# El Monterey Bean Cheese Burritos > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** El Monterey - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Meat - **Size:** 32 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/el-monterey-bean-cheese-burritos-32-oz - **Slug:** `el-monterey-bean-cheese-burritos-32-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Multiple industrial ingredients (modified food starch, dough conditioners, natural flavors, vegetable oils, emulsified cheese products) and extensive processing indicate this is an ultra-processed food. The formulation and packaging are characteristic of NOVA group 4 products. ## Review El Monterey Bean Cheese Burritos (32 oz) live in the frozen Mexican-food aisle, stacked alongside other frozen burritos, chimichangas, taquitos and ready‑to‑heat handhelds. Shoppers reach for them when restocking quick weeknight dinners, packing road-trip snacks, or assembling a low‑effort game‑day spread. The brand leans on approachable, value‑oriented positioning — familiar supermarket Mexican fare marketed to busy families and budget conscious shoppers who want craveable flavors without cooking from scratch. Packaging is colorful and family friendly, often showing melted cheese and beans; there are no organic seals or overt “natural” certifications, and the label may use small health hints like “made with real cheese” while emphasizing convenience. In plain terms this is a highly processed frozen convenience item: multiple ingredients, emulsifiers and dough conditioners indicate industrial production rather than single-ingredient cooking. Sensory-wise each burrito offers a soft, slightly chewy wheat tortilla encasing mashed, savory beans and a creamy, melty cheese filling punctuated by mild jalapeño notes; textures are smooth and cohesive rather than heterogenous. The product is sold in a boxed multi-pack with individually wrapped frozen burritos that heat quickly in a microwave or oven — the ritual is grab, heat, bite, wipe, repeat, often eaten straight from the hand or on a paper plate. It fits squarely into American grocery culture as an affordable, comforting convenience food: nostalgic for adults who grew up on frozen burritos, practical for caregivers and students seeking filling, ready‑to‑eat options. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 8 - **Calories:** 200 - **Total fat:** 4g (5% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0.5g (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 250mg (11% DV) - **Total carbs:** 33g (12% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Protein:** 7g ## Ingredients Water, Enriched Wheat Flour (Enriched with Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Beans, Vegetable Oil (Soybean, Canola and/or Corn Oil), Cheeses, Cheddar Cheese (Culture Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto), Cheddar Cheese Product (Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Natural Flavor, Salt, Vegetable Coloring), Contains 1% or Less: Salt, Modified Food Starch, Jalapeno Peppers (with Salt, Acetic Acid, Water, Calcium Chloride), Flavor, Spice, Paprika, Dough Conditioners (Yeast, Wheat Gluten, Sugar, Guar Gum, Food Starch). ## Flagged ingredients - **Soybean** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Canola** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, road-trip - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the bean cheese burrito healthy? The bean cheese burrito can be a convenient option for a quick meal, offering 7 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it's not a health food per se; it's more of a tasty treat that fits well into a balanced diet rather than the centerpiece of it. ### Is it vegan? Nope, these burritos are not vegan. They contain cheese, which is a dairy product, so if you're avoiding animal products, you'll want to skip these in favor of a fully plant-based option. ### Is it gluten-free? Sadly, these burritos are not gluten-free. They contain enriched wheat flour, so if you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons or personal preference, you might want to look for alternatives specifically labeled as gluten-free. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, these burritos do contain seed oils like soybean, canola, and/or corn oil. While seed oils have gotten a bad rap in some circles, they’re commonly used in processed foods for their stability and mild flavor — just keep in mind that moderation is key when it comes to any type of oil. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? No, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in these burritos. They keep it pretty straightforward in that department, which is nice if you're looking to avoid those tricky sugar substitutes. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! These burritos are low in sugar, with no added sugars listed in the ingredients. That makes them a decent option for those watching their sugar intake, especially compared to many snack foods out there. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider burritos made with whole grains and packed with vegetables. Brands that focus on organic or minimally processed ingredients can often provide a more nutritious option, or you could even try making your own at home with fresh ingredients! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! The bean cheese burrito can be a fun and filling option for kids, especially with its cheesy flavor and soft texture. Just keep an eye on portion sizes and balance it with some veggies or fruit for a well-rounded meal. ### Is it good for weight loss? While it’s not a weight-loss miracle, the bean cheese burrito can fit into a weight-loss plan if enjoyed in moderation. With 200 calories and a decent amount of protein, it can be a satisfying option when paired with healthier sides, but be mindful of overall calorie intake. ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, these burritos do fall into the ultra-processed category since they contain a variety of ingredients that are more than just whole foods. While they can be a tasty convenience, it’s always good to balance them with more whole, unprocessed foods in your diet. ## Related products - [Al Fresco Roasted Red Pepper Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/al-fresco-roasted-red-pepper-fully-cooked-chicken-sausage-11-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/al-fresco-roasted-red-pepper-fully-cooked-chicken-sausage-11-oz - [Bell Evans Chicken Meatballs](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bell-evans-chicken-meatballs-30-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bell-evans-chicken-meatballs-30-oz - [Al Fresco Spinach Feta Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/al-fresco-spinach-feta-fully-cooked-chicken-sausage-11-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/al-fresco-spinach-feta-fully-cooked-chicken-sausage-11-oz - [Tyson Buffalo Style Chicken Strips](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tyson-buffalo-style-chicken-strips-25-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tyson-buffalo-style-chicken-strips-25-oz - [Lloyd's BBQ Baby Back Ribs](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lloyds-bbq-baby-back-ribs-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/lloyds-bbq-baby-back-ribs-24-oz - [Aidells All Natural Gruyere & Garlic Chicken Sausage](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/aidells-all-natural-gruyere-garlic-chicken-sausage-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/aidells-all-natural-gruyere-garlic-chicken-sausage-12-oz - [Applegate Naturals Chicken Patties](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/applegate-naturals-chicken-patties-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/applegate-naturals-chicken-patties-12-oz - [Bubba Veggie Burger](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bubba-burger-veggie-burger-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bubba-burger-veggie-burger-12-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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