan gum, natural flavors, autolyzed yeast extract) and is a ready-to-heat packaged meal component, fitting the NOVA ultra-processed category. ## Review Birds Eye Steamfresh Broccoli with Light Cheese Sauce is a frozen steam-bag vegetable side that you find hanging in the frozen vegetables and prepared sides section, alongside other microwaveable steam bags, mixed vegetables, and frozen potato or pasta sides. Packaged in a 10.8 oz steamable bag, the product is positioned as a convenient, family-friendly way to get vegetables on the plate with minimal effort. It fits quick weeknight dinners, back-to-school meal routines, and casual gatherings where ease and speed matter, and also works for meal-prep sessions when cooks want a ready-made side to reheat. Birds Eye carries a long-standing brand identity as a reliable frozen-vegetable company, marketed toward busy parents and value-oriented shoppers who want the reassurance of a recognizable label and a simple vegetable serving without much prep. The front label leans on health halos like no artificial flavors or preservatives and highlights real cheese, but it is not organic or specialty certified; the "light cheese" phrasing suggests a milder, family-friendly sauce rather than an artisanal product. In plain terms, this is a prepared frozen vegetable with added sauce and stabilizers, designed for quick reheating. Sensory notes include vibrant green broccoli florets that become tender-crisp when steamed, coated in a smooth, creamy cheddar-style sauce with a mild tang; the sauce can be slightly thick or starchy from modified food starch and gums. The ritual is simple: tear the bag, microwave to steam, let it stand, then serve as a quick side to mains like grilled chicken or pasta, offering a fast, comforting vegetable option in American grocery culture. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.5 - **Servings per container:** 2.5 - **Calories:** 70 - **Total fat:** 2.5g (3% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 5mg (2% DV) - **Sodium:** 390mg (17% DV) - **Total carbs:** 6g (2% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 2g - **Protein:** 5g ## Ingredients INGREDIENTS: BROCCOLI, WATER, CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO [COLOR]), LESS THAN 2% OF GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PART SKIM MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), CREAM, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, SALT, NONFAT MILK, XANTHAN GUM, NATURAL FLAVOR, ANNATTO EXTRACT (COLOR), LACTOSE, WHEY, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, BUTTERMILK POWDER, DEHYDRATED CHEDDAR CHEESE (CULTURED PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES), COCONUT OIL. ## Flagged ingredients - **COCONUT OIL** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **ANNATTO** (additive): Artificial coloring - **ANNATTO EXTRACT** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, meal-prep-sunday, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, wholesome, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the Birds Eye broccoli with cheese sauce healthy? Well, that depends on how you define healthy! This dish is low in calories (just 70 per serving) and packs a decent 3 grams of fiber, which is great for digestion. It's not a superfood by any means, but as a quick side dish to balance out a meal, it can definitely fit into a varied diet. ### Is the broccoli with cheese sauce vegan? Nope, this one isn’t vegan! It contains cheddar and Parmesan cheese, along with cream and buttermilk powder, so it's not suitable for those avoiding animal products. If you're looking for a vegan option, you might want to try a different brand or make your own cheesy broccoli with nutritional yeast. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, good news! The Birds Eye broccoli with cheese sauce is gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without worrying about gluten sensitivities. Just make sure to check the rest of your meal for any hidden gluten, especially if you're serving it with other components. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain coconut oil, which is a type of seed oil. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils, coconut oil is often considered a healthier fat option due to its medium-chain triglycerides. It can add a nice richness to the cheese sauce without being overly processed. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, this broccoli dish doesn't have any artificial sweeteners! So if you're concerned about those sneaky sugars, you can enjoy this side without that worry. Instead, you’ll get a naturally mild sweetness from the broccoli itself. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! With only 2 grams of total sugars per serving and no added sugars, this dish is pretty low in sugar. It's a great choice if you're watching your sugar intake, especially compared to many other frozen sides that can be loaded with hidden sugars. ### What are healthier alternatives to this product? If you're looking for something a bit more wholesome, consider steaming fresh broccoli and tossing it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings. Or, you could try frozen broccoli without the cheese sauce for a super simple, nutritious side. These options give you more control over ingredients and flavors! ### Can kids eat the broccoli with cheese sauce? Absolutely! Kids often love the cheesy flavor, making it a fun way to sneak in some veggies. Just keep in mind the sodium content (390 mg per serving), so you might want to balance it out with other low-sodium foods throughout the day. ### Is it good for weight loss? This broccoli with cheese sauce can be a nice addition to a weight loss plan, especially since it’s low in calories and high in fiber. Pair it with lean proteins and whole grains for a balanced meal that keeps you full without breaking the calorie bank. Just remember, moderation is key! ### Is it ultra-processed? While it's not the most minimally processed option out there, it does contain a mix of ingredients that have been modified or added for flavor and texture. So, yes, it falls into the category of processed foods, but that doesn’t mean it’s 'bad.' Many people enjoy these kinds of products for their convenience and taste! ## Related products - [Weight Watchers Smart Ones Mini Rigatoni With Vodka Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/smart-ones-weight-watchers-mini-rigatoni-with-vodka-sauce-9-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/smart-ones-weight-watchers-mini-rigatoni-with-vodka-sauce-9-oz - [Cool Whip Whipped Topping, Sugar Free](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cool-whip-whipped-topping-sugar-free-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cool-whip-whipped-topping-sugar-free-8-oz - [Lean Cusine Features, Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lean-cuisine-cusine-features-shrimp-and-angel-hair-pasta-10-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/lean-cuisine-cusine-features-shrimp-and-angel-hair-pasta-10-oz - [Smart Ones Beef Pot Roast](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/smart-ones-beef-pot-roast-9-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/smart-ones-beef-pot-roast-9-oz - [Hanover Soft Pretzels](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hanover-soft-pretzels-13-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hanover-soft-pretzels-13-oz - [Turkey Hill Simply Natural Homemade Ice Cream, Vanilla](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/turkey-hill-simply-natural-homemade-ice-cream-vanilla-46-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/turkey-hill-simply-natural-homemade-ice-cream-vanilla-46-oz - [Friendly's Ice Cream, Cookies 'N Cream](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/friendlys-ice-cream-cookies-n-cream-48-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/friendlys-ice-cream-cookies-n-cream-48-oz - [Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Salted Caramel Brownie Topped, 15.2 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ben-jerrys-ice-cream-salted-caramel-brownie-topped-152-oz-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ben-jerrys-ice-cream-salted-caramel-brownie-topped-152-oz-16-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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