Price: $1.33 (on sale)
Serving: 7.25 oz.
Calories: 150 per serving
Fat: 9%, 6g
Cholesterol: 22%, 65mg
Sodium: 31%, 740mg
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 6%, 19g
Fiber: 3%, Less than 1g
Sugar: 1g
Weight Watchers Points: 3 per serving

Tabatchnick says: Nothing beyond the title, actually.

Chavi says: Struck with an uncomfortable stomach ache, I headed to the store for some bread (for toasting) and some soup. After grabbing the bread I headed to the soup aisle to find that not a darn thing was on sale (it being nearly summertime and all), and nothing seemed to strike my fancy. I’m not one for watery soups, preferring thicker, stew-style ones, but on that day a soupy soup was necessary for what ailed me.

After scanning all the brands — Campbell’s, Healthy Choice, the house brand — nothing looked good, and I didn’t want to spend three bucks on a can of soup because I’m cheap. So I walked away, defeated and headed to the frozen food section for other options. I checked out the frozen pizzas and Lean Cuisines, but still, nothing was hitting the spot. And then I happened to wander by that rare gem: the frozen organic and Kosher foods section.

You know you’ve walked past it, checked out the frozen latkes and blintzes, perhaps you’ve even spotted the Tabatchnick soups and thought — ‘I wonder if?’ Well, I have an answer for you. I saw the comforting looking chicken noodle/matzo ball soup style box, and my stomach declared “yes!” Before stuffing it in my basket, and it being a frozen soup, I checked out the instructions. I wanted absolute ease. There are directions for the microwave and the stove, and not having a microwave at home, I went for the stove option — stick the packet of soup in a pan of boiling water and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Now, I’m a sucker for some good matzo ball soup. I’ve had the best of the best from some of the greatest delis and Jewish grandmas out there, so I was skeptical. But this soup? It needs nothing. I thought, maybe I’ll need the pepper, but on a single taste, it was perfect. I have to imagine they locked a hundred Jewish grandmothers in a room to get a recipe this precise, especially considering it’s of the frozen variety. The matzo balls aren’t exactly balls, but they get the point across. The noodles were tender and although it could have used some more of the vegetables, it was on par with what one would expect from a fresh bowl of chicken noodle soup with a matzo flair.

There being just two matzo balls, I ended up eating the entire thing, which, truth be told, really was only one bowl’s worth that you see in the picture (they say the packet should serve two). Either way, it’s still a decently low-points meal. If you’re worried about your sodium intake, you might want to take a step back from the bowl; it’s definitely high on the salt.

As is expected, I walked away with about 20 other things I didn’t need from the grocery store. But the important thing is that I got a grandmother-style serving of ailment-curing chicken soup.

Price: $2.50/box ($1.50 on sale)
Serving: 1 pouch, 7.5 oz
Calories: 180
Fat: 6%, 3.5g
Sodium: 15%, 360mg
Protein: 12g

The Tabatchnik family says: We only use our own natural and pure artesian well water, and never add any preservatives, artificial ingredients, or MSG.

Veda says: Tabatchnick Chili is one of my easy meal favorites for several reasons. First, of course, is the fact that it’s tasty and filling. Secondly, as someone who eats a primarily vegetarian diet, I appreciate the fact that one serving contains more iron and just as much protein as the typical hamburger. Courtesy of the kidney beans, I believe. Like other Tabatchnick products, the spices aren’t overwhelming and compliment the base ingredients well. The combo of tomato base, kidney beans, soy product, diced onions and tomatoes is not as hearty as the picture makes it appear. However, the taste and texture are still a winning combo. Because it’s hard for me to leave anything exactly as it is, I like to add a slice of medium cheddar cheese and (if I’m at home) a few chives. It doesn’t need the chives, I just like the greenery against the red chili base. It gives me the illusion that I’m eating vegetables.

As mentioned in my review of Tabatchnick’s Yankee Bean Soup, the one shortfall is that you need a container to eat out of. All Tabatchnick products come in a boil-in-a-bag type of container. While this is still very easy, it can leave you scrounging for a bowl in which to heat it. Also, BEWARE of the steam when emptying it into the bowl. I know this seems obvious, but more than once I’ve ended up standing over the kitchen sink with a pinky or thumb under cold water. It’s not that I’m stubborn, but the bag makes it more difficult than you’d expect. First aid aside, I’d recommend buying these yummy Tabatchnick meals at Safeway. They sell them for $2.50 (sale at $1.50) per box. Each box contains two servings. For taste and value, it can’t be beat.

Today I enjoyed my chili with a very good Trader Joe’s “The Works” bagel. Thanks, Amy!! Next time I’ll try Abi’s suggestion and pair it with a corn muffin. I can hardly wait.

Price: $2.50/box ($1.50 on sale)
Serving: 1 pouch, 7.5 oz
Calories: 180
Fat: 3%, 1.5g
Sodium: 14%, 340mg

The Tabatchnik family says: We only use our own natural and pure artesian well water, and never add any preservatives, artificial ingredients, or MSG.

Veda says: This was my first time trying the Tabatchnick Yankee Bean Soup. I’m already a big fan of their Cabbage Soup and Vegetarian Chili, so I decided to branch out a little. Differing from the picture, the soup base is of a more hearty, split-pea-like consistency than brothy base I’d expected. While not as aesthetically pleasing as the picture, the savory blend of dill and onion compliment the fresh tasting carrots and smooth yankee bean base, perfectly. I was surprised at how unprocessed and “home cooked” this soup tasted. I really felt like I was eating healthfully, which is nice since I enjoyed two servings.

I buy all my Tabatchnick products at Safeway, they sell them for $2.50 (sale at $1.50) per box. Each box contains two servings. The only thing this brand is lacking is more convenient packaging. To microwave the products, you slice the clear “boil in a bag” type of bag and put it face down in a bowl. Once you take it out, you must lift the sides of the bag and (with Olympic accuracy) avoid the steam as the hot lunch pours into the bowl. So, as long as you have a bowl and index fingers with a high steam tolerance, you’re sure to enjoy your meal.