LEAN CUISINE, FAVORITES SANTA FE-STYLE RICE & BEANS IN CHILE SAUCE

Common questions

Is LEAN CUISINE, FAVORITES SANTA FE-STYLE RICE & BEANS IN CHILE SAUCE healthy?

LEAN CUISINE, FAVORITES SANTA FE-STYLE RICE & BEANS IN CHILE SAUCE scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains a mix of beneficial ingredients like black beans and roasted red pepper puree, which provide nutrients and flavor.

How processed is LEAN CUISINE, FAVORITES SANTA FE-STYLE RICE & BEANS IN CHILE SAUCE?

LEAN CUISINE, FAVORITES SANTA FE-STYLE RICE & BEANS IN CHILE SAUCE is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive LEAN CUISINE, FAVORITES SANTA FE-STYLE RICE & BEANS IN CHILE SAUCE's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Onions, Corn, Black beans count in its favor; Modified food starch, Sugar, Maltodextrin are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

LEAN CUISINE, FAVORITES SANTA FE-STYLE RICE & BEANS IN CHILE SAUCE

Lean Cuisine
Bioengineered
60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 14
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Nestlé
Category Rice
Summary

This product contains a mix of beneficial ingredients like black beans and roasted red pepper puree, which provide nutrients and flavor. However, it is heavily processed, as indicated by the presence of additives and unspecified flavors, which detract from its overall healthiness. The inclusion of sugar and the ultra-processed nature of the product further limit its nutritional value.

Key ingredients 29

Black beans
Very Good

Black beans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They support digestive health and provide a plant-based protein source. Minimal processing retains their nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Rich in protein and fiber, supporting digestive health and providing plant-based nutrition.

See more about Black beans →
Pinto beans
Very Good

Pinto beans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They support digestive health and provide a plant-based protein source. Minimal processing retains their nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Rich in protein and fiber, supporting digestive health and providing plant-based nutrition.

See more about Pinto beans →
Onions
Good

Onions are a natural source of antioxidants and vitamins. They add flavor and potential health benefits due to their phytonutrient content. Onions are minimally processed and retain their nutritional properties.

Benefits

Provide antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to overall health.

See more about Onions →
Corn
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

May contribute to high glycemic load if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates and some vitamins, contributing to energy intake.

See more about Corn →
Roasted red pepper puree
Good

Roasted red pepper puree adds flavor and nutrients like vitamin C. The roasting process enhances flavor while retaining nutritional value. It is a minimally processed ingredient.

Benefits

Provides flavor and nutrients like vitamin C, enhancing the dish's nutritional profile.

Cheddar cheese
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

High in saturated fat, which may impact heart health if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Cheddar cheese →
Green chille peppers
Good

Green chille peppers add spice and nutrients like vitamin C. They enhance flavor and provide antioxidants. Minimal processing retains their nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Provide spice and nutrients like vitamin C, enhancing flavor and nutritional value.

Poblano chiles
Good

Poblano chiles add flavor and nutrients like vitamin C. They are used for their mild heat and nutritional benefits. Minimal processing retains their natural properties.

Benefits

Provide flavor and nutrients like vitamin C, enhancing the dish's taste and nutritional profile.

Cilantro
Good

Cilantro is a fresh herb that adds flavor and nutrients like vitamin K. It is used for its aromatic properties and potential health benefits. Minimal processing retains its nutritional value.

Benefits

Provides flavor and nutrients like vitamin K, enhancing the dish's taste and nutritional profile.

See more about Cilantro →
Garlic
Good

Garlic is a natural ingredient with potential health benefits. It adds flavor and contains compounds that may support heart health. Minimal processing retains its nutritional properties.

Benefits

Provides flavor and contains compounds that may support heart health.

See more about Garlic →
Cultured whey
Good

Cultured whey is a dairy product rich in protein and probiotics. It supports gut health and provides essential amino acids. The culturing process enhances its nutritional benefits.

Risks

May cause lactose intolerance symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Rich in protein and probiotics, supporting gut health and providing essential amino acids.

