# HORMEL SQUARE TABLE Slow Simmered Beef Tips and Gravy > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** HORMEL - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Meat - **Size:** 15 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hormel-square-table-slow-simmered-beef-tips-and-gravy-15-oz - **Slug:** `hormel-square-table-slow-simmered-beef-tips-and-gravy-15-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial ingredients and additives (modified cornstarch, dextrose, caramel color, flavoring, yeast extract) and is a ready-to-heat packaged meal, fitting the ultra-processed category (NOVA 4). ## Review HORMEL SQUARE TABLE Slow Simmered Beef Tips and Gravy is a shelf-stable, ready-to-heat 15‑oz entree that reads like a convenience staple on American grocery shelves. You’d typically find it in the canned/shelf-stable entrees aisle near canned stews, packaged pot roasts, boxed mashed potatoes and gravies — often displayed with other single‑serve comfort meals and quick-dinner solutions. The can’s front label leans into homestyle cues (“Made from beef shoulder tips”) and family-meal imagery, positioning the product as an easy, hearty dinner option for busy households. It’s aimed at time-pressed adults and families seeking a quick, familiar dinner without shopping for multiple ingredients; the brand messaging is straightforward and value-oriented rather than artisanal or organic. Labels emphasize origin of the cut and homestyle preparation but contain no organic certification or explicit “natural” seal; ingredient additives (modified cornstarch, dextrose, caramel color, flavoring, yeast extract) are listed in the fine print. In plain terms this is a highly processed ready-meal: beef pieces in a manufactured gravy base formulated for texture and shelf stability. Sensory-wise the product delivers tender, bite-sized beef tips in a glossy, moderately thick brown gravy with savory, slightly sweet notes from added dextrose and yeast extract; texture is soft meat surrounded by a smooth, gravy coating. Packaging is convenient for heating on a stovetop or in a microwave (heat-and-serve ritual), often spooned over mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles for a quick comfort dinner. Nutrition cues on-pack (170 calories, 620 mg sodium, 2 g sugars) hint at a salty, energy-dense convenience meal rather than a low‑sodium health option. ## Diet flags - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 cup - **Servings per container:** 3.5 - **Calories:** 170 - **Total fat:** 10g (13% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3.5g (18% DV) - **Trans fat:** 1g - **Cholesterol:** 55mg (18% DV) - **Sodium:** 620mg (27% DV) - **Total carbs:** 3g (1% DV) - **Total sugars:** 2g - **Added sugars:** 2g (4% DV) - **Protein:** 17g ## Ingredients MADE FROM BEEF SHOULDER TIPS Ingredients: Beef, Gravy (Beef Stock, Modified Cornstarch, Salt, Dextrose, Caramel Color, Flavoring, Yeast Extract). ## Flagged ingredients - **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weeknight-dinner, storm-prep, movie-night - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is HORMEL Square Table Slow Simmered Beef Tips and Gravy healthy? Well, that depends on what you mean by healthy! With 170 calories and 17 grams of protein per serving, it's a decent option for a quick meal, especially if you're looking for something savory without a ton of carbs. Just keep in mind that it’s higher in sodium, so if you're watching your salt intake, you might want to balance it out with something fresh or low-sodium. ### Is it vegan? Nope, these beef tips are definitely not vegan! They’re made from beef shoulder tips, so they’re all about that meaty goodness. If you’re looking for plant-based options, you might want to check out some veggie-based alternatives. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, you’re in luck! HORMEL Square Table Beef Tips and Gravy is gluten-free, which means it can be a great option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just make sure to check any sides you plan to serve with it, as they might not be as friendly. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, this product doesn’t have any seed oils in it! It’s made with straightforward ingredients, focusing on beef and a savory gravy. So, you can enjoy it without worrying about those oils that some folks prefer to avoid. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! The only sugars present are from the added dextrose, which is just a simple sugar to enhance the flavor. So, you can enjoy your meal without any sneaky sweeteners hiding in there. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! In fact, it’s quite low in sugar, with only 2 grams per serving. This makes it a solid choice if you’re looking to keep your sugar intake in check while still enjoying a hearty meal. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for alternatives, consider fresh beef cuts that you can prepare at home, or even some plant-based protein options like lentils or chickpeas for a hearty meal. You could also whip up a homemade beef stew with fresh veggies, which can be both nutritious and satisfying! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy HORMEL Square Table Beef Tips and Gravy, especially if they’re fans of savory flavors. Just keep in mind the sodium content—pairing it with some veggies or whole grains can make it a balanced meal for little ones. ### Is it good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight loss plan, especially if you're looking for a protein-rich option. With 17 grams of protein and relatively low calories, it can help keep you satisfied. Just watch the portion size and pair it with plenty of veggies to round out your meal. ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, it's considered somewhat processed, but that doesn't mean it's 'bad.' The beef tips and gravy are convenience foods, which can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Just remember to balance it out with fresh ingredients when you can! ## Related products - [Impossible Plant Based Meatballs](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/impossible-plant-based-meatballs-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/impossible-plant-based-meatballs-14-oz - [Johnsonville Original Brats, 5 Count, 19 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/johnsonville-sausage-original-brats-5-count-19-oz-19-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/johnsonville-sausage-original-brats-5-count-19-oz-19-oz - [Applegate Organic Turkey Burgers](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/applegate-organics-organic-turkey-burgers-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/applegate-organics-organic-turkey-burgers-16-oz - [Crossover Blends Chicken + Beef Patties](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/crossover-blends-chicken-beef-patties-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/crossover-blends-chicken-beef-patties-32-oz - [Bell & Evans Chicken Boneless & Skinless Breast Thin Sliced](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/unknown-bell-evans-chicken-boneless-skinless-breast-thin-sliced-lb) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/unknown-bell-evans-chicken-boneless-skinless-breast-thin-sliced-lb - [Fresh Ground Beef 85% Lean](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/unknown-fresh-ground-beef-85-lean-lb) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/unknown-fresh-ground-beef-85-lean-lb - [Chicken Breast Boneless Skinless Thin Sliced Cutlet](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/unknown-chicken-breast-boneless-skinless-thin-sliced-cutlet-lb) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/unknown-chicken-breast-boneless-skinless-thin-sliced-cutlet-lb - [Family Pack Boneless Chicken Breast](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/unknown-family-pack-boneless-chicken-breast-lb) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/unknown-family-pack-boneless-chicken-breast-lb ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md