Food Quality Guideby KarbCoach

Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach

Great Value Mexican-Style Lasagna With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs, Mexican-Style: Food Integrity analysis

Updated 2026-08-22 · Great Value

Quick answer

Mixed integrity

Great Value mexican-style lasagna with nacho cheese sauce & salsa, made with beef, beans, cheddar cheese & tortilla crumbs, mexican-style received a Food Integrity Score of 58 out of 100 (mixed integrity). This reflects moderately processed and moderate additive load. This product has several refined and processed ingredients, including sodium phosphate and processed cheeses, raising the processing level. While it contains some whole ingredients like tomatoes and beans, the presence of additives and refined components suggests it is best enjoyed occasionally based on its ingredient profile. Main considerations include sodium phosphate, processed cheese, and spices. Simpler options: Swap with fresh cheese; use whole grain tortillas.

Food Integrity Score 58/100

What stood out on the label?

  • Moderately processed
  • Moderate additive load
  • Transparency: Medium

What to watch?

  • sodium phosphate
  • processed cheese
  • spices

Simpler options to consider

  • Swap with fresh cheese
  • Use whole grain tortillas

You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.

Source data, GTIN, and Food Quality Guide analysis details

Product facts

Product
Great Value Mexican-Style Lasagna With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs, Mexican-Style
GTIN / UPC
00194346038091
Serving size
226 GRM (1 cup)
Source data — ingredients
Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
Food Quality Guide analysis
Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
Data last verified

Food Integrity results

Mexican-Style Lasagna With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs, Mexican-Style

Great Value

Mixed integrity

Warning Signs

Contains sodium phosphate in the cheese, known for contributing to higher processing concerns.

Consider This

Ingredients like processed cheese and tortilla chips are typical in factory-formulated foods.

Good Substitutes

Consider making a homemade version using fresh cheese and whole grain tortillas.

Overall Assessment

Mixed integrity

This product has several refined and processed ingredients, including sodium phosphate and processed cheeses, raising the processing level. While it contains some whole ingredients like tomatoes and beans, the presence of additives and refined components suggests it is best enjoyed occasionally based on its ingredient profile.

Key Highlights

What stood out

  • sodium phosphate
  • processed cheese
  • spices

Family Watchlist

Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.

  • sodium phosphate — Used in processed cheese
  • spices — Broad ingredient category

Highest concern ingredients

  • WHITE PASTEURIZED PROCESS AMERICAN CHEESE (AMERICAN CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CREAM, MILKFAT, SALT) (5/10) — Processed cheese with sodium phosphate
  • TORTILLA CHIPS (WHOLE KERNEL YELLOW CORN, CANOLA OIL, WATER, SEA SALT, TRACE OF LIME) (4/10) — Processed snack food
  • CHEESE POWDER (WHEY, CHEESE [CHEDDAR AND BLUE {PASTEURIZED MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES}], WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CREAM, SALT, NONFAT DRY MILK, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID) (5/10) — Powdered form indicates processed nature

Better choice tips

  • Swap with fresh cheese
  • Use whole grain tortillas

Ingredients

Ingredient list

COOKED LASAGNA PASTA (SEMOLINA [MILLED WHEAT], WATER), WATER, TOMATOES (TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, CITRIC ACID), COOKED BEEF, WHITE PASTEURIZED PROCESS AMERICAN CHEESE (AMERICAN CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CREAM, MILKFAT, SALT), MILK (VITAMIN D3 ADDED), ONION, TOMATO PASTE, GREEN AND RED BELL PEPPER, TORTILLA CHIPS (WHOLE KERNEL YELLOW CORN, CANOLA OIL, WATER, SEA SALT, TRACE OF LIME), CHEESE POWDER (WHEY, CHEESE [CHEDDAR AND BLUE {PASTEURIZED MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES}], WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CREAM, SALT, NONFAT DRY MILK, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID), RED BEANS (RED BEANS, WATER), NONFAT DRY MILK, CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED, CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO [VEGETABLE COLOR]), CORN STARCH, REFRIED BEANS (PINTO BEANS, SALT), GREEN CHILE PEPPER (GREEN CHILE PEPPER, WATER, SEA SALT, CITRIC ACID), JALAPENO PEPPER (JALAPENO PEPPER, SALT, ACETIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE), GARLIC (GARLIC, WATER), SALSA BASE (RED AND GREEN JALAPENO PEPPERS [CONTAINS SALT, ACETIC ACID], ONION PUREE, GARLIC, WATER, CILANTRO, SEA SALT, SPICES, PAPRIKA, DEHYDRATED RED BELL PEPPER, VINEGAR, LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE), SALT, SPICES, LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE, CHILI POWDER (CHILI PEPPER, SPICES, SALT, GARLIC POWDER).

Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.

Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.

  1. WHITE PASTEURIZED PROCESS AMERICAN CHEESE (AMERICAN CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CREAM, MILKFAT, SALT)Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernProcessed foodWatchlist

    What this is

    Processed food

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Contains additives like sodium phosphate.

    Additional note

    Processed cheese; includes sodium phosphate.

    Family watchlist

    Contains sodium phosphate.

  2. CHEESE POWDER (WHEY, CHEESE [CHEDDAR AND BLUE {PASTEURIZED MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES}], WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CREAM, SALT, NONFAT DRY MILK, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID)Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernFlavor additiveWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Flavor additive

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Typically used in processed foods.

    Additional note

    Powdered cheese mix; processed image.

    Family watchlist

    Powder translates to processed nature.

  3. TORTILLA CHIPS (WHOLE KERNEL YELLOW CORN, CANOLA OIL, WATER, SEA SALT, TRACE OF LIME)Concern 4/10 — Mild concernRefined snack

    What this is

    Refined snack

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Refined with oil and salt; processed.

    Additional note

    Processed snack ingredient; notable refining.

  4. NONFAT DRY MILKConcern 4/10 — Mild concernDairy additiveAdditive

    What this is

    Dairy additive

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Used for dairying purposes; processed.

    Additional note

    Concentrated milk product; category-normal.

View all 24 ingredient assessments
  1. SPICESConcern 4/10 — Mild concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term

    What this is

    Vague ingredient

    Processing category

    Unknown / not listed

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Broad term may hide other ingredients.

    Additional note

    Broad category, unclear details.

    Family watchlist

    Unclear ingredient variety.

  2. CORN STARCHConcern 3/10 — Mild concernThickenerAdditive

    What this is

    Thickener

    Processing category

    Natural refined

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Elevates thickening property; refined.

    Additional note

    Refined from corn; thickener.

  3. SALSA BASE (RED AND GREEN JALAPENO PEPPERS [CONTAINS SALT, ACETIC ACID], ONION PUREE, GARLIC, WATER, CILANTRO, SEA SALT, SPICES, PAPRIKA, DEHYDRATED RED BELL PEPPER, VINEGAR, LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE)Concern 3/10 — Mild concernFlavor blend

    What this is

    Flavor blend

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Processed mix to achieve flavors.

    Additional note

    Mix variety for salsa consistency.

  4. COOKED LASAGNA PASTA (SEMOLINA [MILLED WHEAT], WATER)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Natural refined

    Main concern area

    Ingredient concern

    Why it matters

    Basic pasta base; category-normal processing.

    Additional note

    Traditional pasta ingredient.

  5. JALAPENO PEPPER (JALAPENO PEPPER, SALT, ACETIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernPickled vegetable

    What this is

    Pickled vegetable

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Minor pickling process; expected taste.

    Additional note

    Processed pickling solution used.

  6. LIME JUICE CONCENTRATEConcern 2/10 — Very low concernFlavor additiveAdditive

    What this is

    Flavor additive

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Typical flavor concentrate use.

    Additional note

    Concentrated preparation of lime juice.

  7. CHILI POWDER (CHILI PEPPER, SPICES, SALT, GARLIC POWDER)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernFlavor blend

    What this is

    Flavor blend

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Ingredient concern

    Why it matters

    Common seasoning blend; involves mix.

    Additional note

    Blended spice and seasoning mix.

  8. COOKED BEEFConcern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Main concern area

    Ingredient concern

    Why it matters

    Whole food ingredient; expected processing.

    Additional note

    Basic protein source; minimally processed.

