LEAN CUISINE, FAVORITES SANTA FE-STYLE RICE & BEANS IN CHILE SAUCE
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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 beansVery 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.
Pinto beansVery 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.
OnionsGood
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.
CornGood
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.
Roasted red pepper pureeGood
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 cheeseGood
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.
Green chille peppersGood
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 chilesGood
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.
CilantroGood
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.
GarlicGood
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.
Cultured wheyGood
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 peppersGood
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.
SpicesGood
Whole-food seasonings, antioxidant-bearing.
Benefits
Enhance flavor and may provide antioxidants, contributing to overall health.
Medium chain triglyceridesGood
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.
Cooked enriched long grain riceNeutral
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.
WaterNeutral
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.
Skim milkNeutral
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.
Buttermilk powderNeutral
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.
Dried sour creamNeutral
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 concentrateNeutral
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.
SaltNeutral
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.
Potassium chlorideNeutral
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.
Acetic acidNeutral
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.
Citric acidNeutral
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.
Calcium chlorideNeutral
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.
Modified food starchBad
Chemically modified starch additive.
Benefits
Improves texture and stability in food products.
SugarBad
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.
MaltodextrinBad
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.
FlavorsBad
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.
Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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