Kashi Black Bean Mango

August 30, 2006 | Reviewer: Abi

Kashi Black Bean Mango Price: $3.00 on sale, free from Kashi
Serving: 1 entree, 10 oz.
Calories: 340
Fat: 12%, 8g
Sodium: 0%, 0mg
Sodium: 18%, 430mg
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 19%, 58g
Fiber: 28%, 7g
Weight Watchers Points: 7 Points

for omnivores
for vegans

Kashi says: Black beans with roasted red onions and green peppers, red peppers and carrots. Served over Kashi 7 Whole Grains Pilaf and topped with fire-roasted mango sauce. A delicious dish that’s Vegan too!

Abi says: “Please let this be full of mango, please let this be full of mango.”

That was the mantra I chanted to myself while tearing open the end of the Kashi Black Bean Mango box. Unfortunately for me, this meal contained only 12 nubs of mango. Yes, I counted. The frozen meal was also covered in a sauce. A light yellow sauce. Ok, so reading the package informed me that this was a ‘Zesty Mango Sauce’, but I don’t really read the package when I buy meals. You’d think I did, but really I’m more of a pictures girl, that’s how I get into so much frozen food trouble. Then again, the ratio of carrot to mango shown in the image on the box is reversed in the actual food product.

The actual experience of eating the mango made me realize that you don’t actually want a meal full of mango chunks. Why? They begin to approximate the texture of apples in apple pie (sort of mushy), thererefore negating the mango-ness that probably led you to buy the meal in the first place. The mangos and sauce do add a heady sweetness to the meal, wonderfully offsetting the black beans and nutty Kashi blend.

I dig Kashi’s sense of spice, which is much, much more adventurous than that of most frozen meal producers (I’m looking at you Lean Cuisine). The sauce, or peppers, or something magically hovering in the Kashi itself gave my tastebuds a little kick. I greatly appreciated the change of seasoning pace. Where I’m concerned is the overwhelming amount of zesty mango sauce. I stirred all of my sauce into the meal and realized that it was pretty much drenched in the goo. On the flip side, I’d probably be a little disappointed if I had to eat a bunch of dry Kashi.

In case you’re not familiar with Kashi’s products, you should know that they involve a great many whole grains (7, to be exact). Whole grains are covered in bran and require a great deal of chewing. While those of you in a hurry are probably not going to like this feature, I found it a refreshing change from the general sogginess of frozen meals.

Would I eat Kashi meals every day? A definite NO. My mom gave me a few Kashi TLC bars (aka granola bars) while I was in Oregon. The combo of a Kashi meal for lunch and a Kashi bar snack pretty much made me detest all things Kashi for the rest of the week. Pace yourself, folks.

Tanya at IateaPie.net gave this meal a try too.

comments

29 Responses to “Kashi Black Bean Mango”

Nicole on August 30th, 2006

So, if stars generally equal taste and satisfaction, does that mean that Vegans have lower standards of both? JK
Abi on August 30th, 2006

As a person who has endured veganism for a full thirty days, I can say that they generally lead less satisfactory lives.
Jeanne on October 15th, 2006

I think too much kick (jalapeno peppers). This meal requires a tissue to dry up the running nose and watery eyes as you eat. I didn’t expect that kick. Glad I didn’t pick it up as a healthy meal for an aging parent. Perhaps advertise “hot and spicy” Kashi Black Bean Mango. I will try them all - glad to see some convenience foods with a healthy attitude.
lisat on October 17th, 2006

As a vegan who “endures” everyday, I can assure you we don’t lead a “less than satisfactory” culinary life. In fact, vegans experience more variety on a daily basis than those who exploit animals for consumption.

This particular frozen entree was a true disappointment. Save yourself some money and sodium and MAKE A REAL MEAL. It’s the most bland and expensive thing I ever wasted money for. Won’t be buying it again.
Bill on October 26th, 2006

I liked it! It was a bit on the hot-and-spicy side, which I did not expect, and had less mango than expected. The price will keep me from buying it often, but I will buy it again!
Mary on November 15th, 2006

I just had my first Black Bean Mango meal, and I thought it was great! Not too spicy, but more flavorful than most frozen entrees. And the hearty grains were fabulous–I felt like I was eating something relatively good for me, a feeling I don’t often get from meals in a plastic tub. Loved it!
katie on January 2nd, 2007

i love vegans who try to insist their food generally tastes anything other then crappy. we all know why you dont eat animals, something i can partially understand, but just admit it, your food is horrendous. all that overprocessed “tastes like chicken” soy stuff is disgusting and personally, i dont think it can be good for you. i had this meal, not cause i am a vegan, but just cause i like kashi. i didnt think it was half bad. at least there were no soy products.
Jen on January 22nd, 2007

