# Stouffers Macaroni & Beef in Tomato Sauce > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Stouffer's - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 12.88 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/stouffers-stouffers-macaroni-beef-in-tomato-sauce-1288-oz - **Slug:** `stouffers-stouffers-macaroni-beef-in-tomato-sauce-1288-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This is an industrially formulated frozen ready meal containing additives (modified cornstarch, autolyzed yeast extract, dextrose), multiple ingredients combined and processed for long shelf life and convenience, consistent with a NOVA group 4 ultraprocessed classification. ## Review Stouffer's Macaroni & Beef in Tomato Sauce is found in the frozen dinner aisle, stacked in the frozen entrées section alongside other ready-made single-serve meals like Stouffer’s lasagnas, Lean Cuisine, and Hungry-Man microwave dinners. It reads as a convenience meal for busy weeknights, college dorm kitchens, or anyone wanting a no-fuss, single-serve entrée to keep in the freezer for an easy dinner. Brand positioning leans on Stouffer’s long-standing reputation for homestyle comfort — marketing emphasizes “freshly made pasta” and hearty, familiar flavors, appealing to adults who remember stovetop macaroni dinners as well as parents seeking a quick, filling option for kids. Packaging is a microwave-safe tray with a sealed film and colorful sleeve art showing saucy macaroni; claims are more about taste and tradition than nutrition — you’ll see “homestyle” or “made with” language but no organic certification or explicit “all-natural” guarantees. The ingredient list shows whole components (tomatoes, pasta, beef) alongside processing aids (modified cornstarch, autolyzed yeast extract, dextrose), so in plain language it’s a fully prepared frozen meal that has been processed and formulated for shelf-stability and consistent flavor. Sensory details: the dish heats into a thick tomato-beef sauce coating tender, soft pasta, with small beef pieces, a slightly sweet tomato tang from added sugars and a savory umami background; texture is soft and saucy rather than al dente. The ritual is instant: pop the tray into the microwave, peel back the film, let steam escape, and eat straight from the tray or plate for a quick, comforting meal. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 370 - **Total fat:** 13g (17% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 5g (25% DV) - **Trans fat:** 1g - **Cholesterol:** 35mg (12% DV) - **Sodium:** 800mg (35% DV) - **Total carbs:** 47g (17% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 4g (14% DV) - **Total sugars:** 10g - **Added sugars:** 6g (12% DV) - **Protein:** 17g ## Ingredients TOMATOES (DICED TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, CITRIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE), COOKED PASTA (WATER, SEMOLINA WHEAT FLOUR, WHEAT GLUTEN), COOKED BEEF, WATER, TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), SUGAR, DRIED ONIONS, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, SALT, WHITE WINE VINEGAR, BROWN SUGAR, POTASSIUM SALT, ROASTED RED BELL PEPPER PUREE, SEASONING (SOY SAUCE [WATER, SOYBEANS, WHEAT, SALT], AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, DEXTROSE, SOYBEAN OIL), DRIED RED BELL PEPPERS, DRIED GARLIC, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, SPICES. ## Flagged ingredients - **soybean oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **soy lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, post-work - **Vibes:** nostalgic, comforting, convenient, practical ## FAQ ### Is Stouffer's Macaroni & Beef in Tomato Sauce healthy? Healthiness can be pretty subjective! With 370 calories and 17 grams of protein per serving, it packs a protein punch, which is great for a quick meal. However, with 800 mg of sodium, it’s definitely on the higher side. So, if you’re watching your salt intake, you might want to enjoy this in moderation. ### Is it vegan? Nope, Stouffer's Macaroni & Beef is not vegan. It contains cooked beef, which obviously doesn’t fit into a plant-based diet. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, there are plenty of delicious plant-based mac and cheese options out there! ### Is it gluten-free? Sadly, this one isn't gluten-free either. The cooked pasta is made with semolina wheat flour, which means it’s off-limits for anyone avoiding gluten. If you're gluten-sensitive, you might want to check out some gluten-free pasta brands instead. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it contains soybean oil as part of the seasoning mix. Seed oils, like soybean oil, are often used in processed foods for their stability and mild flavor. While there's ongoing debate about the health implications of seed oils, they’re generally considered safe in moderation. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in Stouffer's Macaroni & Beef. It does have some added sugars, but they come from brown sugar and regular sugar, which means it's not trying to sneak any sugar substitutes past you! ### Is it high in sugar? Not really! With 10 grams of total sugars per serving, it's not considered high in sugar, especially compared to a lot of snacks and desserts. But if you’re aiming to lower your sugar intake, it’s always good to keep an eye on the added sugars. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, consider making a homemade version with whole grain pasta, lean ground turkey or plant-based protein, and fresh tomatoes. There are also some brands that offer frozen meals made with organic ingredients or lower sodium options that might suit your needs better. ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Stouffer's Macaroni & Beef is a kid-friendly option, thanks to its cheesy, comforting flavors. Just keep in mind the sodium content and balance it out with fresh veggies or a side salad for a more nutritious meal! ### Is it good for weight loss? While it can fit into a weight loss plan if portioned wisely, it’s not necessarily a ‘weight-loss food.’ The calorie count is moderate, but the sodium and fat content might not align with all diets. Pair it with a side of veggies to help fill you up without adding too many extra calories! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, Stouffer's Macaroni & Beef falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains several ingredients that have been modified or added for flavor and preservation, like modified cornstarch and autolyzed yeast extract. 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