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How many calories are in a Costco lasagna?

3 min read

According to Costco's product listings, a single serving of the Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna contains approximately 410 calories. However, understanding the total calorie content requires an accurate assessment of the serving size, as the large pan can easily lead to overestimating a standard portion. Different varieties, like the all-beef version, also have slightly different calorie counts.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Costco lasagna varies by variety, with the Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef version having about 410 calories per serving, while the standard Beef Lasagna is closer to 330 calories per serving. Serving sizes can be ambiguous due to the large package size, affecting actual consumption. Macronutrient and sodium levels also differ between varieties.

Key Points

  • Calorie Count Varies by Type: The Italian Sausage and Beef lasagna contains approximately 410 calories per serving, while the Beef lasagna has around 330 calories per serving.

  • Watch Your Portion Size: The recommended serving size is often smaller than what people typically serve themselves from the large, family-sized tray.

  • High in Fat and Sodium: Both versions of the Costco lasagna are relatively high in fat and sodium, reflecting their rich ingredients.

  • Pair with Lighter Sides: To balance the meal, serve the lasagna with a large salad or steamed vegetables instead of calorie-dense side dishes.

  • Read the Label: Always check the most current nutritional information on the packaging, as ingredients and formulations can change over time.

  • Homemade Alternatives: For a lower-calorie and lower-sodium option, consider making a homemade lasagna using lean meats, part-skim cheese, and extra vegetables.

In This Article

Understanding the Calorie Count in Costco's Lasagna

When considering a Costco lasagna, it is crucial to recognize that there are typically a few different varieties available under the Kirkland Signature brand, and each has its own nutritional profile. The two most common types are the Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna and the standard Beef Lasagna. The key to understanding the calorie count is to focus on the stated serving size, which is not always intuitive with the large, family-sized trays.

Breakdown of the Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna

Based on Costco's online product information, the Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna is a significant source of calories and other nutrients.

  • Calories: 410 calories per serving.
  • Serving Size: The packaging indicates 6 servings per tray. However, the actual portion size can vary greatly depending on how it's sliced.
  • Total Fat: 22g per serving, with 10g of that being saturated fat.
  • Protein: 23g per serving, making it a high-protein meal option.
  • Sodium: 890mg per serving, which represents a substantial portion of the daily recommended intake.

Breakdown of the Standard Beef Lasagna

For those who prefer the traditional beef version, the nutritional information is slightly different, offering a marginally lighter option.

  • Calories: 330 calories per serving.
  • Serving Size: Again, this depends on individual portioning from the large tray.
  • Total Fat: 15g per serving, with 8g of saturated fat.
  • Protein: 20g per serving, still a very good source of protein.
  • Sodium: 710mg per serving, which is lower than the sausage and beef version but still quite high.

How to Accurately Track Calories

One of the biggest challenges with Costco's large-format foods is controlling portion size. To accurately track your calorie intake, consider these steps:

  1. Slice and Portion: Before serving, use a knife to cut the entire lasagna into equal, pre-determined portions based on the packaging's serving count. For example, if it says 6 servings, cut it into 6 pieces.
  2. Weigh Your Portion: For the most accurate measurement, weigh your individual slice. The weight can then be used to calculate a precise calorie count based on the nutritional information per serving weight.
  3. Use Calorie-Tracking Apps: Many apps can scan the barcode or have the nutritional data for Kirkland Signature products already logged, making tracking easier.

Comparison Table: Italian Sausage and Beef vs. Standard Beef Lasagna

Nutritional Aspect Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna (Per Serving) Standard Beef Lasagna (Per Serving)
Calories 410 kcal 330 kcal
Total Fat 22g 15g
Saturated Fat 10g 8g
Protein 23g 20g
Carbohydrates 30g 30g
Sodium 890mg 710mg

How to Reduce Calories When Eating Costco Lasagna

While the convenience and flavor of a Costco lasagna are undeniable, there are ways to make the meal a bit lighter.

  • Add Vegetables: Serve the lasagna alongside a large, vibrant salad or steamed vegetables. This will increase your satiety with lower-calorie foods, potentially reducing your lasagna portion size.
  • Manage Portion Sizes: Stick strictly to the recommended serving size. It's easy to accidentally serve yourself a larger portion, which significantly increases the calorie and sodium intake.
  • Lighten the Sides: Instead of garlic bread, opt for a side dish with fewer calories. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette is a great choice.
  • Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Consider using the Costco lasagna as inspiration for a homemade, lighter version. Using lean ground turkey, part-skim ricotta cheese, and incorporating extra vegetables can drastically cut down on calories, fat, and sodium.

Conclusion

The calories in a Costco lasagna vary based on the specific type, but both the Italian Sausage and Beef (410 calories per serving) and the Standard Beef (330 calories per serving) are quite calorie-dense. These are designed as a substantial meal component, and their nutritional profiles reflect that, particularly with higher levels of fat and sodium. For those conscious of their calorie and nutrient intake, mindful portion control and pairing the lasagna with lighter, healthier sides are essential strategies. Knowing the facts about your food allows for smarter choices, even when indulging in a convenient favorite from Costco.

For more information on the nutritional content of other Kirkland Signature products, you can often find specific details on the Costco website or on the product packaging itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

The serving size for the Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna is 6 servings per tray. However, the actual portion size varies depending on how it is divided.

Yes, both popular varieties of Costco lasagna are good sources of protein. The Italian Sausage and Beef version contains 23g of protein per serving, and the standard Beef version has 20g.

A serving of the Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna contains 22g of total fat, while the standard Beef Lasagna contains 15g of total fat.

Yes, both versions are high in sodium. The Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna has 890mg of sodium per serving, and the Beef Lasagna has 710mg.

Yes, you can eat Costco lasagna while on a diet, but it requires mindful portion control due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. Pairing it with low-calorie vegetables can help balance the meal.

The main difference lies in the ingredients and resulting nutritional profile. The Italian Sausage & Beef version has more calories, fat, and sodium per serving than the standard Beef version, due to the sausage.

For those seeking a lower-calorie option, you can create a homemade lasagna using lighter ingredients like lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and additional vegetables. Some recipes online are specifically designed for lower fat and calories.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.