Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
(Specifically, the Mexican Fiesta Dinner with Duncan Hines(tm) Brownie)
By: Paul Panks (d u n r i c @ y a h o o . c o m)

The average Swanson meal costs around $3.19. Not exactly a bargain, but
not overpriced when compared with Uncle Ben's Rice and other obscenely
expensive frozen dinners. Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners are produced
and distributed by Pinnacle Corporation, a major USA food manufacturer.

Swanson meals are typically more flavorful, and include larger
portions, than competing frozen dinner brands (such as ConAgra Foods'
Banquet (tm) Brand Frozen Dinners). The quality of ingredients in most
frozen dinners is shockingly low. The same holds true with so-called
"Premium" frozen dinner brands, including Swanson's very own "Hungry
Man" dinners.

One of the more popular varieties of Swanson Brand frozen dinners is
the Mexican Fiesta. Complete with surprisingly pleasing refried beans
and a delightful array of cheese, mexican-style sauce and flavorful
enchiladas, the Mexican Fiesta Brand of Swanson meals is sure to be a
crowd pleaser. My only complaint was the Rhode Island-sized Duncan
Hines(tm) Brand Brownie. If I wanted such a small brownie I'd go to
either Paradise Bakery or Mrs. Field's. A Texas-sized Duncan Hines(tm)
Brand Brownie would have perfectly complimented the meal.

Nutrition-wise, the Mexican Fiesta is above average in quantities of
protein, sodium (salt) and carbohydrates. A significantly high amount
of saturated fat is also present in the meal.

Although the Mexican Fiesta tasted quite good and filled me up, other
Swanson variety frozen meals left me scratching my head. Since when do
"reconstituted potatoes" ensure high quality nutrients to consumers?
Couldn't they have just provided a real baked potato and skipped the
small brownie altogether? It is a sad day in the frozen food industry
when reconstituted potatoes serve to explain a favoring of cost cutting
maneuvers to improved nutritional value.

Pros: Good taste, decent price
Cons: Nutrients suspect; cost reduction favored over nutritional value
of product.

Overall rating: 7.5 out of 10 (8/10 taste, 6/10 nutrients, 8/10 price).

Paul

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

I'm 5 foot 4 and weight 122 lbs.

Who is fat and who is stupid?

Paul

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Ok, you're not fat.

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Lady Lazarus wrote:

>On 2 Feb 2006 22:29:03 -0800, in rec.food.cooking, "
> hit the crackpipe and declared:
>
>
>>Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
>>(Specifically, the Mexican Fiesta Dinner with Duncan Hines(tm) Brownie)
>>By: Paul Panks (d u n r i c @ y a h o o . c o m)
>>
>>The average Swanson meal costs around $3.19. Not exactly a bargain, but
>>not overpriced when compared with Uncle Ben's Rice and other obscenely
>>expensive frozen dinners. Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners are produced
>>and distributed by Pinnacle Corporation, a major USA food manufacturer.
>>
>>Swanson meals are typically more flavorful, and include larger
>>portions, than competing frozen dinner brands (such as ConAgra Foods'
>>Banquet (tm) Brand Frozen Dinners). The quality of ingredients in most
>>frozen dinners is shockingly low. The same holds true with so-called
>>"Premium" frozen dinner brands, including Swanson's very own "Hungry
>>Man" dinners.
>>
>>One of the more popular varieties of Swanson Brand frozen dinners is
>>the Mexican Fiesta. Complete with surprisingly pleasing refried beans
>>and a delightful array of cheese, mexican-style sauce and flavorful
>>enchiladas, the Mexican Fiesta Brand of Swanson meals is sure to be a
>>crowd pleaser. My only complaint was the Rhode Island-sized Duncan
>>Hines(tm) Brand Brownie. If I wanted such a small brownie I'd go to
>>either Paradise Bakery or Mrs. Field's. A Texas-sized Duncan Hines(tm)
>>Brand Brownie would have perfectly complimented the meal.
>>
>>Nutrition-wise, the Mexican Fiesta is above average in quantities of
>>protein, sodium (salt) and carbohydrates. A significantly high amount
>>of saturated fat is also present in the meal.
>>
>>Although the Mexican Fiesta tasted quite good and filled me up, other
>>Swanson variety frozen meals left me scratching my head. Since when do
>>"reconstituted potatoes" ensure high quality nutrients to consumers?
>>Couldn't they have just provided a real baked potato and skipped the
>>small brownie altogether? It is a sad day in the frozen food industry
>>when reconstituted potatoes serve to explain a favoring of cost cutting
>>maneuvers to improved nutritional value.
>>
>>Pros: Good taste, decent price
>>Cons: Nutrients suspect; cost reduction favored over nutritional value
>>of product.
>>
>>Overall rating: 7.5 out of 10 (8/10 taste, 6/10 nutrients, 8/10 price).
>>
>>Paul
>>
>>
>
>Oh shut the **** up, fatass. You really, REALLY expect nutrition out
>of a frozen ****ing tv dinner? If you're so concerned, why don't you
>trot your oversized ass out to the kitchen and cook something
>substantial on the stovetop (yes, there is a magical device located
>somewhere in the same room as the fatass microwave machine, it's
>called a STOVE). Your constant whining about the brownie belies your
>so-called nutrition agenda, you're just ****ed off because the brownie
>wasn't the size of your fat ****ing ass.
>
>
Yippee, Sheldon's long lost sister! You tell him, girl!

