Youfoodz FUEL'D Spaghetti Bolognese
Youfoodz FUEL'D Spaghetti Bolognese: independently scored 8.0/10 on Protein Score and 8.2/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
33.7g protein per serve · 551 cal · 11.8g sugar · 1060mg sodium · 412g serve.
Overview
This is a meal of two halves. On one hand, Youfoodz delivers a genuinely high-protein bolognese, landing a huge 33.7-gram protein hit in a single tray that will actually fill you up. On the other, it comes with a massive 1060mg of sodium, which eats up around 53% of the 2000mg daily limit in one go. That sodium figure makes it a 'sometimes' meal, not an everyday staple. The ingredient list is shorter than you might expect, clocking in at 20 ingredients against a category average of 32. That's a good sign, showing it relies more on real food like beef mince, tomato, and vegetables rather than a long list of fillers and stabilisers. Protein per 100g is 8.2g, which is actually a little under the typical ready meal we see, highlighting that the big protein number comes from the generous 412g serve size. Compared with the brand's Slow-cooked Lamb with Loaded Mash, this bolognese packs slightly less protein per 100g (by 0.2g) and a fraction more sugar. The protein here comes from real beef mince, served on a classic spaghetti base made from durum wheat. As a chilled meal found in the supermarket fridge, it's built for pure convenience. If you need a substantial, protein-heavy dinner after a huge day and can absorb the sodium hit, it does the job. We just wouldn't recommend eating it two days in a row.
Protein Score: 8.0/10
Youfoodz's FUEL'D range is built to deliver a bigger protein hit than their standard meals, and this bolognese tray is no exception. The 33.7 grams of protein per serve is a significant number for a supermarket ready meal, easily clearing the bar for a high-protein dinner and earning a 7.3/10. That score puts it above the category average. The protein density, however, tells a different story. At just 6.1 grams of protein for every 100 calories, it sits in the padded-carbs band, meaning the big per-serve number is driven by the large 412g portion size, not by lean efficiency. For the person who needs a quick, filling meal after training, that trade-off might be perfectly fine. It delivers the headline protein number without you needing to cook. But if you're chasing the most efficient protein-per-calorie source, other meals in the chiller aisle will get you there with less carb padding.
Clean Score: 8.2/10
How processed is a 20-ingredient microwave meal, really? In this case, the answer is 'less than you'd think', with the meal scoring a 7/10 for its clean profile. It's a surprisingly straightforward recipe for a product designed for a long supermarket shelf life. The ingredient list is shorter than the ready-meal average and is anchored by recognisable foods: beef mince, crushed tomato, pasta, and vegetables. There are no artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives. The score is mainly influenced by the presence of added sugar and one flavour enhancer (635) used in the booster stocks. This result is ahead of the category average, which is a credit to the formulation. It shows that convenience doesn't always have to mean a long list of gums, stabilisers and emulsifiers. For a quick meal, it represents a solid choice for the ingredient-conscious shopper who can't face the kitchen.
Wins
- A substantial 33.7g of protein in a single-serve meal.
- Made with real beef mince as the primary protein source.
- Fewer ingredients (20) than the typical ready meal.
Watch outs
- Extremely high sodium at 1060mg, over half the daily limit.
- Low protein density at just 6.1g per 100 calories.
- Contains added sugar, unlike many others in the range.
Ingredients
Bolognese Sauce (51%) (Beef Mince (19%), Crushed Tomato (Tomato, Acid (330)), Tomato Paste, Carrot, Celery, Onion, Garlic, Beef Booster, Mushroom Booster (Flavour Enhancer (635)), Natural Flavour, Brown Sugar, Sweet Paprika, Italian Herbs, Black Pepper, Parsley, Salt), Spaghetti (49%) (Durum Wheat).
20 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium is in the Youfoodz FUEL'D Spaghetti Bolognese?
- This meal contains 1060mg of sodium per 412g serve. That represents approximately 53% of the 2000mg suggested daily target, which is a very significant amount for a single meal. While sodium is essential, a load this high makes it difficult to stay within the daily limit if you eat other processed foods. We would consider this an occasional meal rather than a daily staple, especially for anyone monitoring their blood pressure or sodium intake.
- Is this Youfoodz meal filling enough for dinner?
- Yes, for most people this will be a satisfying dinner. The combination of 551 calories and 33.7 grams of protein makes it a substantial meal, not a light snack. The protein content promotes satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer compared to a meal based purely on carbohydrates. It's sized to be a complete, filling meal for one adult, especially after a workout or a long day.
- Where can I buy the Youfoodz FUEL'D Spaghetti Bolognese?
- This meal is part of the Youfoodz range stocked in the chilled ready-meal aisle at Coles supermarkets. You may also find it available for order directly from the Youfoodz website, as they run their own meal delivery service. It is not a frozen product, so you will find it in the refrigerated section of the store, ready to heat and eat.
- How do I heat this meal?
- This is a chilled ready meal designed to be heated in the microwave. You simply need to pierce the plastic film on top of the tray and heat it for the time specified on the packaging, which is typically around 4-6 minutes. It's not designed for conventional oven cooking. The format is built for maximum convenience, offering a hot, high-protein meal in minutes with no preparation or cleanup required.
- How does its protein content compare to other ready meals?
- The 33.7 grams of protein per serve is very high for a supermarket ready meal and is the main selling point. However, the protein per 100g is 8.2g, which is actually lower than the category average. This shows the big protein number comes from the large 412g serve size, not from being exceptionally lean. In our view, it's a great way to get a big protein hit, but less efficient than some other options if you're tracking protein per calorie.