5 On Your Side

Frozen veggies? Report lists some good choices

There are several new options for consumers who want to eat vegetables but need something more convenient.

Posted Updated

By
Monica Laliberte
, WRAL consumer reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — Under federal guidelines, Americans are supposed to consume between two to three cups of vegetables every day, which can be a tall task for most consumers.

But sometimes it can be easier to skip the fresh produce section and head to the frozen food section for veggies. And there are several new options for American consumers.

Experts from Consumer Reports tried out 31 new products, evaluating them for nutrition, texture and taste.

The panel that topped the Consumer Reports Best Buys list:

  1. Green Giant Riced Veggies Cauliflower Risotto Medley. It features small bits of cauliflower that are a lot like rice along with asparagus and mushrooms. It costs just 88 cents a serving, according to the magazine.
  2. Trader Joe's Carrot Spirals have a little sea sal, and not much else to get in the way of the flavor. They cost just 75 cents a serving. Spiral veggies are a new trend in frozen food products.
  3. Birds Eye Steam Fresh Protein Blends California Style. The dish includes a mix of veggies, lentils and grains, which all make this an excellent source of fiber. And one cup packs 12 grams of protein, according to Consumer Reports.

Although Green Giant has several combos at the top of the magazine's list, its roasted vegetables did not make the cut.

Testers from Consumer Reports described the broccoli, carrots and brussels sprouts as unimpressive, noting an unappealing ashy flavor for all three.

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