# Green Giant Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Green Giant - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 8 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/green-giant-broccoli-zesty-cheese-sauce-8-oz - **Slug:** `green-giant-broccoli-zesty-cheese-sauce-8-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial formulations and additives (hydrolyzed corn protein, maltodextrin, modified starches, emulsifiers, natural flavors, color extracts) combined with processed cheese ingredients, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed). ## Review Green Giant Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce is a ready-to-heat frozen side in an 8 oz box that sits in the supermarket’s frozen vegetables aisle, usually stacked near other microwave-steam bags, frozen mixed vegetables, and single-serve sides. It’s designed for busy weeknights and quick family meals — a microwave ritual where you pierce or heat the bag and shake out tender-steamed broccoli coated in a bright, tangy cheese sauce. The brand leans on Green Giant’s long-standing, family-friendly garden imagery and the “Simply Steam” convenience narrative, appealing to parents who want vegetables on the table quickly; packaging calls out “no artificial flavors or preservatives” and uses approachable, wholesome visuals rather than gourmet cues. The label is not organic and carries no special dietary certification; instead it sells ease and familiarity with kid-friendly flavor cues (cheese, mild spice) and a modest health halo tied to the vegetable component and the Green Giant name. Sensory notes: broccoli cooks to a tender-crisp texture with soft florets; the sauce is creamy, slightly salty and tangy with a touch of cayenne warmth, and gaudy orange coloring from paprika/annatto. The product is packaged in a microwave-safe steam bag inside a small shelf carton — the preparation ritual is simple and quick, often paired with rotisserie chicken or frozen entrees. Processing context: this frozen vegetable product combines whole broccoli with a formulated cheese sauce that includes-added starches, flavor extracts and stabilizers, making it a convenience-focused, highly processed frozen side. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.75 - **Servings per container:** 2 - **Calories:** 60 - **Total fat:** 2.5g (3% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 5mg (2% DV) - **Sodium:** 440mg (19% DV) - **Total carbs:** 8g (3% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 3g - **Added sugars:** 2g (4% DV) - **Protein:** 3g ## Ingredients Broccoli, Water, Contains Less than 2% of Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Parmesan Cheese (Partially Skim Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Ricotta Cheese (Whey, Milkfat, Lactic Acid, Salt), Butter (Cream, Natural Flavor), Buttermilk, Cayenne Pepper Sauce (Salt, Cayenne Peppers, Vinegar, Garlic), Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Maltodextrin, Modified Corn Starch, Modified Whey, Natural Flavor, Onion Powder, Paprika and Annatto Extract (Color), Salt, Sodium Alginate, Sugar, Whey, Xanthan Gum, Yeast Extract. ## Flagged ingredients - **Annatto Extract** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** convenient, wholesome, practical ## FAQ ### Is the Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce healthy? Well, that depends on your definition of healthy! This dish packs in some veggies with broccoli as the star, and it’s low in calories at just 60 per serving. However, it does have added sugars and sodium, so it's best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet rather than a health food staple. ### Is the Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce vegan? Nope, this one isn't vegan. It contains cheddar, parmesan, and ricotta cheeses, which means it's a no-go for those avoiding animal products. But hey, if you’re just looking for a tasty side dish, it’s still a winner! ### Is the Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce gluten-free? Yes! You can enjoy this cheesy broccoli treat without worrying about gluten. It’s great for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, making it a versatile option for many diets. ### Does it contain seed oils? No seed oils here! The ingredients list is pretty straightforward, focusing more on dairy and natural flavors. If you’re trying to avoid seed oils for health reasons, you can rest easy with this one. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners in this cheesy delight. It does have some added sugars, but if you’re looking to avoid sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, you’re in the clear! ### Is the Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce high in sugar? Not really! With only 3 grams of total sugars per serving, it’s not exactly a sugar bomb. However, it does have 2 grams of added sugars, so just keep that in mind if you’re watching your sugar intake. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider steaming fresh broccoli and tossing it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of your favorite spices. Or, try making a homemade cheese sauce with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still packs a cheesy punch! ### Can kids eat the Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce? Absolutely! Kids often love the cheesy flavor, making it a sneaky way to get some greens on their plates. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if you're managing sodium intake. ### Is the Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce good for weight loss? It can be part of a weight-loss plan, but moderation is key! At 60 calories per serving, it’s a light option, but be mindful of the sodium content. Pair it with other low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods to keep your meals balanced. ### Is the Broccoli & Zesty Cheese Sauce ultra-processed? While it’s not the most 'whole food' option out there, calling it ultra-processed might be a stretch. It does have some processed ingredients, but it’s not loaded with preservatives or artificial additives like some other frozen meals. 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