Bonnie: Don’t be mistaken. I don’t eat frozen entrees for meals, but I often have to taste test them for my syndicated column Supermarket Sampler.

Guilt ridden knowing of all the starving people in the world, I reluctantly toss most down the drain. But every once in a while (actually only 3 times in the 22 years I’ve been writing the column) I actually like what I’m tasting.

This spicy frijoles and vegetables entree is one of those. It’s vegetarian. And it contains tofu. Smoked tofu.

(Frijoles, by the way, are just beans)

From the sound of those ingredients plus the seriously unappetizing box photo, you’d have to wonder who’d ever buy it. But I must tell you, the smoked tofu in this with the spicy Southwestern seasoned mix of chilies, roasted corn, brown rice and black beans literally dances in your mouth. Even the tofu tastes good.

It’s not your typical veggie entree. It’s certainly not your typical tofu entree, but it’s tasty and incredibly good for you.

Odd side note: I learned about Seeds of Change many years ago at the Food Marketing Institute annual Chicago convention, during the years when everyone attended. I somehow got into a lengthy discussion with the person in the Seeds of Change booth as no one else was in the booth at the time. By way of explaining the very expensive organic seeds booth, she rambled on about how the owner of the company (Stephen Badger) was a direct descendant of (Jacquie Mars) one of the owners of M&M Mars (now Masterfoods).

Think of it this way, Seeds of Change is to Masterfoods as Newman’s Own Organics is to Newman’s Own. Both — started by an heir — are the organic arm of the food company. And both produce mighty tasty products. Hmm. Could having money behind them have anything to do with that?

Bryan: I am being totally honest when I say I just wouldn’t purchase this product. Sorry, but I’m just not a tofu guy nor am I a frozen entree guy. It’s not for me. That being said, this dish by Seeds of Change is actually quite good. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not getting on the frozen tofu train, but given this product to try (hesitantly), I also thought it had good flavor. There is a great southwestern flavor of roasted corn and black beans, although I’d take the denser texture of a spiced and grilled chicken breast over the tofu given a choice. All told, the flavor is definitely there and those who like tofu (or are just looking for a healthy lunch snack) will be thoroughly surprised by this frozen meal.

Eric: I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the “test freezer” in the basement of my mother’s house and found this product. Let me point out that I believe my brother and I have been spoiled (I can picture the frown on his face when he reads that!) in the sense that we were raised with freshly cooked foods — whether it was vegetables, meat, pastas, baked goods, etc., it all started as a real product in our kitchen. We were only forced to eat frozen meals when my mother was on deadline for Supermarket Sampler, her syndicated column; we would usually take a bite each and then toss the rest into the trash.

There is something so unsatisfying about a frozen meal, specifically a vegetarian one. However, I am different from my brother; I actually like tofu. I am not on a health kick — I enjoy my chicken, pork and beef. I also love my vegetables. I ripped open the Seeds of Change box and placed the carton in the microwave. I was anticipating a snack and had already hedged my bets with a small sandwich on the side. The smell exuding from the microwave was more than enough to make me think I was actually going to enjoy this snack.

Seeds of Change has changed my perception of the frozen meal. I still scowl at the disgust that some companies create as a substitute for a normal meal; however, this product has won me over. The taste, the smokiness of the vegetables and the health benefits are three factors that need no more explanation. I would easily recommend this product to anyone willing to challenge their perceptions and give in to a simple snack or side dish to a meal.