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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

McDougall And His Soup

First and foremost, I feel as though I owe the people at McDougall's foods a huge apology. They sent me one of the nicest box of samples I have ever received, and it has taken me until now to review it. Sorry guys. Thing is, I've been busy eating their soup.

It really is the perfect time of year for soup, and frankly, I don't really like making it, so the many boxes that graced my doorstep one November evening were a welcome addition to my kitchen.




This is the good stuff, not only because it comes in pretty boxes instead of cans, but its better for you. To show you why, I conducted a face off between the lentil soup and a can of lentil soup that has been migrating around my pantry for a few months.


The first thing you'd notice is that McDougall's is larger. However, they both contain two "servings" of soup. Check out the nutrition information:

Canned
The canned soup has more calories, more fat, more sodium, more sugar, less fiber, and less protein.
McDougall's

Don't get me wrong, it isn't exactly a low-sodium food, but it definitely has less than its canned counterparts without tasting like water. Oh, did I mention that yet? That it tastes good too?

I set out to tasting it right away, which was made convenient by the pristine white bowl they sent me.

Yes, we eat in front of the TV

I set out to trying the minestrone first, which has always been one of my favorites. I love the veggies along with the beans and the pasta...its just perfect. McDougall's version did not disappoint.

Please try to ignore the embarrassing background of the garbage/recycling

The next day I wanted more soup. With my pretty white bowl all dirty and in the dishwasher, I had to improvise and use one of my own green bowls. This time we went for black bean, with a few cubes of avocado for good measure.


Definitely try avocado in your soup, its a nice addition, especially for black bean. This soup was perfectly hearty and warm...what black bean soup is best known for.

While they didn't send me this, I also took the liberty of trying their instant soups at work one day, and it was another version of their black bean.


The flavor in this, was really good. I couldn't figure out what it was at first, then I remembered that it was black and and lime. Definitely had a lime-y-ness to it. Unfortunately, soup was just not made to be powdered and instant. It was okay, but it just didn't come together completely. Bits were still crunchy, and it there was goopiness at the bottom even though I mixed throughout eating it. Not bad in a pinch, but not a staple either.

By now, we've tried almost all the soups, but of course, I had to leave you with the classic: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup...with McDougall's Chunky Tomato soup, of course.

Just as good as it looks, made with Follow Your Heart Cheddar, dunked in warm chunky tomato soup, this was a perfect meal at the end of a long week.

So if you are in the market for some convenient soups, give McDougall's a try. I know I have seen them popping in at my local Giant and Wegman's, which is nice and the weather is cold!! They're made from a group of people focused on wellness, and as far as healthy packaged soups go, they are pretty tasty too.

11 comments:

  1. Soup! That is actually what im craving today since its just so darn cold outside today. Ive never tried McDougalls though Ill keep my eyes out for it :)

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  2. Dr. McDougall's just add hot water soups save my life when I'm traveling!

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  3. Hi Gina!
    The white choc you asked about...I have 2 links for it on my blog, just click that and you can either make it or order it. I havent seen it in stores, just mail order but i linked it.

    Re the yoga comment the other day. I was more talking about companies who sell cars with people doing yoga in the background or crappy food manufacturers using yoga and bliss to sell nasty food. It's the marketing aspect of it that is kinda meh for me. That's awesome youve been practicing 5 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    xox

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  4. I'm thinking these would be great for the hubs to take to work. Thanks for the review!

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  5. Really great review! Ive only had the Lentil box soup by McDougall so far and it was awesome! I do really try to watch sodium though. But you are right. As far as boxed soups go this isnt too bad. Thanks for the great info and I hope you have a wonderful day hon!

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  6. Avocado atop black bean soup sounds so good. I will definitely look for McDougall's soups in my local markets.

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  7. Ooh, I love soup, I'll have to look out for those boxed soups.

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  8. When I'm in a rush to get a healthy meal, I'm also a big fan of these soups! I don't buy the boxed and ready-to-eat ones as much, as they're more expensive, but the miso ramen is a favorite standby. Much tastier and less junky than any other sort I can find!

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  9. I love this post! Soup is one of my favorite things, and this is a brand I've never heard of before, but now want to try it. All the flavors look scrumptious.

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  10. I love soup! And I like to put avocado and sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) on my bean soup. I do love the dried soups. I used to eat one of those everyday! Now I'm stuck on the pureed soups like butternut squash. My nick doesn't like soup though, so I only make it when he's not home! Glad you enjoyed yours :)

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  11. I was more talking about companies who sell cars with people doing yoga in the background or crappy food manufacturers using yoga and bliss to sell nasty food.
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