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: 3 for $9.00 (sale)
Serving: 1 package, 12 oz.
Calories: 330
Fat: 7%, 4.5g
Sodium: 24%, 580mg
Protein: 20g
WW Points: 6 Winning Points
Diet Exchanges: 1 1/2 Lean Meat, 2 1/2 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fruit

Lean Cuisine says: Grilled herbed chicken tenderloins,penne pasta,hand-picked broccoli and carrots in a garlic herb sauce accented with tomatoes and parmesan cheese,served with apples in a caramel sauce.

Carolyn says: This meal is larger than the standard Lean Cuisine fare (supposed to be for dinner), but that means a nice and filling lunch. The broccoli and carrots were good - not too soggy, and very flavored with the sauce. The chicken was cooked well, as far as microwave chicken goes. And the sauce and cheese hit the spot. Can’t find much to complain about the entree. The apples in a caramel sauce were good, but there were not enough of them. They only partially filled the space that was designated for the apples. Overall, this was a good selection, and I heartily recommend the Lean Cuisine Grilled Chicken and Penne Pasta.

Price: $3.29
Serving: 1 pie, 7.5 oz.
Calories: 420
Fat: 29%, 19g
Cholesterol: 17%, 50mg
Sodium: 25%, 590mg
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 18%, 54g
Fiber: 17%, 4g
WW Points: 9 Points

Amy’s Kitchen says: Amy’s original pot pie with a tender flaky butter crusts contains organic carrots, peas, potatoes and tofu simmered in a creamy, well seasoned sauce.

Jess says: I did not grow up in a pot pie house. My mother never presented our entrees covered by flaky bread. I don’t think this makes me especially deprived (for the record: my mom’s meatballs are no joke and her overstuffed veggie omelets make my stomach growl even while full). Yet this item did cause me to take pause before warming up to the idea of pie crust with savory contents. But I said (out loud to the freezer case at Safeway), “What the hell?” and grabbed a pot pie.

What a joy you were, pot pie! What a pleasant surprise! Full of vegetables and perfuming the air with your warm soothing smell of baked goods. The gelatanous gravy is somewhat off-putting (sorry Amy’s Kitchen, but I doubt there is cream in there), but don’t think too much on it. The meal is tasty and somehow filling despite its meager appearance. I would buy it again in heartbeat and eat happily in my pot-pie cubicle.

Price: $1.79
Serving: 1 bowl, 11 oz.
Calories: 390
Fat: 13%, 9g
Sodium: 7%, 160mg
Protein: 13g

Trader Joe’s says: Traditional Thai Style rice noodles in a peanut base sauce with tofu, scallions and carrots

Amy says: I’ve consumed this frozen meal countless times and it always delivers. Always. I must admit that I am not always excited to eat it, for when lunch time rolls around I inevitably get a hankering for something involving toasted bread and cheese. The vegan tofu pad thai is neither of these things, but it is always tasty. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it is monochromatic.

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