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Panel Gives Thumbs Up To Healthy Beans, Rice

Rick Bonino Food Editor

“New Orleans” and “healthy” are not necessarily words one would expect to see on the same package, given that a recent study showed the Big Greasy, er, Big Easy had the highest percentage of overweight residents of any large, er, major U.S. city.

But Fantastic Foods’ New Orleans Red Beans & Brown Rice, one of the company’s new line of Healthy Complements packaged side dishes, won rave reviews from The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel for flavor and boasts a respectable nutritional analysis as well.

“Reminiscent of New Orleans,” wrote panelist Sandy Davidson - heady praise indeed, considering he actually attended Mardi Gras.

Fantastic Foods Healthy Complements, New Orleans Red Beans & Brown Rice

Price: $1.99 for 5.6 ounces (makes 1-1/3 cups).

Nutrition: 130 calories (12 percent fat calories); 340 milligrams sodium in 1/3 cup.

Taste: ****

Value: ****

Comments: “Interesting smoky flavor, but could use a shake of salt.” - Karen Buck

“Right off Bourbon Street. Excellent combination of spices, with just the right kick.” - Beverly Smick

, DataTimes MEMO: Products sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel are prepared according to package directions. Panelists are not aware of a product’s brand name or price until after they have tasted it. Products are rated from one to five stars for taste and for value, based on quality compared to price.

Products sampled by The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel are prepared according to package directions. Panelists are not aware of a product’s brand name or price until after they have tasted it. Products are rated from one to five stars for taste and for value, based on quality compared to price.