What a beautiful presentation! Cranberries, spinach, orzo pasta, beans, sweet apples, tomatoes, onions, cheese. With this symphony of ingredients I predicted a flavor sensation that could possibly knock Tomato Basil Penne off its high horse.
The Fontina cheese flavor hit first followed by a bit of tartness, but no matter to that as the tartness quickly faded. But wait – why don’t I hear the sound of an orchestra? The symphony of bursting flavors never showed up. Cranberries did this meal the most justice, I can appreciate the beans for protein, and it fills you up, but the line-up of flavors failed to infuse and did not compliment one another. This is a bit of a shock.
I had to think about this for a moment because each of the ingredients has a great reputation and can hold its own, but the answer quickly became clear…I need more spice in my life!
Yes, the package indicates the presence of salt, spices, and brown sugar, but I conclude that Healthy Choice relies most on the other ingredients to provide flavor and under-appreciates the power of spices to bring it on home. I’m obviously disappointed.
Mediterranean Notes
- Calories 360
- Fat Calories 45
- Total Fat 5g
- Cholesterol 10mg
- Sodium 500 mg
- Carbs 65g
- Fiber 12g
- Sugars 17g
- Protein 13g
- Weight Watchers Pts. 7
Yum Up! to: A filling meal that is an excellent source of fiber and protein.
Yuck Down! to: Food without flavor. What’s the point?
View the complete Taste Test Directory and Fast Food Cheat Sheets.
My only problem with these packaged meals is that I need 5 of them to fill me up.
I’ve been eating frozen meals at lunch for years and coming home starved (even with daytime snacks) but I recently changed up and added another 300 calories to daytime and its helped to avoid that afterwork/pre-dinner binge that screws me. (I also need extra calories because my workouts are getting more intense with intervals)
That’s too bad.