Okay. I’m eating this as I type and it is so spicy. My nose is running and I have to take a break in between bites to let my mouth recover. I will never buy this again….
Melissa on January 25th, 2007

I had this for the first time as a new mommy who is trying to get her pre-baby shape back and is looking for healthy lunch options. I really dug it. The kashi has a nice texture and I also like the sauce. I cooked it for a few minutes longer than it advised to dry it up a bit because following the instructions left it runny, but then I quite enjoyed it. The Kashi lunches might be amongst my favorites.
Sarah on January 30th, 2007

I actually like this quite a bit. It is a little more expensive, but it’s less expensive than going out to lunch and less time consuming then making your lunch.

I am happy. I like the spicy.. I’m not sure what it is though. I wouldn’t mind trying to make a version of this meal myself.

It’s much better than some other frozen trays for lunches.
Sarah on January 30th, 2007

By the way.. I just now finished it and I am SOOO full. I have been snacking on grapes, carrots, and a banana through out the morning, and I have been drinking lots of water, but seriously, I am full.
Kay Andrew on February 1st, 2007

I just now finished eating “Black Bean Mango” for lunch at my desk. I love it! It’s the most unique frozen dinner I’ve ever eaten;you can taste the nutty-sweet-spicy flavors separately, and the different textures make my palate happy. It is a little expensive, but I live in a small town where I could pay more money for an artery-clogging “fast-food” lunch and feel racked with guilt the rest of the day.
Peggy Campbell on February 20th, 2007

My husband does the grocery shopping and he brought home this frozen meal for me when he’s away. I am absolutely crazy over this frozen meal. Most frozen dinners leave me still hungry but this one left me feeling quite satisfied. I would like to duplicate this recipe in my own kitchen. All the ingredients were tasty and I loved the nutty taste of the 7 whole grains. It is too expensive but I believe it is very nutritious.
Lori Tatam on February 28th, 2007

I bought this the other night at the grocery store because I really liked the sound of the combination of ingredients. I had it for lunch today and I absolutely love Black Beans and Mango! I went back this afternoon and bought 4 more boxes to have on hand for a quick meal. It was a little zesty but that wasn’t off-putting. I loved the whole grains and roasted peppers and bit of sweet mango. I don’t believe I’ve ever tried a Kashi frozen dinner before this and will try others of theirs.
Kristin Kall... on March 15th, 2007

I loved this dish. Wish I could figure out how to make it at home…. Any hints?
Jean Camp on March 16th, 2007

This Black Bean Mango is my first experience with Kashi frozen meals and I really liked it. Not only did it give the fiber my diet requires but the mango added just the right “zing” to keep the flavors from being bland.
Leo on April 25th, 2007

This is my 5th week into my exercise plan and watching what I eat. I am not vegan, but need to cut back considerably on protein. One thing I have noticed, it is very difficult to get the recommended amount of fiber per day. Fiber is a critical part of my diet, as it is nutrition I need and makes me feel fuller. This is how I met Kashi. I enjoy most of their products. Go Lean cereals are really good, snack bars, and now this lunch entree. Is it the best lunch I’ve ever had? No. But to lower my cholesterol, increase my fiber intake, I need to look for these types of products. Yes, it would be better to make my lunch. But thatâ€™s not realistic for me, and I know that. I would be setting myself up for failure if I relied on a homemade lunch. The price for this lunch entrÃ©e is a little high, but consider the alternative. If I buy my lunch at work, I will spend $7-$10 and will not be as healthy. So Kashi…bring it on. More products please cuz Iâ€™m saving money and losing weight. Has anyone tried the frozen waffles?
Joe on July 22nd, 2007

I’ve been pressuring my wife to go vegan with me after learning the terrors of animal cruelty and just a plain fact that America doesn’t want it’s people to be healthy. So stray away from the mainstream and buy a Kashi meal. Knowing I wanted to make the change she picked up this meal from Walmart and it wasn’t expensive at all. A few bucks I believe. I was skeptical at first. But what the hey? It’s hot!! I like hot stuff so I can’t complain. It’s amazing how this meal has just the right amount to control how much you eat while filling you up with the good stuff you need. No additives. It seems too good to be true but it apparently is. I will be trying more of their meals. I also tried one of their cereals. It was very good and gives you everything a typical American fast food diet won’t. Go vegan and stop listening to the hypocrites who don’t like change.
Zelda on September 27th, 2007

Sorry vegans, I will never stop eating my delicious animal products. FYI, they are cruelty free. I buy my meat, eggs and dairy from local farmers. I actually visited the pig farm where my crisp, scrumptious bacon was conceived. Those pigs live better lives than I do. And, well, killing them may seem cruel to you, but if they hadn’t been bred to feed my ass in the first place, they never would have been born to enjoy their frolics in fields of greens.