Christine
Who enjoys seeing a spade called a bloody shovel now and then

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

wrote in part:

>
> Pros: Good taste, decent price
> Cons: Nutria suspect; cost reduction favored over nutria value
> of product.
>
> Overall rating: 7.5 out of 10 (8/10 taste, 6/10 nutria, 8/10 price).
>

Fixed yr. post.

--
It Came From C. L. Smith's Unclaimed Mysteries.
http://www.unclaimedmysteries.net

"When I said 'some of my best ideas came while walking between classes
at Harvard' I did not mean to suggest I attended Harvard." -Brian Sack's
Memoirs, Corrected

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

" > writes:

>One of the more popular varieties of Swanson Brand frozen dinners is
>the Mexican Fiesta. Complete with surprisingly pleasing refried beans
>and a delightful array of cheese

Dude, you are so high. No TV dinner has an "array of cheese". I
suspect it's not even cheese but pasteurized processed cheesefood.

>crowd pleaser. My only complaint was the Rhode Island-sized Duncan
>Hines(tm) Brand Brownie. If I wanted such a small brownie I'd go to
>either Paradise Bakery or Mrs. Field's. A Texas-sized Duncan Hines(tm)
>Brand Brownie would have perfectly complimented the meal.

This is proof that you are high. My husband eats these Hungry Man
things with the fake brownie and they're ridiculous. You cook the meal
a few minutes, then rip out the brownie (i.e. leave a pile of pseudo-
food chocolate-flavored crumbs everywhere), then cook it the rest of the
way. It's stupid. The only point to eating a TV dinner is to save time
and if you have to fiddle with crap, then you're not saving time and
might as well fix yourself something real.
Yes, my husband and I do have this argument often, why do you ask?

Stacia

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

I'm on a budget so TV dinner meals are favorable. For what they are,
Swanson meals are way better than Banquet.

Paul

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

wrote:
> I'm on a budget so TV dinner meals are favorable. For what they are,
> Swanson meals are way better than Banquet.
>
> Paul

Budget Gormet aren't too bad if you are really poor like I was, as a
student.
-L.

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

wrote:
> I'm 5 foot 4 and weight 122 lbs.
>
> Who is fat and who is stupid?

You are not fat, however, if you eat TV dinners that are chock full of
hydrogenated fats, then you are probably pretty stupid.
FYI, Gortons frozen fish sticks/filets/etc. are no longer made with
that garbage. Kraft foods has removed it from most--THOUGH NOT
ALL--varieties of its several brands of frozen pizzas.
BEWARE, "zero grams trans fat" DOES NOT mean no trans fat, just < 0.5
grams per serving. You still have to check the ingredients.
>
> Paul

--Bryan

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

>I'm on a budget so TV dinner meals are favorable.

Bull crap. As a value, they suck. Consider what you get for your $3.19
: IIRC, the net weight of this item is 10.5oz or 11oz. that is less
than 3/4 of a pound, so you are paying $4.64/pound (at 11 oz, and $4.86
at 10.5 oz). It is not difficult to find higher quality foods are that
price or less. Indeed, even decent cheese is available at that price,
and the beans and rice are very cheap. For the $3.19 you spent, I could
have feasted and eaten healthier food at the same time. Frequently I am
able to feed a complete meal to a family of four for under $10, and the
meals are healthier, better tasting, and larger than any frozen dinner
type entree in anywhere near that price range.

Consider your meal:
A few small tortillas
These are very cheap, and even the major markets carry both flour
and cornmeal ones. The cornmeal (or whole wheat if you prefer) have a
lower glycemic index, and are better for you. They are cheaper by far
than $4.64/lbs, even for high quality.

A tiny amount of meat
Again, every market has better quality meat available for less than
$4.64/lbs

rice and beans
Both far cheaper than $4.64/lbs. Note : this is the majority of your
meal, and you are paying a premium price for the cheapest of
ingredients.

