Youfoodz Loaded Pumpkin Lasagne with Creamy Bechamel Sauce
Youfoodz Loaded Pumpkin Lasagne with Creamy Bechamel Sauce: independently scored 5.6/10 on Protein Score and 7.3/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
14g protein per serve · 414 cal · 11.7g sugar · 1110mg sodium · 300g serve.
Overview
A huge sodium load is the story here, with a single 300g tray delivering 1110mg - roughly 56% of the 2000mg daily recommended limit. That number positions this meal at the very high end for sodium, even for the ready meal category, making it an occasional convenience rather than a weekly staple. As a vegetarian option in a range often dominated by chicken and beef, it fills a gap. The protein comes from chickpeas, lentils and dairy, but the total count is low for a 414-calorie meal. Compared with the brand's Beef Chilli Con Carne, this lasagne has 1.9g less protein and 1.1g more sugar per 100g, showing the trade-off for the creamy, pumpkin-based recipe. With 35 ingredients including thickeners and gums, it's a moderately processed meal built for consistency and a long life in the chiller aisle. We see it as a backup meal for when the kitchen is off-limits, but not one to build a meal plan around if you're watching your sodium or chasing a high-protein diet.
Protein Score: 5.6/10
Is this lasagne a genuine protein meal? The numbers suggest it's more of a light comfort meal, with 14g of protein in a 414-calorie tray. This earns it a 4.4/10 for protein, lagging the typical ready meal we analyse. The protein-per-calorie metric is the clearest signal. At just 3.4g of protein for every 100 calories, it sits firmly in the padded-carb territory, meaning you get a lot more energy from fats and carbohydrates than you do from protein. Stack this against the meat-based options in the Youfoodz lineup, and the protein gap is clear. It's a trade-off for a creamy, vegetarian recipe, but one that protein-focused shoppers should be aware of before reaching for it as a post-gym dinner.
Clean Score: 7.3/10
Thickeners (1422), an emulsifier (472e) and vegetable gums (415, 407) are the main additives that shape the score here. Combined with a 35-item ingredient list, this tray lands with a 5.8/10 for its processing level, which is just below the category average. These ingredients are common in ready meals, used to create the creamy bechamel sauce and ensure the lasagne holds its texture after being heated in the microwave. They are the cost of convenience, delivering a consistent product that can sit in the chiller. While there are no artificial colours or preservatives, the presence of added sugar and modified starch means it's a step away from a from-scratch kitchen meal. It's a trade-off for a quick dinner without the prep, but not a choice for those seeking a short, whole-food ingredient list.
Wins
- 414 calories makes for a substantial single-serve meal.
- Vegetarian protein from chickpeas, lentils and dairy.
- Heats in minutes for a fast weeknight dinner.
Watch outs
- 1110mg of sodium per serve is over half the daily limit.
- Only 14g of protein, which is light for a main meal.
- Contains 11.7g of sugar per tray, including added sugar.
Ingredients
Pumpkin (21%), Bechamel (19%) (Water, Milk Powder, Butter (Milk), Flour (Wheat), Natural Flavour, Salt, White Pepper), Lasagne Sheets (Durum Wheat, Water, Wheat Flour (Thiamine, Folic Acid), Whole Egg), Chickpeas (10%) (Chickpeas, Salt, Antioxidant (300)), Water, Lentils (8%) (Lentils, Salt), Thickened Cream (Skim Milk, Cream (Milk), Thickener (1422), Emulsifier (472e), Vegetable Gums (415, 407)), Tasty Cheese (Milk), Caramelised Onion (Milk), Butter (Milk), Onion, Potato, Brown Sugar, Parmesan Cheese (Milk), Garlic, Vegetable Booster, Modified Starch (1422), Natural Flavour, Salt, Parsley, White Pepper.
33 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sodium is in this lasagne?
- This meal contains 1110mg of sodium in a single 300g serve. That represents approximately 56% of the 2000mg daily sodium limit suggested for adults. This is a very high sodium load for a single meal, placing it at the upper end of the ready meal category. We would consider this an occasional meal, not one to be eaten regularly, especially if you are monitoring your blood pressure or overall sodium consumption.
- Is this meal filling enough for dinner?
- At 414 calories per 300g tray, this lasagne is substantial enough to be considered a full dinner for many people. However, with only 14g of protein, it may not provide the same level of satiety as a more protein-dense meal. Protein is a key driver of feeling full after eating. While the carbs and fats provide energy, you might find it less filling than other meals with 25g of protein or more.
- How do I heat up this Youfoodz meal?
- This meal is designed to be heated in the microwave for maximum convenience. You typically pierce the film and heat it for a few minutes, according to the instructions on the package. It comes in a microwave-safe tray, so there's no need for extra dishes. While some ready meals can be heated in the oven, this one is primarily intended for a quick microwave warm-up, making it ideal for an office lunch or fast dinner.
- Where can I buy this Youfoodz pumpkin lasagne?
- Youfoodz meals are widely available in the chiller aisle at major Australian supermarkets, with this particular lasagne listed at Coles. You may also find it stocked at other independent grocers. The brand also sometimes sells its products directly from its own website. Availability can vary by store location, so it's always best to check your local supermarket.
- How does this meal compare to other Youfoodz options?
- Compared to many other meals in the Youfoodz range we have seen, this pumpkin lasagne sits at the lower end for protein content and the higher end for sugar. For instance, many of the brand's meat-based or FUEL'D options offer significantly more protein per serve. This meal serves a different purpose as a creamy, vegetarian comfort meal, but it's not the strongest choice in their lineup if your goal is maximising protein intake.