  9. MILK (VITAMIN D3 ADDED)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Main concern area

    Ingredient concern

    Why it matters

    Basic food, normal processing with vitamin add.

    Additional note

    Fortified with vitamin; category-normal.

  10. TOMATO PASTEConcern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Ingredient concern

    Why it matters

    Common paste ingredient; normal processing.

    Additional note

    Concentrated form of tomato; expected prep.

  11. CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED, CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO [VEGETABLE COLOR])Concern 1/10 — Very low concernNatural cheese

    What this is

    Natural cheese

    Processing category

    Natural refined

    Main concern area

    Ingredient concern

    Why it matters

    Minimal processing involved; basic dairy.

    Additional note

    Refined dairy with classic coloring.

  12. REFRIED BEANS (PINTO BEANS, SALT)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernBean preparation

    What this is

    Bean preparation

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Main concern area

    Ingredient concern

    Why it matters

    Typical bean preparation; minimal issue.

    Additional note

    Beans; traditional cooking method applied.

  13. WATERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Necessary liquid ingredient; no processing issues.

    Additional note

    No concerns; category-normal.

  14. TOMATOES (TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, CITRIC ACID)Concern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Whole food; typical processing.

    Additional note

    Natural food with minimal processing.

  15. ONIONConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Whole food; normal preparation.

    Additional note

    No concerns; typical ingredient.

  16. GREEN AND RED BELL PEPPERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Fresh vegetable; no concerns.

    Additional note

    Whole food; no extra processing.

  17. RED BEANS (RED BEANS, WATER)Concern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Basic ingredient; no extra preparation.

    Additional note

    Whole food, minimally processed.

  18. GREEN CHILE PEPPER (GREEN CHILE PEPPER, WATER, SEA SALT, CITRIC ACID)Concern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Typical product, minimal concern.

    Additional note

    Minimal processing of vegetable input.

  19. GARLIC (GARLIC, WATER)Concern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Fresh ingredient, no processing issues.

    Additional note

    Straightforward ingredient; no concerns.

  20. SALTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Traditional additive for flavor; no concerns.

    Additional note

    Basic seasoning agent.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and is not a medical or safety assessment. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.

How this product may fit different goals

The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.

  • Heart-Healthy Eating

    Watch-outs

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Ingredients often higher in saturated fat (Mentions "cheese". See ingredients for details.)

    This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.

    See more for this goal

  • GLP-1 Eating Support

    Supportive

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.

    A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "whey", "protein concentrate". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Appetite & Portion Awareness

    Supportive

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.

    A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "whey", "protein concentrate". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Workout Recovery

    Supportive

    Athletic Performance

    For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.

    A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "whey", "protein concentrate". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Strength & Protein Focus

    Supportive

    Athletic Performance

    For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.

    A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "whey", "protein concentrate". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Vegetarian

    Watch-outs

    Dietary Patterns

    For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Meat/seafood ingredients (Mentions "beef". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

See how this product fits your goals

Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.

Personalize this analysis

Understanding the Food Integrity analysis

What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates

The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.

Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter

Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.

Who may prioritize Food Integrity

Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.

How Food Integrity differs from Longevity

Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.

Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too

The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.

Common questions about this product

Is Great Value Mexican-Style Lasagna With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs, Mexican-Style highly processed?

Food Integrity lists processing level as Moderately processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.

Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?

Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.

How much fiber is in one serving?

Great Value Mexican-Style Lasagna With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs, Mexican-Style shows about 2.94g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.

Does it contain added sugar?

Great Value Mexican-Style Lasagna With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs, Mexican-Style: 7.01g total sugar per serving. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.

What helped the Longevity Score?

Key positives called out in the analysis include: Contains beans and tomatoes; Good protein content; Uses cheddar and spices.

What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?

Key concerns noted include: High in sodium; Contains processed cheese; Contains refined pasta.

Who might evaluate this product differently?

People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same frozen dinners & entrees differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.

Other published analyses in Frozen Dinners & Entrees, selected from the same Food Quality Guide catalog.

Source data and Food Quality Guide analysis

  1. Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
  2. Food Quality Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
  3. How the Longevity Score is calculated
  4. How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
  5. Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
  6. Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
  7. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information

Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.

Sources, citations & safety

See how this item lines up with your goals

Food Quality Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.

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