Lean Cuisine has been a staple in the frozen meal aisle for decades, offering a variety of options for health-conscious individuals or those seeking a quick and easy meal. From its origins in the 1980s and 90s, when microwaved meals were considered a legitimate health food, Lean Cuisine has evolved to offer a wide array of choices. As of 2017, there were more than 85 varieties of Lean Cuisine on the market, encompassing everything from comfort food classics to protein-packed bowls. This review delves into some of the best Lean Cuisine meals, considering flavor, convenience, and overall satisfaction.
The Appeal of Lean Cuisine
Lean Cuisine's appeal lies in its convenience and portion control. These meals are designed to be quick to prepare, making them ideal for a desk lunch or a simple dinner. They also provide a structured way to manage calorie intake. However, the taste and quality can vary significantly across the different varieties, making it essential to choose wisely.
Top Picks from Lean Cuisine
Based on taste tests and customer reviews, here are some of the standout Lean Cuisine meals:
Fish and Tilapia with Poblano Rice
This dish is a surprising favorite. The tilapia is coated in a breading that tastes like corn, offering a unique flavor profile. While the texture isn't crunchy, the tortilla flavor complements the mild fish nicely. The rice, although sometimes mushy, has a pleasant poblano pepper flavor with a bit of heat. This meal defies expectations, as seafood options in Lean Cuisine often outperform chicken dishes.
Shrimp Alfredo
The Shrimp Alfredo is another strong contender, praised for its firm shrimp and crunchy broccoli. The florets effectively soak up the alfredo sauce, enhancing the overall flavor. While the sauce might have a slightly strong garlic powder aftertaste reminiscent of a Knorr side dish, it remains a satisfying choice.
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Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Among Lean Cuisine's Italian-inspired offerings, the Lasagna with Meat Sauce stands out. The meat adds texture, and the sauce tastes better than it looks, with a decent amount of cheese. It evokes a nostalgic airline lasagna experience, without being too mushy.
Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing and a Side of Cinnamon Apples
This meal is a nostalgic favorite, particularly the cinnamon apples. The turkey medallions have a surprisingly pleasant taste and texture, and the gravy is savory. The stuffing is clumpy and herby, reminiscent of Stove Top stuffing. The cinnamon apples are a highlight, offering a sweet and spiced dessert.
Shrimp Scampi
The Shrimp Scampi is highly rated for its light and lovely sauce. The shrimp are firm, and the pasta is well-prepared. The sauce is bright and citrusy, with a flavor reminiscent of cooking wine.
Nutrition Information
To provide a clearer picture of what Lean Cuisine offers, it's helpful to look at the nutritional breakdown of a sample meal, such as the Chicken with mashed potatoes:
- Total Fat: 8g (10% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g (18% Daily Value)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg (12% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 620mg (27% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g (11% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 3g (Includes 1g Added Sugars, 2% Daily Value)
- Protein: 14g (25% Daily Value)
- Vitamin D: 0.1mcg (0% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1.5mg (8% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 40mg (2% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 800mg (15% Daily Value)
Ingredients
The ingredients list for a typical Lean Cuisine meal, such as the Chicken with mashed potatoes, includes:
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- WATER
- POTATOES
- COOKED WHITE MEAT CHICKEN (WHITE MEAT CHICKEN, WATER, ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, SEASONING [DRIED CHICKEN BROTH, CHICKEN POWDER, NATURAL FLAVOR], SODIUM PHOSPHATE, MALTODEXTRIN, SALT)
- BREAD CRUMBS (ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR [WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID], CANE SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, SEA SALT, YEAST, NATURAL FLAVOR)
- MILK
- ONIONS
- 2% OR LESS OF CELERY
- MODIFIED FOOD STARCH
- CHICKEN BROTH
- SOUR CREAM (CULTURED CREAM, SKIM MILK, ENZYMES)
- CHICKEN FAT
- SOUR CREAM POWDER (CULTURED CREAM, SKIM MILK)
- SOYBEAN OIL
- WHEAT FLOUR
- SALT
- POTASSIUM SALT
- MUSHROOM JUICE CONCENTRATE
- SPICES
- DRIED ONIONS
- DRIED TURKEY BROTH
- GARLIC
- SUGAR
- CARAMEL COLOR
- DRIED GARLIC
- NATURAL FLAVOR
- DRIED CHIVES
- INSTANT COFFEE
- SESAME OIL
- SUNFLOWER OIL
It also contains a Bioengineered Food Ingredient and lists the following allergens: CONTAINS: WHEAT, MILK, SESAME, SOY.
Customer Experiences and Preferences
Online forums and discussions reveal a range of opinions and preferences regarding Lean Cuisine meals. Some customers swear by specific dishes, while others experiment with different options to avoid falling into a rut. Here are some common themes and insights from customer experiences:
- Pasta Dishes: Many customers favor the pasta dishes, particularly the spaghetti with meat sauce. These meals are often considered filling and satisfying.
- Chicken Varieties: While some chicken dishes receive positive feedback, others are criticized for being bland or having an undesirable texture. The glazed chicken and teriyaki glazed chicken are frequently mentioned as favorites.
- Pizza Options: Opinions on Lean Cuisine pizzas are mixed. Some customers enjoy them, while others find them disappointing.
- Adding Extra Flavors: Some customers enhance their Lean Cuisine meals by adding extra spices or sauces to improve the taste.
- Portion Size: The portion size of Lean Cuisine meals is a common topic of discussion. Some customers find a single meal sufficient, while others supplement it with additional sides or snacks.
- Comparison with Other Brands: Lean Cuisine is often compared to other low-calorie frozen meal brands, such as Healthy Choice and Amy's. Many customers consider Lean Cuisine to be the best in terms of taste and variety.
- Cooking Methods: Some customers prefer to slightly burn their microwave dishes, as they find that it enhances the flavor.
Criticisms and Considerations
While Lean Cuisine offers convenience and portion control, it's important to consider some potential drawbacks:
- Sodium Content: Many Lean Cuisine meals are high in sodium, which may be a concern for individuals watching their salt intake.
- Ingredient Quality: As with many processed foods, the ingredient quality in Lean Cuisine meals may not be as high as in freshly prepared meals.
- Taste and Texture: Taste and texture can be inconsistent across different varieties, with some meals being described as bland or mushy.
- Nutritional Value: While Lean Cuisine meals are calorie-controlled, they may not provide a balanced source of nutrients. It's important to supplement these meals with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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