Lean Cuisine, Classic Macaroni & Beef
Processing Score
10.4Ultra-Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
5.5/10Good
The processing score reflects 48 ingredients, including corn syrup, modified ingredients and natural flavoring. No nutrient exceeds our high thresholds.
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
013800188083
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size269 g
Amount per serving
Calories
270
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g
6%
Saturated Fat 2g
10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 20mg
7%
Sodium 530mg
23%
Total Carbohydrate 43g
16%
Dietary Fiber 3g
11%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 13g
Calcium 60mg
5%
Iron 1.8mg
10%
Potassium 620mg
13%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
35 listed · 7 flagged for reviewBLANCHED MACARONI (WATER, SEMOLINA, WHEAT GLUTEN), WATER, TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), COOKED BEEF, TOMATOES (DICED TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, CITRIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE), ONIONS, TOMATOES (TOMATOES, CITRIC ACID), 2% OR LESS OF SUGAR, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE (WITH CARAMEL COLOR), SEASONING (TOMATO PASTE, NATURAL FLAVOR [CONTAINS SUNFLOWER OIL]), SALT, ROASTED RED PEPPER PUREE, SOYBEAN OIL, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, DRIED GARLIC, DRIED ONIONS, WHITE WINE VINEGAR, MALTODEXTRIN, DRIED RED PEPPERS, GARLIC PUREE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, FLAVOR, LACTIC ACID, SPICES, CALCIUM LACTATE, RENDERED BEEF FAT, BARLEY EXTRACTIVE, BEEF EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, SESAME OIL, SUCCINIC ACID, CANOLA OIL, SUNFLOWER OIL.
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, Lean Cuisine, Classic Macaroni & Beef scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
- Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
- Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Concentrate (With Caramel Color)): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
- Natural Flavors (Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
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 Lean Cuisine, Classic Macaroni & Beef's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: 2% Or Less Of Sugar, Maltodextrin.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Soybean Oil, Sesame Oil, Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator
In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.
Industrial fermentation for additive production.
- MineralsProcessing indicator
In this product: Potassium Chloride, Calcium Lactate.
Added minerals often compensate for processing.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid, Citric Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
This product is part of our wider analysis. It features in our Lean Cuisine vs Healthy Choice and Amy's vs Lean Cuisine comparisons.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
Beef Patties
Meal Mart
1.02.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins
Perdue
1.06.5
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Chana Masala Chickpeas and Brown Rice with Herbed Vegetables in a Masala Spiced Tomato Sauce, Chana Masala
1.06.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Chana Masala Chickpeas and Brown Rice with Herbed Vegetables in a Masala Spiced Tomato Sauce Simply Steamers, Chana Masala
Healthy Choice
1.06.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed), higher nutrition score
Similar Products
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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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