Youfoodz Chicken Penne with Sundried Tomato Sauce
Youfoodz Chicken Penne with Sundried Tomato Sauce: independently scored 8.3/10 on Protein Score and 7.8/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
36.5g protein per serve · 511 cal · 6.7g sugar · 1000mg sodium · 316g serve.
Overview
This is a meal built for convenience, but one that asks for a compromise on sodium. With 1000mg of sodium per serve, this single tray accounts for 50% of the 2000mg daily limit, a significant figure for any ready meal and something to be mindful of if you're eating these regularly. The ingredient list runs to 39 items, a little longer than the typical ready meal we see. It lands with more protein than its sibling, the Youfoodz Thai Chicken Yellow Curry with Basmati Rice, which carries 0.4g less protein and 0.6g less sugar per 100g. The protein source is straightforward chicken breast, which is a plus, bulked out with durum wheat penne pasta. Ultimately, this tray sits in the Youfoodz lineup as a high-protein option for those who prioritise grams over all else. We see it as a solid backup meal to have in the fridge for a busy night, rather than a staple for daily eating, mostly due to that sodium load.
Protein Score: 8.3/10
This tray is the one you grab from the chiller when protein is the only number you're looking at. The 36.5 grams of protein per serve is a genuinely substantial hit for a ready meal, earning it a 7.1/10 score that puts it right on the category average. That protein is anchored by 27% chicken, which is a solid real-food source. The efficiency score, however, is a more modest 7.2 grams of protein for every 100 calories. It suggests that while the absolute protein number is high, it comes with a considerable amount of energy from the pasta and sauce. For a post-training meal, that protein count is more than enough to support recovery. But if you're chasing protein density without the calorie load, other options in the freezer aisle might offer a leaner profile.
Clean Score: 7.8/10
The stabilisers and preservatives in this tray are doing the work to keep the sauce together and ensure it lasts. With 39 ingredients and four key additives, including a stabiliser (415) and preservatives (223, 220), the meal earns a 6.2/10, which is standard for this category. Added sugar and a vegetable booster with carotene for colour are also on the list, pointing to a moderate level of processing to achieve a consistent product that holds up in the fridge and microwave. This is a typical trade-off for convenience in the ready meal aisle; the long ingredient list is what buys you a meal in minutes. Compared to the average ready meal, the ingredient count is slightly higher, but not unusually so. For shoppers who prefer a shorter, whole-food-focused ingredient list, this might be a point of friction, but it's otherwise a standard profile for a supermarket chilled meal.
Wins
- A high 36.5g of protein per serve.
- A complete meal with 511 calories.
- Made with real chicken breast as the main protein source.
Watch outs
- Contains 1000mg of sodium, half the daily recommended limit.
- A long list of 39 ingredients, including additives.
- Contains added sugar.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta (45%) (Durum Wheat), Chicken (27%), Water, Salsa Verde (Water, Canola Oil, Garlic Powder, Lemon Juice Concentrate, White Vinegar, Basil, Parsley, Chives, Salt, Sugar, Turmeric, Stabiliser (415), Spirulina), Sundried Tomato Strips (2%) (Acid (330), Preservative (223)), Champignon Mushroom (Acid (330), Antioxidant (300)), Milk Powder, Butter (Milk), Onion, Garlic (Acidity Regulator (260), Preservative (223)), Parmesan Cheese (Milk, Cultures, Non-Animal Rennet), Sweet Chilli Sauce (Stabiliser (415)), Red Wine (Preservative (220)), Flour (Wheat), Vegetable Booster (Colour (Carotene)), Natural Flavour, Tomato Paste (Acidity Regulator (300)), Sweet Paprika, Parsley, Truffle Flavoured Oil, Black Pepper, Oregano Mix.
39 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium is in this meal?
- This meal contains 1000mg of sodium per 316g serve. That represents approximately 50% of the 2000mg daily sodium limit recommended for adults. This is a significant amount for a single meal, making it a high-sodium option. If you are monitoring your salt intake, this is a critical number to consider. We'd treat this as an occasional meal rather than a daily staple.
- Is 36.5g of protein enough for a post-gym meal?
- Yes, 36.5 grams of protein is a substantial amount for a post-workout meal. For many people, this will be more than enough to support muscle repair and recovery after training. The meal also provides 511 calories, delivering the energy needed to refuel. While effective, just be mindful of the high sodium content if you plan to eat it regularly. For a one-off refuel, it does the job well.
- How does this compare to other Youfoodz meals?
- This Chicken Penne is one of the higher-protein options in the Youfoodz lineup we've seen, delivering 11.6g of protein per 100g. For comparison, their Thai Chicken Yellow Curry with Basmati Rice sits at 11.2g of protein per 100g. However, this meal also contains added sugar, which some other meals in the range do not. In our view, it's a trade-off between a higher protein count and a cleaner ingredient profile.
- Where can I buy this Youfoodz meal?
- This Youfoodz meal is catalogued in the chilled ready meal section at Coles supermarkets. Youfoodz is a widely stocked brand in major Australian supermarkets, so you can typically find it there. The brand may also sell products directly from their own website. We recommend checking the chiller aisle of your local Coles for this specific tray.
- How do I heat this meal?
- This meal is designed to be heated in the microwave for maximum convenience. As a chilled (not frozen) tray, it heats quickly, typically in just a few minutes. Simply pierce the film and follow the specific heating instructions on the packaging. There are no oven instructions provided, so the microwave is the intended and best method. This makes it a practical option for a quick work lunch or a fast weeknight dinner.