Coles Perform Build Beef Ragu Bolognese
Coles Perform Build Beef Ragu Bolognese: independently scored 10.0/10 on Protein Score and 7.9/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
44.4g protein per serve · 454 cal · 6.4g sugar · 640mg sodium · 400g serve.
Overview
Coles' Perform 'Build' range clearly targets the high-protein shopper, and this Beef Ragu Bolognese is one of the heaviest hitters in the lineup. It's a significant step up from the standard ready meals in the chiller, designed for a post-gym refuel rather than a light lunch. The protein density is strong, sitting just above the average for ready meals we track. Compared with the brand's Perform Balanced Pesto Chicken Pasta, this bolognese delivers a slightly higher protein hit for less sugar. The sodium, however, is a number to watch, landing at 640mg per serve - that's around a third of the 2000mg daily limit. The ingredient list shows real Australian beef as the main event in the ragu, which makes up most of the meal, served with fettuccine pasta. It's a classic combination that avoids padding the meal with cheap fillers, though it does rely on a couple of thickeners and a natural colour to hold together. It's a chilled meal, found in the supermarket fridge aisle, and heats up in the microwave in minutes.
Protein Score: 10.0/10
Getting to a high protein number in a ready meal always involves a trade-off, and here it's the 454-calorie count and the sodium load. Still, the 44.4 grams of protein per serve is an immense figure for a supermarket meal, earning a 9.1/10 and placing it well ahead of the category average. On the shelf, this meal sits in the 'Build' tier of the Coles Perform range, which is aimed squarely at people wanting a high-protein dinner without cooking. The protein-per-calorie density of 9.8g per 100kcal is balanced, showing the protein isn't just a function of a huge serve size. This is an athlete-grade serve, ideal for a post-training refuel when you need a substantial meal. For anyone just looking for a convenient weeknight dinner, the sheer amount of protein might be overkill, and the calorie count pushes it out of 'light meal' territory.
Clean Score: 7.9/10
This meal's ingredient list is notable for what it avoids: there are no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or flavour enhancers. That clean slate on the additive front helps it land a 6.6/10, clearing the average for ready meals we've analysed, despite a longer-than-average ingredient list. With 28 ingredients, it's more complex than a home-cooked bolognese, which is the price of convenience for a meal that needs to hold its texture and flavour. The score is pulled down slightly by the use of modified starches (1422, 1442) as thickeners and a natural caramel colour (150a), common in pre-prepared sauces. Ultimately, the processing here is what you'd expect for a mass-market chilled meal. It balances real food components like Australian beef, tomato, and vegetables with the stabilisers needed for a consistent product. It's not a whole-food meal, but it's a solid effort for the category.
Wins
- A huge 44.4g of protein per serve for a post-training refuel.
- Uses real Australian beef as the primary protein source.
- No artificial sweeteners, preservatives or flavour enhancers.
Watch outs
- Sodium is high at 640mg, a third of the daily recommended limit.
- Contains added sugar, unlike some other meals in the Perform range.
- At 454 calories, it is a substantial meal, not a light option.
Ingredients
Beef Ragu Bolognese (61%), Cooked Fettuccine (Wheat) (36%), Parmesan Cheese (Milk) (2.5%), Beef Ragu Bolognese contains: Australian No Added Hormone Beef (44%), Diced Tomato (23%) (Tomato, Mineral Salt (509), Acidity Regulator (330)), Water, Tomato Paste (Tomato, Acidity Regulator (330)), Mushroom (6%), Celery, Onion, Carrot, Vegetable Oil, Beef Flavoured Seasoning (contains Flavourings, Natural Colour (150a, Turmeric)), Red Wine (1.0%), Thickener (Starch), Sugar, Crushed Garlic, Thyme, Oregano, Modified Starch (1422, 1442).Cooked Fettucine contains: Fettucine Pasta (Durum Wheat Semolina), Vegetable Oil.
29 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium is in this meal?
- This meal contains 640mg of sodium per 400g serve, which is approximately 32% of the 2000mg daily limit suggested for adults. This is a significant portion of your daily intake from a single meal. While it's not unusual for a high-protein ready meal, it's a number worth being aware of. We'd suggest this is a meal for occasional convenience or post-training, rather than a daily staple.
- Is 44g of protein enough for a post-workout meal?
- Yes, 44.4 grams of protein is a very substantial serve that is more than enough for most people's post-workout recovery needs. Many people aim for 20-40g of protein after a training session to support muscle repair and growth. This meal delivers that in a convenient format with real food sources like beef. It's a solid choice if you're looking for an athlete-grade refuel without having to cook.
- How do you cook this ready meal?
- This is a chilled ready meal designed to be cooked in the microwave. You simply need to pierce the film and heat it for a few minutes according to the package instructions. It's not designed for oven cooking. The convenience is the main appeal, offering a hot, high-protein meal in under 10 minutes. We'd recommend it for a quick desk lunch or a fast dinner when you're short on time.
- Where can I buy the Coles Perform Beef Ragu?
- The Coles Perform range, including this Beef Ragu Bolognese, is stocked in the chilled ready meal aisle at Coles supermarkets across Australia. It's one of their own-brand product lines. While it's typically found in-store, it may also be available for purchase through their online delivery service. We haven't verified availability at other retailers, as it is a Coles home-brand product.
- How does this compare to other Coles Perform meals?
- This Beef Ragu is one of the highest-protein options in the Coles Perform range we've seen. Compared to the Perform Balanced Pesto Chicken Pasta, for example, this meal has slightly more protein and less sugar per 100g. However, many other meals in the range do not contain added sugar, which this one does. It sits firmly in the 'Build' sub-range, prioritising protein above all else.