Deconstructing Stouffer's Cheese Lovers Lasagna
Stouffer's Cheese Lovers Lasagna is a popular frozen meal known for its rich, cheesy taste. Understanding the ingredients is key to evaluating its place in a healthy diet.
The Layers of Cheese
The prominent five-cheese blend gives this lasagna its signature flavor and creamy texture. The cheeses included are low-fat ricotta, low-moisture part-skim mozzarella, romano, parmesan, and asiago cheeses. Stabilizers like carrageenan and xanthan gum are also added to the ricotta.
The Sauce and Seasonings
The sauce is based on tomato puree and includes a mix of ingredients for flavor. These include tomato juice, tomatoes, onions, soybean oil, spices, garlic puree, sugar, salt, and modified cornstarch as a thickener.
The Pasta
The lasagna utilizes cooked pasta made from water and semolina wheat flour, providing the structural base for the dish.
Other Notable Ingredients
The product also contains other ingredients like potassium chloride, dried garlic and onion powder, citric acid, calcium chloride (for preservation and flavor), yeast, and wheat flour.
Nutritional Analysis and Comparison
Examining the nutritional information helps determine how this meal fits into dietary needs. Values may differ slightly depending on the product size.
A Look at the Nutritional Label
Based on a single-serving (10.75 oz) box and a 2,000-calorie daily diet, the approximate nutritional values are:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 12g (15% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 6g (30% DV)
- Sodium: 770mg (33% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g (16% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% DV)
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 18g
The high levels of saturated fat and sodium suggest this meal should be consumed in moderation.
Comparison Table: Stouffer's vs. Homemade Lasagna
| Feature | Stouffer's Cheese Lovers Lasagna (10.75 oz) | Typical Homemade Lasagna (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Types | 5-cheese blend (Ricotta, Mozzarella, Romano, Parmesan, Asiago) | Often 2-3 cheeses (e.g., Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan) |
| Sodium Content | ~770mg per serving (33% DV) | Can be significantly lower, depending on salt used |
| Added Sugar | Contains added sugars for flavor balance | Typically none or very little added sugar |
| Fat Content | 12g Total Fat, 6g Saturated Fat | Varies widely based on cheese and recipe choices |
| Preservatives | Contains ingredients like Citric Acid and Calcium Chloride | Made with fresh ingredients, no preservatives added |
| Ingredient Control | Fixed recipe, includes additives like modified food starch | Complete control over every ingredient and its source |
| Convenience | Ready in minutes from the microwave or oven | Requires significant time for preparation and cooking |
This table illustrates the trade-offs between the convenience of Stouffer's and the potential for better nutritional control with a homemade dish, particularly concerning sodium and fat.
Understanding the Additives
Several additives are included for texture and preservation. Modified cornstarch, carrageenan, and xanthan gum help maintain the product's consistency during freezing and reheating. While considered safe, these are typical of processed foods and not usually found in homemade versions. Awareness of these additives is useful for those focusing on a diet with fewer processed ingredients.
Conclusion: Making Informed Nutritional Choices
Knowing what are the ingredients in Stouffer's cheese lovers lasagna helps in making informed dietary choices. It's a convenient meal offering a flavorful combination of five cheeses and seasoned tomato sauce. However, due to its high sodium and fat content and the inclusion of additives, it's best viewed as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of one's diet. Making lasagna from scratch provides more control over ingredients and nutritional value, albeit without the convenience of a frozen meal. By understanding its components and nutritional facts, you can incorporate this dish into your eating plan mindfully.
Key Takeaways
- Five-Cheese Blend: Stouffer's Cheese Lovers Lasagna features ricotta, mozzarella, romano, parmesan, and asiago cheeses.
- Savory Sauce: The sauce is made with tomato puree, onions, spices, and is thickened with modified cornstarch.
- High in Sodium: A single serving can contain a significant portion of your daily recommended sodium intake.
- Convenience vs. Control: The meal offers convenience but lacks the nutritional control of a homemade alternative.
- Contains Additives: Ingredients like carrageenan, xanthan gum, and citric acid are used for texture and preservation.
FAQs
Q: Is Stouffer's Cheese Lovers Lasagna vegetarian? A: Yes, the Cheese Lovers Lasagna is vegetarian as it contains no meat ingredients, only cheese, pasta, and sauce.
Q: What kind of cheeses are in the lasagna? A: The lasagna contains a five-cheese blend, including low-fat ricotta, low-moisture part-skim mozzarella, romano, parmesan, and asiago cheeses.
Q: Does Stouffer's Cheese Lovers Lasagna contain preservatives? A: The ingredient list includes substances like citric acid and calcium chloride, which can function as preservatives.
Q: How much sodium is in Stouffer's Cheese Lovers Lasagna? A: For a single-serving (10.75 oz) box, the sodium content is approximately 770mg.
Q: Is the pasta freshly made? A: According to the product information, the lasagna is made with freshly made pasta from water and semolina wheat flour.
Q: Is this meal suitable for a low-fat diet? A: With 12g of total fat and 6g of saturated fat per serving, it is not ideal for those on a strictly low-fat diet.
Q: Where can I find the most accurate ingredient list? A: The most accurate ingredient information can be found on the product packaging or the official Stouffer's product website.