A small amount of cheese
Better cheese is also available for well under $4.64/lbs.

spices and flavorings
Even if you buy the single packages of spices, they are cheap. One
of those packages will cover four larger meals. If you buy bulk spices,
the net cost is tiny. For a Mexican meal, a bit of cumin, pepper, and
hot sauce will do the trick. Add fresh cilantro and be happy. DON'T add
the huge amount of salt that they include in most frozen dinners.

a tiny brownie
You can make better brownies for less than $4.64/lbs. I'd suggest
Duncan Hines packages if you are not a baker. Their packages are
reasonably priced, and all you need to do is add eggs, oil, and
sometimes butter or water. Butter, the most expensive of these
ingredients, is still cheaper than $4.64/lb unless you want imported
cultured butter from Europe (although even that can be found for less
if you know where to look.) Note that the boxes of Duncan Hines
products will produce a superior brownie than the one included in the
frozen dinner.. If you want to go all out, ask for Barb's recipe, which
is even better, and can still be made for less than $4.64/lbs.

Of course, all this can't be made by pressing a single button on your
microwave, but you stated that the criteria upon which you were judging
was based upon budgetary considerations, taste, and nutritional value,
not convenience. A home cooked meal beats a frozen dinner in every one
of those categories.

Dean G.

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

wrote:

> Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners

This is Paul Panks, a well-known usenet troll. I know the college
football people know him, but not rec.food.cooking.

Please ignore him.



Brian

--
If televison's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who
won't shut up.
-- Dorothy Gambrell (http://catandgirl.com)

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Dude, lay off the cocaine. This is a good newsgroup and I'm discussing
the viability of Swanson frozen dinners compared with other frozen
dinner varieties.

Paul

[snip the rest of your ****ing bullshit]

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

wrote:

> Dude, lay off the cocaine. This is a good newsgroup and I'm discussing
> the viability of Swanson frozen dinners compared with other frozen
> dinner varieties.

Paul, you've been posting crap all over usenet for years. I invite
anyone who has doubts to do a quick Google Groups check for "paul
panks" and see what turns up.



Brian

--
If televison's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who
won't shut up.
-- Dorothy Gambrell (http://catandgirl.com)

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

wrote:

[nobody really cares what he wrote]

r.f.c people, read some of this and know the wonder that is Panks:

<http://groups.google.com/group/rec.s.../browse_frm/th
read/e645bda879f09e7f?hl=en&>



Brian
--
If televison's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who
won't shut up.
-- Dorothy Gambrell (http://catandgirl.com)

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Why are you so obsessed with responding to my posts if they bother you
so much?

Paul

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

wrote:

> Why are you so obsessed with responding to my posts if they bother you
> so much?

I wuv you Paul.

Seriously, I told you before to keep your kooky crap in the newsgroups
that are used to you. I won't say anything about you there. When you
come peddling your crap in groups like comp.lang.c or rec.food.cooking,
I'm going to call you out. Get used to it or better yet, quit being a
troll.


Brian


--
If televison's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who
won't shut up.
-- Dorothy Gambrell (http://catandgirl.com)

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

How is a discussion on Swanson frozen dinners not on topic for
rec.food.cooking? Is there a more appropriate Usenet discussion group
for frozen meals?

Paul

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

wrote:

> How is a discussion on Swanson frozen dinners not on topic for
> rec.food.cooking? Is there a more appropriate Usenet discussion group
> for frozen meals?

I like how you try to pawn off your ravings as "discussion". However,
my work is done. The people in rfc understand about you now, it's up to
them if they want to "discuss" things with you from this point on.



Brian

--
If televison's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who
won't shut up.
-- Dorothy Gambrell (http://catandgirl.com)

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Michael "Dog3" Lonergan wrote:

> "Default User" > hitched up their panties and
> posted :
>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> How is a discussion on Swanson frozen dinners not on topic for
> >> rec.food.cooking? Is there a more appropriate Usenet discussion
> group >> for frozen meals?
> >
> > I like how you try to pawn off your ravings as "discussion".
> > However, my work is done. The people in rfc understand about you
> > now, it's up to them if they want to "discuss" things with you from
> > this point on.

> My kf is growing by leaps and bounds these days Brian. All of a
> sudden they are crawling out of the woodwork. I don't know why.
> School is still in session AFAIK.

Panks is no college kiddie. He's been around for a long time. For some
reason lately, it seems like he's been trying to expand his looniness
and infringes on my groups. Yeah I'm selfish that way.

> The weather has sucked all week, hasn't it? And what's with all
> these overcast days. Usually we at least get some sun along with the
> cold.

You've just been spoiled lately.