Jalapeno peppers
Good

Jalapeno peppers add spice and nutrients like vitamin C. They enhance flavor and provide antioxidants. Minimal processing retains their nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Provide spice and nutrients like vitamin C, enhancing flavor and nutritional value.

See more about Jalapeno peppers →
Spices
Good

Whole-food seasonings, antioxidant-bearing.

Benefits

Enhance flavor and may provide antioxidants, contributing to overall health.

See more about Spices →
Medium chain triglycerides
Good

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats that provide quick energy and may support weight management. They are easily absorbed and metabolized by the body. MCTs are often used for their potential health benefits.

Benefits

Provide quick energy and may support weight management and metabolic health.

See more about Medium chain triglycerides →
Cooked enriched long grain rice
Neutral

Enriched rice provides essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. It is a staple carbohydrate source but lacks fiber compared to whole grains. The enrichment process adds some nutritional value back to the refined grain.

Risks

May contribute to high glycemic load if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides a source of energy and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Water
Neutral

Water is used as a solvent and cooking medium. It is essential for hydration and does not contribute calories. It is a neutral ingredient with no direct nutritional impact.

Benefits

Essential for hydration and acts as a medium for cooking.

See more about Water →
Skim milk
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause lactose intolerance symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Skim milk →
Buttermilk powder
Neutral

Buttermilk powder adds flavor and some nutrients like calcium. It is a dehydrated form of buttermilk, used for its tangy taste. The drying process preserves its shelf life.

Risks

May cause lactose intolerance symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Adds flavor and provides some calcium, contributing to the dish's taste and nutritional profile.

See more about Buttermilk powder →
Dried sour cream
Neutral

Dried sour cream adds flavor and some nutrients like calcium. It is a dehydrated form of sour cream, used for its tangy taste. The drying process preserves its shelf life.

Risks

May cause lactose intolerance symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Adds flavor and provides some calcium, contributing to the dish's taste and nutritional profile.

Lime juice concentrate
Neutral

Lime juice concentrate adds acidity and flavor. It is used to enhance taste and preserve freshness. The concentration process reduces water content while retaining flavor.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and preserves freshness in food products.

See more about Lime juice concentrate →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for seasoning and preservation. It enhances flavor but should be consumed in moderation due to sodium content. It is a common culinary ingredient with no significant nutritional value.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to high blood pressure and related health issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in food products.

See more about Salt →
Potassium chloride
Neutral

Potassium chloride is used as a salt substitute to reduce sodium content. It provides potassium, an essential mineral for heart and muscle function. It is generally safe but should be consumed in moderation.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to hyperkalemia, especially in individuals with kidney issues.

Benefits

Provides potassium, supporting heart and muscle function.

See more about Potassium chloride →
Acetic acid
Neutral

Acetic acid is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is the main component of vinegar and adds tanginess to foods. It is generally recognized as safe in small amounts.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in food products.

See more about Acetic acid →
Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is naturally found in citrus fruits and adds acidity to foods. It is generally recognized as safe in small amounts.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in food products.

See more about Citric acid →
Calcium chloride
Neutral

Calcium chloride is used as a firming agent and preservative. It provides calcium but is primarily used for texture and stability in foods. It is generally recognized as safe in small amounts.

Benefits

Provides calcium and improves texture and stability in food products.

See more about Calcium chloride →
Modified food starch
Bad

Chemically modified starch additive.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in food products.

See more about Modified food starch →
Sugar
Bad

Sugar is a refined carbohydrate that provides quick energy but lacks nutrients. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes. It is often added for sweetness but should be limited in a balanced diet.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Benefits

Provides quick energy but lacks significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Sugar →
Maltodextrin
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause blood sugar spikes if consumed in large quantities.

Benefits

Provides quick energy but lacks significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Maltodextrin →
Flavors
Bad

Flavors are often artificial or unspecified, used to enhance taste. They can mask the quality of ingredients and lack nutritional value. The lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess their health impact.

Risks

May contain artificial components that could cause sensitivities or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Enhances taste but lacks significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Flavors →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Rice