Is Amy's Gluten Free Frozen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake Meal Bowls Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist looking at the label of Amy's Gluten Free Frozen Broccoli & Cheddar Bake Meal Bowls, the classification is straightforward. The product is marketed as gluten-free, but it is not dairy-free or vegan. The primary issue lies in the creamy sauce and cheese components used to bind the rice pasta and broccoli together.

The most obvious culprits are found early in the ingredient list. The product contains organic lowfat milk and white cheddar cheese. The cheddar is defined as pasteurized milk, culture, salt, and enzymes, which is the standard definition of dairy cheese. Furthermore, the inclusion of butter (made from cream and salt) adds another layer of animal-derived fat to the dish.

It is also worth noting for those with soy sensitivities that the rice pasta used in this bowl contains organic soy flour. While soy is plant-based, it is a common allergen and distinct from the dairy ingredients that render this meal non-vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this meal bowl is designed for convenience and comfort. It provides a moderate amount of calories, roughly 350 per serving, which is standard for a frozen lunch entrée. However, because it relies on cheese, milk, and butter for flavor, the saturated fat content is relatively high for a single meal.

The dish does contain organic broccoli, which offers some fiber and vitamins, but the base is primarily refined rice flour and starches. The sugar content is low (only 2g), coming mostly from organic agave syrup, so it isn't overly sweet. It fits well within a gluten-free diet plan, but the sodium levels (over 600mg) are something to watch if you are monitoring blood pressure.