Description: Dry cookie mix made with whole-wheat flour, organic chocolate chips, organic evaporated cane juice and cocoa paste

Preparation summary: Combine dry mix with one-third cup vegetable oil and five tablespoons of cold water. Place spoon-sized balls of the dough onto cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes in a 350-degree, preheated oven.

High points: Eggs aren’t required, so you can eat the dough and sleep soundly at night.

Low points: Ingredients don’t incorporate well. Chocolate flavor leans toward the weak side and the cookies turn out dry and crumbly, causing you to reach for full-fat milk to get them down. Sharp tools are needed to pry them off the baking sheet.

Average Retail Price: $2.99

Availability: Whole Foods

Description: Soft, butter-like spread in an eight-ounce tub containing vegetable oil and plant stanol esters, a natural plant component shown to reduce cholesterol in various studies, including one reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Preparation summary: Ready to serve

High points: The product spreads easily and can be used for baking. Package claims that two or more servings each day helps block cholesterol from being absorbed by the body, although it doesn’t indicate over what period of time.

Low points: Tastes how fake popcorn butter smells – and it’s expensive.

Average Retail Price: $5.79

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Package of five frozen bread sticks filled with tomato sauce, low-fat mozzarella cheese and pepperoni bits

Preparation summary: Bake for 20 minutes in a 350-degree, preheated oven (preferred method) or microwave on paper towel on high for 45 seconds per bread stick.

High points: Bread casings are somewhat flaky and take on a slightly better texture than regular Hot Pockets. Tomato sauce inside is thick, so there’s no drippy mess.

Low points: The sticks lack moisture, the filling is scant and the flavors taste junky.

Average Retail Price: $2.99

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: One pound of spiced pork sausage wrapped in a heavy plastic tube

Preparation summary: Slice into quarter-inch-thick patties and cook in skillet over medium heat for 11 minutes. Flip and cook for another four minutes.

High points: Spiciness is balanced by a sweet, tangy flavor that could especially liven up stuffing and lasagna recipes. