Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Mexican-Style With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs Lasagna, Mexican-Style: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Lower integrity
Great Value mexican-style with nacho cheese sauce & salsa, made with beef, beans, cheddar cheese & tortilla crumbs lasagna, mexican-style received a Food Integrity Score of 54 out of 100 (lower integrity). This reflects highly processed and high additive load. This product combines many industrial ingredients typical of processed foods, fitting it into a category with lower food integrity. Ingredients like sodium phosphate and modified corn starch are associated with industrial processing, while additives like mono- and diglycerides serve more for texture than nutrition. Opt for simpler meals made from fresh ingredients whenever possible. Main considerations include processing, additive load, and family watchlist. Simpler options: Use fresh tomatoes and cheddar; select unprocessed beef.
Food Integrity Score 54/100
What stood out on the label?
- Highly processed
- High additive load
- Transparency: Very low
What to watch?
- Processing
- Additive load
- Family Watchlist
Simpler options to consider
- Use fresh tomatoes and cheddar
- Select unprocessed beef
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 With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs Lasagna, Mexican-Style
- Brand
- Great Value
- Category
- Frozen Dinners & Entrees
- GTIN / UPC
00078742010120- 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 With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs Lasagna, Mexican-Style
Great Value
Lower integrity
Warning Signs
Sodium phosphate and modified corn starch highlight the industrial side of this ingredient list.
Consider This
This product uses mono- and diglycerides and artificial colors for texture and appeal.
Good Substitutes
A homemade version with fresh tomatoes, real cheddar, and beef simplifies ingredients.
Overall Assessment
Lower integrityThis product combines many industrial ingredients typical of processed foods, fitting it into a category with lower food integrity. Ingredients like sodium phosphate and modified corn starch are associated with industrial processing, while additives like mono- and diglycerides serve more for texture than nutrition. Opt for simpler meals made from fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Processing
- Additive load
- Family Watchlist
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- PASTEURIZED PROCESS CHEESE — Processed cheese
- CHEESE POWDER — Highly processed cheese
- MONO-AND DIGLYCERIDES — Emulsifier
- MODIFIED CORN STARCH — Processed starch
- SPICES — Unlisted spices
Highest concern ingredients
- CHEESE POWDER (7/10) — Heavily processed cheese.
- MONO-AND DIGLYCERIDES (6/10) — Emulsifier affects additives.
Better choice tips
- Use fresh tomatoes and cheddar.
- Select unprocessed beef.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
COOKED ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (WATER, SEMOLINA [MILLED WHEAT, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID]), WATER, COOKED BEEF, TOMATOES (TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, CITRIC ACID), PASTEURIZED PROCESS CHEESE (AMERICAN CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], CREAM, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SALT), TORTILLA CHIPS (WHOLE GRAIN CORN FLOUR, VEGETABLE OIL [CORN, COTTONSEED AND SUNFLOWER OIL], SEA SALT), MILK (VITAMIN D3 ADDED), ONION, CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO [VEGETABLE COLOR]), GREEN BELL PEPPER, TOMATO PASTE, CHEESE POWDER (WHEY, REDUCED LACTOSE WHEY, CHEDDAR CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], NATURAL FLAVORS, CREAM, MALTODEXTRIN, SALT, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, BLUE CHEESE[ CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID), REFRIED BEANS (PINTO BEANS, SALT), RED BEANS (RED BEANS, WATER), NONFAT DRY MILK, RED BELL PEPPER, GREEN CHILI PEPPERS (GREEN CHILI PEPPERS, WATER, SALT, CITRIC ACID), MODIFIED CORN STARCH, JALAPENO PEPPERS (JALAPENO PEPPERS, SALT, ACETIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE), GARLIC (GARLIC, WATER), SALSA BASE (RED AND GREEN JALAPENO PEPPERS [SALT, ACETIC ACID], ONION PUREE, GARLIC, WATER, CILANTRO, SEA SALT, SPICES, PAPRIKA, DEHYDRATED RED BELL PEPPER, VINEGAR, LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE), SALT, SPICES, MONO-AND DIGLYCERIDES, LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE, CHILI POWDER (CHILI PEPPER, SALT, RED PEPPER, OREGANO, CUMIN, GARLIC).
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
CHEESE POWDER (WHEY, REDUCED LACTOSE WHEY, CHEDDAR CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], NATURAL FLAVORS, CREAM, MALTODEXTRIN, SALT, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, BLUE CHEESE[ CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID)Concern 7/10 — Higher concernCheese derivativeWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term
What this is
Cheese derivative
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Heavily processed; multiple additives.
Additional note
Highly processed cheese
PASTEURIZED PROCESS CHEESE (AMERICAN CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], CREAM, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SALT)Concern 6/10 — Moderate concernCheese derivativeWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Cheese derivative
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Heavily processed cheese product.
Additional note
Industrial processed cheese
Family watchlist
Processed cheese
MONO-AND DIGLYCERIDESConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernEmulsifierWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Emulsifier
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Stabilizes and preserves texture.
MODIFIED CORN STARCHConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Refined starch for consistency.
Family watchlist
Processed starch
View all 26 ingredient assessments
SPICESConcern 4/10 — Mild concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Unknown / not listed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Non-specific; could hide additives.
Additional note
Vague descriptor
Family watchlist
Unlisted spices
NONFAT DRY MILKConcern 3/10 — Mild concernDairy productAdditive
What this is
Dairy product
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Refined dairy product.
Additional note
Dairy powder
SALSA BASE (RED AND GREEN JALAPENO PEPPERS [SALT, ACETIC ACID], ONION PUREE, GARLIC, WATER, CILANTRO, SEA SALT, SPICES, PAPRIKA, DEHYDRATED RED BELL PEPPER, VINEGAR, LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE)Concern 3/10 — Mild concernCondiment
What this is
Condiment
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Processed salsa components.
Additional note
Salsa sauce base
COOKED ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (WATER, SEMOLINA [MILLED WHEAT, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID])Concern 2/10 — Very low concernRefined pasta
What this is
Refined pasta
Processing category
Processed
Why it matters
Processed but category-normal for pasta.
Additional note
Refined enriched pasta
TORTILLA CHIPS (WHOLE GRAIN CORN FLOUR, VEGETABLE OIL [CORN, COTTONSEED AND SUNFLOWER OIL], SEA SALT)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernSnacks
What this is
Snacks
Processing category
Processed
Why it matters
Processed but category-normal for chips.
Additional note
Fried corn chips
LIME JUICE CONCENTRATEConcern 2/10 — Very low concernAcidulant
What this is
Acidulant
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Processed for taste and acidity.
Additional note
Concentrated citrus flavor
TOMATOES (TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, CITRIC ACID)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Category-normal for tomatoes.
Additional note
Canned tomatoes
CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES, ANNATTO [VEGETABLE COLOR])Concern 1/10 — Very low concernCheese
What this is
Cheese
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Traditional cheese; normal processing.
Additional note
Cheddar cheese
TOMATO PASTEConcern 1/10 — Very low concernCondiment
What this is
Condiment
Processing category
Processed
Why it matters
Normal for paste, minor processing.
Additional note
Condensed tomatoes
REFRIED BEANS (PINTO BEANS, SALT)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernBeans
What this is
Beans
Processing category
Processed
Why it matters
Category-normal for canned beans.
Additional note
Cooked beans
GREEN CHILI PEPPERS (GREEN CHILI PEPPERS, WATER, SALT, CITRIC ACID)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernCondiment
What this is
Condiment
Processing category
Processed
Why it matters
Normal for canned peppers.
Additional note
Canned peppers
JALAPENO PEPPERS (JALAPENO PEPPERS, SALT, ACETIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernPickled peppers
What this is
Pickled peppers
Processing category
Processed
Why it matters
Normal for pickling, minor processing.
WATERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
No concern; basic ingredient.
Additional note
Basic ingredient
COOKED BEEFConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Whole food; category-normal.
Additional note
Simple meat ingredient
MILK (VITAMIN D3 ADDED)Concern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Whole food; category-normal.
Additional note
Basic dairy ingredient
ONIONConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Whole food; category-normal.
Additional note
Simple vegetable ingredient
GREEN BELL PEPPERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Whole food; category-normal.
Additional note
Whole vegetable
RED BEANS (RED BEANS, WATER)Concern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Whole food; category-normal.
Additional note
Whole beans
RED BELL PEPPERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Whole food; category-normal.
Additional note
Whole vegetable
GARLIC (GARLIC, WATER)Concern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Whole food; category-normal.
Additional note
Whole food component
SALTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernCondiment
What this is
Condiment
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Essential seasoning.
Additional note
Basic seasoning
CHILI POWDER (CHILI PEPPER, SALT, RED PEPPER, OREGANO, CUMIN, GARLIC)Concern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSpice mix
What this is
Spice mix
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
Normal spice blend.
This analysis represents a general evaluation of ingredient integration. It is not indicative of safety or suitability for all consumers. 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.
Low-Spike Stability
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Heart-Healthy Eating
Watch-outsMetabolic 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.
GLP-1 Eating Support
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.
Low Sugar Lifestyle
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Appetite & Portion Awareness
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.
Workout Recovery
SupportiveAthletic 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.)
Strength & Protein Focus
SupportiveAthletic 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.)
Vegetarian
Watch-outsDietary 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.)
Vegan
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "beef", "milk", "cream". See ingredients for details.)
Plant-Based
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "beef", "milk", "cream". See ingredients for details.)
Pescatarian
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Land-meat ingredients (Mentions "beef". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "flour", "maltodextrin", "corn starch". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Keto-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "flour", "maltodextrin", "corn starch". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Low Gluten Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Gluten-related ingredients (Mentions "wheat", "semolina". See ingredients for details.)
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
MixedDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Ingredients often higher in saturated fat (Mentions "cheese". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "wheat", "flour", "corn". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.
Healthy Fat Focus
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, 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.)
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
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.
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 With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs Lasagna, Mexican-Style highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Highly 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 With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs Lasagna, 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 With Nacho Cheese Sauce & Salsa, Made With Beef, Beans, Cheddar Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs Lasagna, Mexican-Style: 5.99g 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: Whole grain corn flour; Contains beef and beans; Decent protein content.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: High saturated fat content; Contains cheese powders; Contains processed cheese.
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.
Source data and Food Quality Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Food Quality Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- 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.
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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