And also, if veganism is so great, why all the Chikken Nuggetz and Soy-sages on the market? If meat sucks, why are so many soy-tofu products dyed brown and packed into little steak-shaped molds in the factories? How can THAT shit be any healthier for you than a nice lean pork loin from the local cruelty-free farm?

And…also….how can anyone not eat animal products? That sucks. What do you eat? Cheese, yogurt, eggs, milk….I couldn’t live a day without them. All the chewy grains and legumes and fake nasty cheeses in the world couldn’t satisfy me.
Steve on December 30th, 2007

I can’t believe people are complaining about how “spicy” this meal is.
I’m not vegan but I was shopping today and thought I’d try it. I thought it was great and will replicate it in my kitchen.

I wonder how underdeveloped a persons palate could be being that they reserve it for what most people would consider a relatively unstimulating food style.
Sarah on January 25th, 2008

i, too, love this and want to recreate it in my kitchen. any hints?
Orangutan on March 10th, 2008

Excellent taste and quite filling despite just having 340 calories. I love the unique rice in there.
Nsomniak6 on April 29th, 2008

I loved this and really enjoyed. the kick of the spiciness. Honestly the only thing that bothered me was the portion size. It felt more like a side dish, but I guess I could stand to eat a little less. I would really like to replicate this or something similar at least. I have never really made anything with these types of grain, but i am trying to include more grain anyway.

Yummy but expensive.
Veggin' it. on November 30th, 2008

Zelda … I pity you.
BusyB on April 9th, 2009

Even if you’re not vegan, this is pretty good for a frozen meal. Kashi chicken tends to be have surprises in it sometimes. Also, I’ve noticed Kashi sometimes has a freezer-burn taste which I’ve only ever noticed in their chicken.

It’s not too spicy if you’re used to medium salsa. The only serious complaint I have against Kashi meals, in general, is that they don’t ever have enough vegetables… so I add some forzen broccoli which soaks up the excess sauce.
Rosemary on April 19th, 2009

Soy not good for you? Why do I see this over and over again on this? “Cannot possibly be good for you” Do you know what soy is? Soybean. Bean. Needless to say, that is ridiculous.

Soy nuggets (chicken imitating) are yes made to taste like chicken. I understand its a bit confusing for people considering vegans generally aren’t chasing the “animal” flavors. If I had to be harsh, I would say they are for 16 year olds that go on vegan kicks. Or someone like me who feeds her son, but still enjoys the easy fast HEALTHY SOY nuggets. I can safely say that vegans generally don’t even glance at them in the stores. GENERALLY.

I also may add that soy isn’t used in the common “vegan folk” kitchen to replace animal. I know it sounds crazy, but some people actually just enjoy it. I don’t know whose vegan kitchen you have been in, but every great friend of mine never has me missing meat and their food is nothing short of magnificent. I would even bet the modern day vegan cooks better than your very own grandma.

With this said, I am an OMNIVORE. It just got my panties in a bunch reading all the negative posts. I cherish and envy every vegan - it is an honorable feat .

Rosemary
25, San Diego
Abi Jones on April 19th, 2009

Rosemary, the comments left here on Heat Eat Review are the opinions of those comment-leavers. Some folks enjoy soy-based products and some don’t.

And, some folks who are vegan make most of their foods from scratch and some supplement with store-bought convenience products.

To each their own.

Sincerely,
Abi
James on June 9th, 2009

I tried this today and I think it tastes great. The nutrition numbers look good and I would eat it once a week or more. I am not a vegan but I enjoy healthy low fat dishes. This meal tastes as good a a high fat meat dinner. Maybe they changed the recipe but I found the spice level to be rather mild. There is just enough to give it a nice kick but I think most reasonable people will classify the heat level as quite low. The flavors are rather complex with the sweetness of the mango contrasting well with the other ingredients. Overall, this is up there with Morningstar Farms® Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burgers.
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