Patrick Oconnell
Green Giant offers a variety of broccoli and cheese products, including broccoli florets with cheese sauce, broccoli and zesty cheese sauce, and broccoli and cheese veggie tots. These products are advertised as being nutritious and convenient, with no artificial flavors or preservatives. Frozen vegetables have been shown in several studies to retain their nutrients due to the freezing process, which locks in vitamins and prevents nutrient loss over time. However, it is always advisable to consult a physician before making any dietary changes or beginning a weight loss regimen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 per serving |
| Weight Watchers PointsPlus value | 2 per serving |
| Nutritional value | Freezing locks in vitamins and nutrients |
| Ingredients | Broccoli, water, modified corn starch, enzyme-modified butter, various types of cheese, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, salt, whey protein concentrate, corn syrup solids, onion powder, sodium phosphate, sodium alginate, hydrolyzed corn gluten, xanthan gum, garlic powder, natural and artificial flavor, autolyzed yeast extract, torula yeast, soybean oil, lactic acid, dextrose, buttermilk, color, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate |
| Preparation | Microwave or stove-top |
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What You'll Learn
Broccoli & Cheese Sauce nutritional value
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of fibre and contains vitamins C and K, as well as folic acid, potassium, and iron. Freezing broccoli locks in these important vitamins and nutrients, preventing the nutrient loss that can occur in fresh vegetables over time.
Cheese is a dairy product that is also nutritious and provides a good amount of protein, calcium, and fat. It contains vitamins A and B12, as well as zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin.
When combined, broccoli and cheese sauce offer a variety of nutritional benefits. The cheese sauce adds a creamy texture and flavour to the broccoli, enhancing its taste and making it a more appealing dish for those who may not typically enjoy vegetables.
Green Giant's Broccoli & Cheese product provides a full serving of broccoli without any artificial flavours. The broccoli florets are picked at their peak and frozen to retain their nutritional value. The cheese sauce is made with a variety of ingredients, including water, modified corn starch, enzyme-modified butter, and different types of cheese, providing additional flavour and texture to the broccoli.
Overall, broccoli and cheese sauce can be a healthy and delicious option, offering a good balance of nutrients and flavour. It can be a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and is suitable for a meal, side dish, or snack.
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Freezing vegetables: do they lose nutrients?
Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese is a convenient and tasty option for those looking for a quick meal, side dish, or snack. It contains broccoli florets with no artificial flavors or preservatives and is claimed by the manufacturer to be nutritious.
Regarding the question of whether freezing vegetables leads to nutrient loss, the answer is nuanced. Frozen vegetables can retain their nutritional value and even be more nutritious than fresh produce in certain cases. Frozen vegetables are typically picked at peak ripeness and then quickly frozen, which helps to lock in nutrients. This means that frozen vegetables can sometimes have higher levels of certain nutrients compared to fresh produce that has been stored for a few days.
However, it is important to note that some nutrient loss can occur during the blanching and freezing processes. Blanching, which involves placing vegetables in boiling water for a short time, can lead to a loss of nutrients, but it also helps to preserve texture, flavor, and color while killing harmful bacteria. Overall, the nutrient loss due to freezing is generally small, and the type of nutrient also matters – macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fat are usually not affected by freezing.
When it comes to choosing between fresh and frozen vegetables, both options have their advantages. Fresh produce is undoubtedly healthy and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, frozen vegetables can be a convenient alternative when fresh produce is not available, and they can often be just as nutritious, if not more so, depending on storage times and transportation methods.
In summary, while there may be some minor nutrient loss when freezing vegetables, it is a minimal impact overall. Frozen vegetables, such as Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese, can be a healthy option, especially when compared to fresh produce that has been stored for extended periods.
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Weight Watchers endorsement
Green Giant's Broccoli & Cheese is a healthy option, offering a full serving of broccoli with no artificial flavours or preservatives. The product is endorsed by Weight Watchers, with a PointsPlus value of 2 per serving and 60 calories per serving.
The convenience of this product lies in its freezer-friendly packaging, with an easy-to-use microwavable pouch inside. This makes it a great option for a quick meal, side dish, or snack.
