Core Powerfoods Holy Meatballs
Core Powerfoods Holy Meatballs: independently scored 6.8/10 on Protein Score and 7.4/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
36.9g protein per serve · 598 cal · 13.6g sugar · 607mg sodium · 350g serve.
Overview
As one of the original high-protein ready meals in the freezer aisle, Core Powerfoods' range is extensive, and this Holy Meatballs tray sits right in the middle of the pack. Compared with their Deep South Beef Chilli, this one has a fraction more protein and sugar, showing how tightly the brand tunes its recipes. It's a classic beef-and-pasta formula, designed for convenience over culinary flair. The nutritional story is one of balance, not extremes. At 10.5g of protein per 100g, it's right on the money for a typical ready meal we see. However, the sodium is worth noting, with a single 350g serve delivering 607mg, which is roughly 30% of the 2000mg daily limit. It's not an outlier for the category, but it's a figure to be aware of if you're eating these meals regularly. The ingredient list shows where the bulk comes from: beef meatballs make up 41% of the meal, with wholemeal durum wheat semolina pasta providing the carbohydrate base. While wholemeal is a good touch, the complete absence of fibre is a miss, meaning it lacks the vegetable content you'd get from a home-cooked equivalent. We see it as a solid freezer backup for a post-gym dinner when you can't face the kitchen.
Protein Score: 6.8/10
In the freezer aisle, this tray presents as a high-protein workhorse, but the numbers tell a more nuanced story. With a protein density of 6.2g per 100 calories, it's padded with carbs and sauce, landing it a Protein Score/10. That's a mid-table result for a meal that puts protein in its brand name. This score trails the typical ready meal we analyse. The 36.9g of protein per serve is genuinely high and will certainly help hit your daily targets, but it comes at the cost of nearly 600 calories. It's a meal for bulking or a massive refuel, not for lean protein efficiency. Stack it against other meals in the Core Powerfoods lineup, like the leaner Butter Chicken or Beef Taco tray, and you'll see this meatball option is less protein-dense. It's a trade-off for a classic comfort meal format, suiting someone who wants a simple, filling dinner without caring too much about the calorie cost.
Clean Score: 7.4/10
To keep the sauce from separating and ensure the meal lasts, this tray relies on a handful of additives like Xanthan Gum (415) and preservatives. With 25 ingredients in total, including added sugar and modified starch, it earns a Clean Score/10. This reflects a moderately processed meal built for convenience and shelf stability. This score sits below the average for the ready meals we've tested, which typically have slightly shorter ingredient lists. The use of preservatives (202, 211) and a firming agent (509) in the tomatoes is standard practice for mass-produced meals, but it moves it away from a whole-food profile. If you prioritise short ingredient lists and avoid specific E-numbers, you might look elsewhere. For shoppers just wanting a reliable freezer backup where consistent heating is the main goal, the trade-offs here are pretty standard for the category.
Wins
- A substantial 36.9g of protein per serve.
- Made with wholemeal pasta for the carbohydrate base.
- Conveniently stocked in Coles and Woolworths freezer aisles.
Watch outs
- Contains zero fibre per serve.
- Sodium hits 30% of the daily limit in one meal.
- Lower protein density than other meals in the brand's range.
Ingredients
Meatballs (41%)(Beef, Onion, Water, Sugar, Garlic, Wheat Flour, Salt, Yeast, Sugar), Pasta Sauce (36%)(Tomato (Tomato, Tomato Juice, Citric Acid, Salt, Firming Agent (509)), Water, Tomato Paste (Tomato Paste, Food Acid (330)), Onion, Sugar, Canola Oil, Modified Starch (1422), Salt, Garlic, Vinegar, Natural Flavour, Citric Acid, Herbs, Spices, Xanthan Gum, Preservative (202), Preservative (211)), Pasta (22%) (Wholemeal Durum Wheat Semolina).
25 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium does this meal contain?
- This meal contains 607mg of sodium per 350g serve. That figure represents around 30% of the 2000mg suggested daily dietary target in a single meal. While not the highest in the category, it is a significant contribution. If you were to eat these meals frequently, the sodium could add up quickly. We think it's best treated as a convenient option rather than an everyday staple.
- Is 37g of protein enough for a post-workout meal?
- Yes, 36.9 grams of protein is a very solid serving for a post-training meal. It provides ample protein to support muscle recovery and repair. The meal is built on beef meatballs and wholemeal pasta, so it also delivers substantial carbohydrates to help replenish energy stores. The main consideration is the 597 calories, so it's a better fit for a main meal than a light snack. We'd grab it for a full dinner refuel.
- How do you heat this meal?
- This meal is designed to be heated in the microwave from frozen. You typically pierce the film and heat it for several minutes, following the instructions on the pack. As a microwave-first meal, it's not designed for oven cooking, which could dry it out. The plastic tray is built for microwave use, making it a simple, no-fuss option for a quick dinner. We'd say it's ideal for a work lunch or when you need a meal in under 10 minutes.
- Where can I buy Core Powerfoods meals?
- Core Powerfoods meals are typically stocked in the freezer aisle at major Australian supermarkets, including Coles and Woolworths. You'll find them alongside other high-protein and fitness-oriented ready meals. Availability can vary by store location and state. The brand may also sell products directly from their own website, so that's worth checking if you can't find a specific flavour in-store.
- How does this compare to other Core Powerfoods meals?
- This Holy Meatballs meal sits in the middle of the brand's range for its nutritional profile. For instance, it has slightly more protein and sugar than their Deep South Beef Chilli. Other meals in the Core Powerfoods lineup, like the Butter Chicken or Beef Taco tray, offer a leaner protein source with a higher protein-per-calorie density. This one is more of a classic comfort meal. We'd suggest checking the labels if you're after their leanest options.