Brian

--
If televison's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who
won't shut up.
-- Dorothy Gambrell (http://catandgirl.com)

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Default User wrote:

> Michael "Dog3" Lonergan wrote:
>
> > "Default User" > hitched up their panties and
> > posted :
> >
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > >> How is a discussion on Swanson frozen dinners not on topic for
> > >> rec.food.cooking? Is there a more appropriate Usenet discussion
> > group >> for frozen meals?
> > >
> > > I like how you try to pawn off your ravings as "discussion".
> > > However, my work is done. The people in rfc understand about you
> > > now, it's up to them if they want to "discuss" things with you from
> > > this point on.
>
> > My kf is growing by leaps and bounds these days Brian. All of a
> > sudden they are crawling out of the woodwork. I don't know why.
> > School is still in session AFAIK.
>
> Panks is no college kiddie. He's been around for a long time. For some
> reason lately, it seems like he's been trying to expand his looniness
> and infringes on my groups. Yeah I'm selfish that way.
>
> > The weather has sucked all week, hasn't it? And what's with all
> > these overcast days. Usually we at least get some sun along with the
> > cold.
>
> You've just been spoiled lately.


Yep and for you birds in STL spring is just around the corner, here in
Chicago spring don't start until May at the earliest :-|

It has been unseasonably warm since late December, e.g. warmest January in
the 20th century. It's now actually below freezing and everybody is
clucking and complaining, you'd think it was Florida or something the way
they carry on :-)

--
Best
Greg

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Michael "Dog3" Lonergan wrote:

> My kf is growing by leaps and bounds these days Brian. All of a sudden
> they are crawling out of the woodwork. I don't know why. School is still
> in session AFAIK.


I thought I'd try to "clean out" my kf a little this weekend but for cripes
sakes I don't feel like crawling through about 250++ entries...such a slog!

My key word kf is easy, but I have NO idea who the vast majority of
individuals I have kf'ed are...it's the dirty detritus of the five years
I've had this computer :-|


> The weather has sucked all week, hasn't it? And what's with all these
> overcast days. Usually we at least get some sun along with the cold.
>


Don't complain, you'll have daffodils in March at the latest, here in
Chicawgo they often don't appear until May...

I betcha after this warm winter we'll have a cold spring - then the first
week of June will be all 90+ daze (like last year)...<sigh/>

--
Best
Greg

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Michael "Dog3" Lonergan wrote:

> You need to get down here in March. We can hit the old stomping grounds
> and you can help me in the garden ;)


That would be fun...I'll see what's on my "dance card"...

I used to like visiting STL in February/March, it actually feels like SPRING
down there at that time as opposed to Chicawgo...Spring here can be really
screwy, one week it can be cold and rainy and then it's real hot (like this
past year), e.g. there is no 'graduality" going on...

I used to like Soulard Mardi Gras but these days I don't like crowds that
much. Apparently STL is trying to tout Soulard MG as an alternative to New
Orleans this year (or some travel writers have said)...

My corner tap has a perfectly acceptable Mardi Gras bash with nice food,
etc. It's free and it's just down the street, you can't beat that :-)

Mardi Gras beads can make nice xmas decorations (hanging on ficus trees,
etc.), I just put some away...

--
Best
Greg

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Gregory Morrow wrote:


> Yep and for you birds in STL spring is just around the corner, here in
> Chicago spring don't start until May at the earliest :-|

We're going to be getting some more seasonable weather for the next
week or so.

> It has been unseasonably warm since late December, e.g. warmest
> January in the 20th century. It's now actually below freezing and
> everybody is clucking and complaining, you'd think it was Florida or
> something the way they carry on :-)

It is rather funny. That January weather was very unusual. Some warm
days are typical, but not that many. It did mean I got a lot more
January BBQ in than normal, and there's nuttin wrong with that!


Brian
--
If televison's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who
won't shut up.
-- Dorothy Gambrell (http://catandgirl.com)

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

"Default User" > wrote

> It is rather funny. That January weather was very unusual. Some warm
> days are typical, but not that many. It did mean I got a lot more
> January BBQ in than normal, and there's nuttin wrong with that!

Same here, and I was expecting a bad winter for whatever
reason. Let's hope February and March don't make up for
the open window weather we've had for weeks now.

nancy

Analysis of Swanson(tm) Brand Frozen Dinners
 

Michael "Dog3" Lonergan wrote:

> "Default User" > hitched up their panties and
> posted :

> > It is rather funny. That January weather was very unusual. Some warm
> > days are typical, but not that many. It did mean I got a lot more
> > January BBQ in than normal, and there's nuttin wrong with that!
>
> Not a thing wrong with BBQ!!! If you need some seasoned oak, come on
> over. I've got tons of it.


I'm pretty well stocked with wood at the moment, thanks.



Brian



--
If televison's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who
won't shut up.
-- Dorothy Gambrell (http://catandgirl.com)