Back to product search
Waitrosefood

Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose: Health Score & Analysis

Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose is a classic prepared meal that users often scan to understand its nutritional profile and processing level. While it offers a convenient protein-rich option, it contains specific ingredients that may affect your health goals. Our analysis explores these components to help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Updated August 28, 2026Product analysis

Health score

Mixed

0

/ 100
PoorExcellent

Verdict: moderate

Key takeaways

  • Moderate protein content of 8.03g per 100g
  • Contains processed smoked bacon with nitrates
  • Low environmental score of 15/100
  • Contains refined wheat flour for thickening
  • Sodium content is 250.46mg per 100g

Our read on this product

This meal provides 8.03g of protein per 100g, but the inclusion of smoked bacon introduces nitrates and nitrites, which are generally discouraged. While beef provides essential nutrients, the overall health score of 55/100 is tempered by the presence of sugar and refined wheat flour. Environmentally, the product scores poorly at 15/100 due to the high water and carbon footprint inherent in beef production. The salt content is moderate at 250.46mg per 100g, requiring awareness for those monitoring sodium intake. Overall, it serves as a flavorful occasional dish rather than a foundational health staple.

Best for

This product is suitable for individuals seeking a convenient, high-protein meal who do not have strict restrictions on processed meats or gluten.

Approach with care

Individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or those actively avoiding processed meats like bacon should avoid this meal.

Ingredient breakdown

Neutral ingredients

Beef: Neutral
red wine: Neutral
wheat flour: Neutral

Ingredients to watch

smoked bacon: Watch out
sugar: Watch out
Neutral

Beef

Beef provides the primary protein source and savory depth for this dish. While rich in iron and B12, high consumption of red meat is often limited in health guidelines due to associations with cardiovascular risks.

Neutral

red wine

Used for deglazing and creating the classic depth of flavor in a Bourguignon. It contains small amounts of antioxidants like resveratrol, though its alcohol content is mostly cooked off.

Watch out

smoked bacon

Adds a salty, smoky complexity to the sauce. It is a processed meat containing nitrates and nitrites, which are linked to negative long-term health outcomes.

Neutral

wheat flour

Acts as a thickener to provide the desired consistency for the sauce. It is a source of refined carbohydrates and is not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Watch out

sugar

Used in small quantities to balance the acidity of the wine and tomatoes. Excessive added sugar intake is discouraged for maintaining healthy metabolic function.

Nutrition facts

Values shown per 100g

Energy

87.08 kcal

Protein

8.03g

Carbs

5.57g

Fat

3.48g

Fiber

0.8g

Sugar

1.82g

low

Sodium

250.46mg

medium

Saturated fat

1.2g

low

Fiber

0.8g

low

How it scores against your goal

Mood Effect

A
B
C
D
E

While the protein content provides some stability, the processed additives and small sugar content offer little long-term support for mood regulation.

Muscle Gain

A
B
C
D
E

With 8.03g of protein per 100g, this provides a decent amino acid source, though it is lower in total volume than pure lean protein sources.

Weight Loss

A
B
C
D
E

The calorie density is reasonable, but the presence of processed meats and refined flours may not support satiety as effectively as whole foods.

Flu Recovery

A
B
C
D
E

It lacks the high concentration of immune-boosting vitamins and minerals needed to actively support recovery from a viral illness.

Fever Recovery

A
B
C
D
E

This meal may be too heavy and processed to serve as an ideal recovery food during an acute fever compared to soups or broths.

Pcos Management

A
B
C
D
E

The inclusion of processed meats and refined carbohydrates can contribute to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance associated with PCOS.

Diabetes Management

A
B
C
D
E

The use of wheat flour and added sugar may impact blood glucose stability, making this less ideal for strict diabetes management.

Myth busters

Not supported

This meal is a great source of fiber

It relies on refined wheat flour for thickening rather than whole-grain fibers, providing minimal dietary fiber.

Supported

Contains processed meat

The ingredient list includes smoked bacon, which is a processed meat containing added nitrites.

Not supported

It is a low-sodium meal

With 250.46mg of sodium per 100g, it contributes significantly to daily limits if consumed in large portions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose considered healthy?

+

Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose is considered a moderate choice because it offers decent protein levels but contains processed bacon and refined thickeners.

What is the main health concern regarding Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose?

+

Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose contains smoked bacon, which is a processed meat linked to negative health outcomes due to its nitrate and nitrite content.

Does Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose contain any gluten?

+

Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose contains wheat flour, making it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Is Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose environmentally friendly?

+

Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose has a very low environmental score of 15/100 due to the significant carbon and water footprint associated with beef production.

What is a better alternative to Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose?

+

Beef Bourguignon by Waitrose can be replaced with a homemade stew using lean cuts of beef, fresh vegetables, and natural thickeners to avoid additives.