Product Review: Coles Frozen Convenience Meal Spaghetti Bolognese | 375g

What's in it

Bolognese Sauce (66%) [Water, Tomatoes (22%) (Tomato, Acidity Regulator (330), Firming Agent (509)), No Added Hormones Australian Beef Mince (20%), Onion, Tomato Paste (6%), Carrot, Thickener (1422), Sugar, Garlic, Salt, Emulsifier (473), Yeast Extracts (Natural Flavour), Basil, Black Pepper, Celery Ground, Bay leaf, Thyme, Paprika, Oregano], Cooked Pasta (33%) [Water, Durum Wheat Semolina (40%)], Parmesan cheese (1.0%) (Milk)

Allergens 

Wheat, Dairy, Gluten

May contain (allergen label)

Cashew, Egg, Peanut

Age / who it is suitable for

Toddlers to adults 

Texture

Very moist, less pasta and more sauce than similar products. The sauce is thin and pasta is soggy.

Cost

$4 per 375g/packet ($1.07 per 100g)

What we like

• Protein: 4.5g/100g
• Sodium: The sodium is 238mg per 100g and we are aiming for less than 400mg per 100g. 
• Total Fat: 4.9g per 100g, which is below the recommended 10g per 100g.
• Saturated Fat is 2.4g per 100g, making it low in saturated fat as we want it below 3g per 100g.  
• Sugar: This product has 2.3g per 100g, making it low sugar. 
• Fibre: 4.13g per serve, making it a good source of fibre. We want 3g or more per serve. 
• Iron: 2.3mg per serve 

What we like less: 

This product is in a plastic packaging. The texture and flavour leave a little to be desired (but babies surprise us with what they like).

Packaging Claims: 

Good source of protein. No added hormones. No artificial colours & flavours. 

The Take Home:  

Budget option, less expensive than similar pasta options on the market targeted specifically for babies and kids. As a convenient spag bol option it stacks up pretty well. Similar on the nutrition front to other “kid specific” products like this but about ⅓ of the price. Not a veggie in sight so you could add in some frozen peas and corn if your little one would eat this (either on side or mixed in).