A Look at Applegate® Well Carved™ Organic Meatballs

As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I get samples of new food products all the time. Many are tasty, but not always the healthiest and others that are really nutritious aren’t necessarily the most appealing. In this sponsored post, I’m so excited to share with you a product line that delivers on both taste and good health— Applegate® Well Carved™.  

Ode to Applegate

Applegate and I go way back. As a former member of their advisory “Sandwich Board”  I have first-hand knowledge of how much love and attention go into all their products. My family are big fans of their natural and organic meat products from animals Applegate humanely raise without antibiotics and added hormones. However, its Well Carved™ line (that I’m totally obsessing) over pairs Applegate humanely raised meat with organic vegetables, legumes, and grains to create blended products that will satisfy those who love the taste and texture of meat but are also mindful of their meat intake. I tried the organic Asian Style and Mediterranean Style meatballs. As a dietitian, these check all the boxes: better for you, more planet-friendly, delicious, and easy to prepare. They are microwavable, stove-top friendly, and if you have an air fryer, you MUST make them in there. They cook up quickly and have the perfect golden crust on the outside.

Flexing

Most Americans do not eat the recommended 2 1/2 cups of vegetables daily and blended meat and veggie products are a step in the right direction to help Americans hit that goal. The Flexitarian style of eating strikes the delicious balance of animal and plant-based foods together. Along these lines, Applegate was able to find the ideal blend of meat to veggies, legumes, and grains to create two flavorful meatballs that deliver a ¼ cup of vegetables per serving, while also staying true to that meat forward flavor. What’s more, the veggies make them super juicy too.

Another nutritional benefit to Well Carved™ products, is that they have fewer calories, total fat, and saturated fat compared to their conventional counterparts.

If you have concerns about ingredients or food sensitivities, I’m happy to share that these are USDA Organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. There’s nothing artificial and all the ingredients used could be found in your kitchen. Literally, you could make these in your own kitchen… Applegate is just giving you the option of convenience and reduced prep time.

Nutrition Facts – and Recipe Ideas

Here’s more information on the two Applegate Organics® Well Carved™ meatball varieties I tried.

Applegate® Well Carved™ Organic Asian Style Meatballs

Organic pork mixed with organic brown rice, green onion, carrot, parsley, ginger, garlic, spinach, sea salt, rice starch, lemongrass, and black pepper.

Per serving: 220 calories, 16g fat, 5 g saturated fat

Applegate® Well Carved™ OrganicMediterranean Style Meatballs

Organic turkey mixed with organic yellow lentils, feta cheese, spinach, sea salt, rice starch, dill, garlic, black pepper, and olive oil

Per serving: 140 calories, 7 g fat, 1.5g saturated fat

There are so many ways to turn these tasty meatballs into simple family meals. Here are my top 5 faves.

1. Lettuce cups with lots of veggie toppings and sauces (such as my green sauce , honey mustard or chimichurri)
2. Pizza (duh, of course!?)
3. Stuffed spaghetti squash with sauce and melted cheese
4. Stuffed baked sweet potatoes
5. Brown rice or zucchini noodle bowls with peanut sauce

Other Fun (and Money Saving) Info ….

Where to buy Well Carved™ products ….Look for Applegate® Well Carved™ products in select retailers or online at Fresh Direct and Instacart.

Applegate Well Carved™ Downloadable Coupon