The promise of a meal in minutes is bound to entice many a mom. But are these bagged entrées a nutritious option for a family? “The shrimp in these are high in protein and low in fat,” says Shauna Lindzon, a consulting dietitian in Toronto. “Lean beef or chicken fit into the same category. It is saturated fat that we should watch out for.” She also suggests adding a green salad and fruit for dessert to round out the meal. Here’s how these frozen foods fared with Toronto mom Ashley Organ, her sons Winfield, 9, and Gabriel, 5, and her father-in-law, John (Papa).

Stouffer’s Skillet Sensations

Shrimp Alfredo with Fettuccine & Vegetables in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Nutrition facts per ½ package (320 g): 280 calories, 8 g fat (1.5 g saturated, 0 g trans), 30 mg cholesterol, 680 mg sodium, 38 g carbs (5 g fibre, 5 g sugars), 15 g protein, 60% vitamin A, 30% vitamin C, 15% calcium, 15% iron. $6.49

Family says: “It’s bright. The vegetables look like a rainbow,” said Gabriel. Both Winfield and mom Ashley liked the cream sauce and the shrimp, proclaiming it “yummy.” Ashley said both boys cleared their plates and asked for seconds.

Dietitian says: Surprisingly, the saturated fat is only 1.5 grams per serving. The company used milk instead of cream to achieve a creamy product. The sodium is a little bit higher than our guidelines. This product is lower in calories per
serving than a couple of the other options.

Final Rating: A

Note: Ratings are based on a combination of taste and nutritional value.