# Lean Cuisine Features, Meatloaf

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

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** Lean Cuisine
- **Retailer listed:** Foodtown
- **Category:** Frozen Foods
- **Size:** 9.38 oz
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lean-cuisine-features-meatloaf-938-oz
- **Slug:** `lean-cuisine-features-meatloaf-938-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

Contains reconstituted meat, multiple industrial additives (maltodextrin, modified starch, xanthan, carrageenan), flavorings and emulsifiers typical of ultra-processed foods, indicating a NOVA 4 classification.

## Review

Lean Cuisine Features Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is a single-serve frozen entrée you’ll find stacked in the frozen meals section alongside other ready-to-heat diet and convenience brands like Healthy Choice and Smart Ones. Packaged in a microwave-safe plastic tray with a sealed film, it sits near other TV-dinner style bowls and frozen comfort foods. This meal is aimed at busy, calorie-conscious shoppers who want a quickly reheatable lunch or dinner—think solo weeknight meals, college students between classes, or anyone packing a grab-and-go work lunch. Lean Cuisine positions itself as a portion-controlled, mainstream wellness brand that trades on lower calories and convenience; label language emphasizes protein, low-ish calories, and claims like no artificial flavor but lacks organic certification or kid-centric branding. In plain terms this is a heavily processed frozen entree made from reformed meat and mashed potato base with multiple binders, stabilizers, flavors, and oil emulsions added for texture and shelf stability. Sensory impressions lean classic and comforting: a dense, sliceable meatloaf with a slightly glossy tomato-based sauce and smooth, creamy mashed potatoes that can taste a touch salty and tangy from stabilizers and concentrates. The ritual is practical and familiar—pop the tray in the microwave for about six to seven minutes, peel back the film, and eat straight from the compartmented tray or plate it with a quick salad. It reads as convenient, nostalgic comfort food packaged for modern, time-pressed shoppers.

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 1.0
- **Servings per container:** 1
- **Calories:** 240
- **Total fat:** 7g (9% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 4g (20% DV)
- **Cholesterol:** 50mg (17% DV)
- **Sodium:** 870mg (38% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 25g (9% DV)
- **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 3g
- **Added sugars:** 1g (2% DV)
- **Protein:** 20g

## Ingredients

MEATLOAF WITH SAUCE: COOKED BEEF, WATER, ONIONS, DICED TOMATOES, TEXTURED SOY FLOUR, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, ROLLED OATS, TOMATO JUICE, BELL PEPPERS, SEASONING (MALTODEXTRIN [CORN, POTATO], SALT, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, FLAVORING, BEEF FAT, 2% OR LESS OF BEEF EXTRACT, DEXTROSE, LACTIC ACID, TOASTED SESAME OIL, SUGAR, SUNFLOWER OIL, CALCIUM LACTATE, SUCCINIC ACID, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES, CITRIC ACID, ASCORBIC ACID), TOMATO PASTE, MOLASSES, BROWN SUGAR, BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, SALT, DRIED EGG WHITES, ONION PUREE, WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE (VINEGAR, MOLASSES, WATER, TAMARIND, NATURAL FLAVOR, SUGAR, SALT, CARAMEL COLOR, ONION, GARLIC), SOYBEAN OIL, DRIED GARLIC, DRIED ONIONS, SUGAR, SPICES, DRIED SOY SAUCE (SOYBEAN, WHEAT, SALT), CARAMEL COLOR, XANTHAN GUM, BEEF BROTH, DRIED ONION, MALTODEXTRIN, POTASSIUM SALT, SEASONING (MALTODEXTRIN, FLAVOR, ENZYME MODIFIED BUTTERFAT), CITRIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, FLAVOR, SUNFLOWER OIL, NATURAL FLAVORS. MASHED POTATOES: POTATOES, CREAM, WATER, SOUR CREAM FLAVOR (MALTODEXTRIN, SOUR CREAM SOLIDS, CULTURED BUTTERMILK, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, YEAST EXTRACT), SALT, DRIED ONIONS, DRIED CHIVES, SEASONING (MALTODEXTRIN, FLAVOR, ENZYME MODIFIED BUTTERFAT), SUGAR, GARLIC, SPICES, CARRAGEENAN, LACTIC ACID, CALCIUM LACTATE, DEXTROSE.

## Flagged ingredients

- **sunflower oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **soybean oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **soy lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **enzyme modified butterfat** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** back-to-school, post-workout, movie-night
- **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic, practical

## FAQ

### Is the Lean Cuisine meatloaf healthy?

The Lean Cuisine meatloaf is relatively low in calories at 240 per serving and packs a solid 20 grams of protein, which can be great if you're looking for a quick meal. However, it's important to remember that 'healthy' can mean different things to different people. If you're watching your sodium intake, the 870 mg per serving might raise an eyebrow!

### Is Lean Cuisine meatloaf vegan?

Nope, the Lean Cuisine meatloaf is definitely not vegan. It contains cooked beef as its main protein source, along with other ingredients like dried egg whites and dairy components in the mashed potatoes. If you're plant-based, this one’s a no-go!

### Is it gluten-free?

Unfortunately, the Lean Cuisine meatloaf is not gluten-free. It contains ingredients like textured soy flour and bleached wheat flour, which are derived from gluten-containing grains. If you're sensitive to gluten, you might want to explore other options.

### Does it contain seed oils?

Yes, the Lean Cuisine meatloaf does contain seed oils, specifically soybean oil and sunflower oil. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acids, they’re generally safe for most people in moderation. It’s all about finding what works best for you!

### Does it contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in the Lean Cuisine meatloaf. It does have a bit of added sugar, but that’s pretty common in ready-made meals to enhance flavor. So, you can enjoy it without worrying about those sneaky sweeteners!

### Is it high in sugar?

Not at all! The Lean Cuisine meatloaf is low in sugar, with just 3 grams per serving, and only 1 gram of that is added sugar. This makes it a good choice if you’re trying to keep your sugar intake in check.

### What are healthier alternatives?

If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider homemade meatloaf with lean ground turkey or chicken, and load it up with veggies. You can also try plant-based options like lentil loaf or chickpea patties, which are high in fiber and protein without the processed elements.

### Can kids eat it?

Absolutely! The Lean Cuisine meatloaf can be a convenient meal for kids, especially on busy nights. Just keep in mind the sodium content and balance it with fresh fruits or veggies on the side for a more rounded meal.

### Is it good for weight loss?

The Lean Cuisine meatloaf can fit into a weight loss plan since it's relatively low in calories and high in protein, which can help keep you full. Just be mindful of the sodium and pair it with some healthy sides to make it more satisfying!

### Is it ultra-processed?

Yes, the Lean Cuisine meatloaf falls into the ultra-processed category due to its long list of ingredients and additives. While 'ultra-processed' sounds scary, it’s not necessarily bad — just be aware that it’s designed for convenience and shelf stability, which can mean less whole food goodness.

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