Dynamite Penne & Meatballs
Processing Score
16.8Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
—/10No Data
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
031000809430
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Nutrition data isn't available for this product.
Imported and store-brand products often ship without a structured nutrition label, so we leave it blank rather than estimate.
Ingredients
31 listed · 10 flagged for reviewSAUCE: WATER, TOMATO PASTE, CREAM, SOYBEAN OIL, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SUGAR, CRUSHED GARLIC, NONFAT DRY MILK, ROCHESTER SAUCE (DISTILLED VINEGAR, CORN SYRUP, WATER, SALT, GARLIC POWDER, SPICES, TAMARIND, NATURAL FLAVOR), SALT, SPICES, ONION POWDER, CITRIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, GUAR GUM. COOKED PENNE PASTA: WATER, ENRICHED PASTA (DURUM WHEAT SEMOLINA, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON [FERROUS SULFATE], THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SOYBEAN OIL. MEATBALLS: MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN, PORK, BEEF, WATER, TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN (SOY FLOUR, CARAMEL COLOR), SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, OF: BREADER (ENRICHED BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR [BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID], DURUM FLOUR, LEAVENING [SODIUM BICARBONATE, SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE], YEAST), DEHYDRATED ONION, SOY SAUCE (WATER, WHEAT, SOYBEANS, SALT, LESS THAN 0.1% SODIUM BENZOATE [PRESERVATIVE]), CARAMEL COLOR, SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE, FLAVORINGS, SOY LECITHIN, CITRIC ACID. CHEESE TOPPING: PART SKIM MOZZARELLA CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PART SKIM MILK, SKIM MILK, SALT, CULTURES, ENZYMES), PARSLEY.
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?
In our analysis, Dynamite Penne & Meatballs scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
- Modified Proteins (Textured Vegetable Protein (Soy Flour, Caramel Color)): Extensive modification indicates UPF.
- Stabilizers & Gums (Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum. Cooked Penne Pasta: Water): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
- Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Concentrate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
- Other Additives (Sodium Tripolyphosphate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
Within Frozen Dinners, this product is more processed than about 37% of the 5,358 products we've analyzed.
Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.
What These Ingredients Tell Us
We group Dynamite Penne & Meatballs' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.
- Natural FlavorsUPF marker
In this product: Flavorings.
Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
- EmulsifiersUPF marker
In this product: Soy Lecithin.
Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Soybean Oil, Soybean Oil. Meatballs: Mechanically Separated Chicken.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Sugar, Rochester Sauce (Distilled Vinegar, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Garlic Powder, Spices, Tamarind, Natural Flavor).
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Citric Acid, Citric Acid. Cheese Topping: Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Skim Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes).
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator
In this product: Enriched Pasta (Durum Wheat Semolina, Niacin, Reduced Iron [Ferrous Sulfate], Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Of: Breader (Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour [Bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Durum Flour, Leavening [Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate], Yeast).
Natural sources but industrial application.
- Natural ColorsProcessing indicator
In this product: Caramel Color.
Natural sources but still indicate processing.
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Less Processed Alternatives
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Chana Masala Chickpeas and Brown Rice with Herbed Vegetables in a Masala Spiced Tomato Sauce Simply Steamers, Chana Masala
Healthy Choice
1.06.0
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About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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