The broccoli is picked at its peak and frozen fast to lock in nutrients, ensuring that it is as nutritious as fresh broccoli. Several research studies support this, indicating that freezing vegetables preserves vitamins and prevents nutrient loss over time.
The endorsement by Weight Watchers further emphasizes the product's alignment with a balanced and healthy lifestyle. With a PointsPlus value of 2, it can easily fit into a Weight Watchers diet plan, providing a tasty and nutritious option for those watching their weight.
Additionally, Green Giant offers a variation with Zesty Cheese Sauce, providing a delicious twist to the classic broccoli and cheese combination. This product also carries the convenience and health benefits of the original, making it a great choice for those seeking variety in their meals without compromising on taste or nutrition.
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Artificial flavours and preservatives
Green Giant's Broccoli & Cheese products do contain artificial ingredients. The Broccoli & Cheese Sauce, for example, includes artificial flavour, as well as natural flavouring. However, Green Giant also offers products that are free from artificial flavours and preservatives. Their Broccoli & Cheese Veggie Tots, for instance, are loaded with broccoli and contain no artificial flavours. Similarly, their Broccoli Florets with cheese sauce also contain no artificial flavours or preservatives.
Artificial flavours are man-made chemicals that mimic natural flavours. They are created in a lab and designed to simulate the sensory experience of natural flavours. These synthetic compounds can be made from a variety of substances, including isolates from natural flavours, as well as completely synthetic chemicals. Artificial flavours are often cheaper to produce and can be more stable and consistent in taste compared to natural flavours, which is why they are commonly used in the food industry.
On the other hand, artificial preservatives are added to foods to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. They inhibit the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and mould, and help maintain the colour, texture, and flavour of the product. Common artificial preservatives include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and sulphites. While artificial preservatives enhance the longevity of food products, they have also been linked to potential negative health effects, including allergic reactions, digestive issues, and in some cases, more severe health concerns.
As a result, many consumers are increasingly seeking out products that are free from artificial preservatives and flavours. The absence of these artificial additives is often associated with a perception of higher quality and health benefits. Natural preservatives, such as salt, sugar, vinegar, and rosemary extract, are often preferred by health-conscious consumers. Similarly, natural flavours, derived directly from natural sources like spices, herbs, and essential oils, are considered safer and more wholesome.
In summary, while Green Giant's Broccoli & Cheese products may contain artificial ingredients, they also offer alternatives that are free from artificial flavours and preservatives. The presence of artificial additives in food products is a common concern for health-conscious consumers, and the food industry is increasingly responding to this demand by offering alternative products.
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Microwave and stove-top cooking instructions
Microwaving is the recommended method for cooking Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese. To cook, place the pouch on a microwavable plate and cut a small slit in the center. This ensures that the product is cooked evenly and prevents overheating in the microwave.
For stove-top cooking, a pot or pan can be used. As a general guideline, the broccoli should be heated in the pot or pan over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which the product is considered thoroughly cooked and safe to consume.
It is important to note that cooking times and heat settings may need adjustments depending on the specific model of microwave or stove-top being used. This is because different appliances can vary in terms of power and heat distribution. Always refer to the directions on the packaging and use your best judgment to ensure the product is cooked thoroughly and safely.
Green Giant Simply Steam Broccoli & Cheese products are designed with convenience and ease of preparation in mind. They are a delicious and nutritious option, perfect for a quick meal, side dish, or snack. The microwavable pouch inside the freezer-friendly box makes cooking a breeze and helps to lock in nutrients.
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Frequently asked questions
Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese is marketed as a healthy option, with no artificial flavors or preservatives. The product is endorsed by Weight Watchers, with 2 PointsPlus value per serving and 60 calories per serving.
The ingredients in Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese include broccoli florets, water, modified corn starch, enzyme-modified butter, and various types of cheese, including cheddar, baker's cheese, and Parmesan. The sauce also contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil, salt, and several other seasonings and additives.
Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese is available in the frozen food aisle at grocery retailers. It comes in a freezer-friendly, easy-to-stack box with a microwavable pouch inside, making it a convenient option for a meal, side dish, or snack.
