Core Powerfoods Loaded Mac & Cheese
Core Powerfoods Loaded Mac & Cheese: independently scored 8.0/10 on Protein Score and 7.3/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
49.3g protein per serve · 669 cal · 9.4g sugar · 690mg sodium · 350g serve.
Overview
This frozen tray from Core Powerfoods packs a protein punch that is genuinely rare in the supermarket freezer aisle. At 14.1g of protein per 100g, it sits well above the typical ready meal. The trade-off for that convenience is a sodium load of 690mg per serve, which eats up around 35% of the 2000mg daily limit in one sitting. The ingredient list is led by real food - pasta, beef and cheese make up the bulk of the meal. However, the sauce component brings in thickeners, preservatives and added sugar to keep it shelf-stable and consistent. It's a common compromise in this category, balancing whole ingredients with the realities of a pre-packaged meal. Compared with the brand's Penne Bolognese, this Loaded Mac & Cheese has 0.4g more protein per 100g and 0.4g less sugar, making them nutritionally very close siblings. Ultimately, this is a high-calorie, high-protein meal for someone who needs a serious feed without turning on the stove, but it's not a light option.
Protein Score: 8.0/10
This tray lands in the middle of the pack for protein quality, despite the massive serving size. The final score of 6.4/10 reflects a protein-per-calorie density that trails the field, even though the absolute protein hit is one of the biggest in the freezer aisle. The headline 49.3 grams of protein per serve is athlete-grade, no question. It's a huge number that will certainly help hit a daily target. The issue is the efficiency. At 7.4 grams of protein for every 100 calories, it's a meal padded with carbs and fat, not a lean protein source. For a post-training meal where calories are as important as protein, it does the job. But for shoppers chasing protein without a significant energy surplus, there are denser and more efficient options available, including others in the Core Powerfoods range.
Clean Score: 7.3/10
Core Powerfoods meals typically balance a real-food base with the processed ingredients needed for a long freezer life. This Loaded Mac & Cheese is no exception, with 23 ingredients earning it a 6.1/10 for its clean profile, which is just below the category average. The base is straightforward: pasta, beef, and cheese account for more than 70% of the meal. Where the score takes a hit is the sauce, which relies on modified starch (1422), xanthan gum, and two preservatives (202, 211) to maintain its texture and stability. There's also added sugar in the sauce, a common feature across the range. While the ingredient count is actually lower than the typical ready meal we see, the presence of these additives places it firmly in the moderately processed camp. It's the trade-off for a convenient meal that heats consistently from frozen.
Wins
- A huge 49.3g of protein per serve.
- Made with a base of real beef, pasta and cheese.
- Higher protein per 100g than the ready meal average.
Watch outs
- Sodium hits 35% of your daily limit in one meal.
- Low protein density at 7.4g per 100 calories.
- Contains added sugar and four food additives.
Ingredients
Pasta (34%)(Durum Wheat Semolina), Beef (28%), Pasta Sauce (27%)(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)), Cheese (Milk)(11%)
23 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium is in this meal?
- This meal contains 690mg of sodium per 350g serve. That represents approximately 35% of the 2000mg daily sodium limit suggested for Australian adults. While it delivers a substantial protein hit, the sodium is on the higher end for a single meal. We think it's fine as an occasional dinner, but it's worth being mindful of if you are eating these meals regularly or watching your sodium intake.
- Is 49g of protein enough for a post-workout meal?
- Yes, 49.3g of protein is a very large serving that is more than sufficient for a post-workout recovery meal for most people. This amount of protein will significantly contribute to muscle repair and growth. The meal also provides 669 calories, making it a substantial refuel. For athletes or individuals with very high daily protein targets, this is a convenient way to get a big dose of protein without cooking.
- How does this compare to other Core Powerfoods meals?
- This Loaded Mac & Cheese is one of the higher-protein options in the Core Powerfoods lineup we've seen. Compared to the brand's Penne Bolognese, for example, it has 0.4g more protein and 0.4g less sugar per 100g, making them very similar. However, other meals in the range like the Roast Chicken offer a leaner profile with higher protein density. This one is for when you need both high protein and high calories.
- Where can I buy Core Powerfoods meals?
- Core Powerfoods ready meals are typically stocked in the freezer aisle of major Australian supermarkets. This Loaded Mac & Cheese is listed at both Coles and Woolworths. Availability can vary by store location, and it may also be available to purchase directly from the brand's website. We'd suggest checking the freezer section of your local supermarket.
- How do you heat this meal?
- This meal is designed to be heated in the microwave directly from frozen. It comes in a single-serve plastic tray, so you just need to pierce the film and heat for the recommended time, which is usually around 4-6 minutes. It's not designed for conventional oven cooking. The format makes it a very convenient option for a quick dinner or a work lunch when you have access to a microwave.