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