Bite of the Best

gardein (garden + protein) is a line of healthy plant-based foods slow cooked to have the authentic taste and texture of premium lean meat. gardein offers all the health benefits of eating less animal-based protein without sacrificing the meaty texture and taste that many people crave. gardein is high in protein, low in fat and free of cholesterol and trans fats with a similar taste and texture to chicken and beef but free of animal and dairy ingredients. Made from a blend of vegetables, grains and soy, wheat and pea proteins, gardein is a complete protein source in that it contains all the essential amino acids. Retail prices range from $3.99 to $9.99 depending on style and size.

Philly-Gourmet Meat Company introduced ready-to-cook quarter-pound Philly-Gourmet Turkey Homestyle Patties that come in two- and three-pound packages carrying retail prices of $8.99 and $10.99. The burgers are made with 100% turkey and seasonings and are 160 calories each. Cooking times range from 10 to 18 minutes, depending whether the patties are skillet-fried, oven-broiled or charcoal-grilled. The turkey homestyle patties are are available in supermarkets throughout select regions nationwide.

Whether a stand-alone side dish or part of a favorite family comfort food recipe, Ore-Ida Steam n’ Mash makes homemade mashed potatoes easy enough for everyday. Steam n’ Mash products offer 100 percent real potatoes that are already scrubbed, peeled, chopped and ready to steam and mash. Steam technology makes preparing homemade mashed potatoes a snap: steam the specially-designed bag in a microwave for 10-12 minutes; pour the steamed potatoes into a bowl; add milk and butter; mash them your way!

Edy’s, also know as Dreyer’s in certain parts of the country, Slow Churned Hot Cocoa Light Ice Cream contains mini marshmallows mixed into light chocolate ice cream. The Hot Cocoa light ice cream contains half the fat and a third fewer calories than regular ice cream. This newest Hot Cocoa flavor is available for $5.99 per 1.5 quart carton in the freezer aisle of supermarkets nationwide.

Ben & Jerry’s Flipped Out! are the newest line of single-serve sundaes from Ben & Jerry’s. The sundaes are available in three flavors and retail for $3.29 per package of two, 4-oz containers. Ben & Jerry’s Flipped Out! sundaes are available in the freezer aisle of supermarkets nationwide.

TRUwhip is the only frozen all-natural whipped topping without transfats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup or GMOs. TRUwhip is sold in a 10-oz package and is available in supermarkets and natural food stores nationwide.

Viva Vegan Pitter Patties are a healthy all-natural frozen food line for kids. The Pitter Patties products are available at CA Whole Foods stores and Ramona’s Family Natural Grocer. Currently, there are two varieties available, retailing between $6.99 – $8.99.

Edwards Singles A La Modes are indulgent desserts that bake hot from your microwave in 45 seconds and are topped with cold, creamy ice cream. Edwards Singles are available in three varieties, each package containing two servings. The Edwards Singles A La Modes are available starting Summer 2009.

Six of the Klondike® stickless bars now have a thicker chocolatey shell with 25% more chocolatey coating. The new Klondike bars are made with light ice cream and are available in supermarkets nationwide starting July 2009

Tyson Skillet Creations Meal Kits offer a full line of lower-sodium frozen entrees specifically designed for couples looking for nutrition. The Tyson skillet creation meal kits are available in a variety of 24-oz packages.

Trufresh Shrimp microwaveable frozen shrimp are seasoned with a variety of tasty marinades for quick, easy meals. The shrimp are available in 6-oz packages, nationally, starting Fall 2009

New DiGiorno Flatbread Melts are premium, single-serve meals that offer restaurant taste straight from the microwave. The flatbread melts are available nationwide in the supermarket freezer aisle.

Fillo Factory Brie and Raspberry Fillo Rolls are a European-inspired, mix of almonds, sun-ripened raspberries, and rich creamy brie wrapped in delicate flaky fillo dough.

Aunt Trudy’s Fillo Pocket Sandwiches are nutritious, healthy and convenient snack sandwiches for today’s busy households. The fillo pockets are suitable for vegan, vegetarian, organic and kosher lifestyles

Amy’s Kitchen has developed two new wraps, available since March 2009, the Teriyaki Wrap and the Breakfast Scramble Wrap. Both wraps are Organic and All-natural

The newest line of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! cooking and baking sticks cook, bake and taste just like butter but with 50% less saturated fat than butter

Baskin-Robbins Candy Bar Madness is variety of ice cream flavors and candy-blended frozen treats featuring Snickers and M&M’s.

Stouffer’s Flatbread Melts feature seasoned meats, flavorful veggies and real cheeses wrapped in a warm, artisan-style flatbread. The melts are microwavable, and ready in 3 minutes.

Stouffer’s Stromboli features herb & cheese topped Italian-style crusts filled with seasoned meats and real cheeses. The three frozen varieties are ready in the microwave in less than 3 minutes.

The Birds Eye Steamfresh meals have been available nationwide since October 2008. Each variety combines chicken or shrimp, al-dente pasta or noodles, and crisp vegetables. The meals are microwaveable, using Birds Eye’s revolutionary steaming technology.

Natural Harmony Foods SoLean products are made from a variety of natural lean ground meats including: turkey, pork, cow, chicken and seafood. The products also incorporate a soy protein into the mixture that helps to provide a high-protein breakfast item. The SoLean products are available in Super Target and other stores nationwide. Prices vary per item and per store location.