Price: $3 at Giant
Serving size: 1 bowl, 8.5 ounces
Calories: 310
Fat: 5%
Sodium: 20%
Protein: 8 grams

They say: Discover the world of Asian flavors with Simpla Asia all natural noodle bowl. Our heat & serve bowl combines pre-cooked noodles with a savory Asian sauce, vegetables, and a delicious topping. Innovative technology seals in the fresh taste of authentic Asian noodles for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 2 minutes. No boiling required.

Abi says: This meal did not taste good. Even before I put it in the microwave, I knew I wouldn’t be satisfied. Granted, I should give all meals a chance. And I was a little heartened by the look of the meal after I added the peanut topping, but I couldn’t really get over just how little went into the meal. I could have sworn that I had to open four packets just to eat. The noodles were fine, but the sauce was bland and the vegetables non-existent. Sadly, I spent the lunch hour looking longingly at people with salads from Cosi. I prefer High Noon and even McDonald’s. Really, you know it isn’t worth the effort when you’re staring at someone else’s salad from Cosi. What a waste of $3.00.

Price: $1.49 at 7-11
Serving: 2.25 oz (plus water)
Calories: 310
Fat: 10%
Sodium: 8%, 200mg

They say: Roasted peanuts and mild spices blended into a smooth sauce are one of the most delicious flavor combinations Thai food has to offer. We’ve combined this wonderful peanut taste with our signature, 100% pure rice noodles and other authentic, hand-selected ingredients for a truly memorable, easy-to make noodle dish. Enjoy it as a delicious side dish or be creative and add some fresh vegetables or meat for a quick and satisfying noodle entrée.

Abi says: Thai Kitchen expects you to open the noodles, place water over them, cover the noodles, heat the noodles, then drain the water and add peanut powder and oil. I definitely burned myself trying to drain hot water out of the noodles. Then again, I don’t generally read the directions before I put things in the microwave. It is a habit I must break if I’m going to be any good at reviewing food at work. Also, because I work in an environment that contains cubicles, I have access to a hot water tap. If you’ve never used a hot-water tap, let me tell you that those things are deadly. Also, let me tell you that someone in the office managed to disable the child-protection mechanism that would keep toddlers from unleashing a torrent of boiling water across the kitchen floor. It is a dangerous water cooler.*
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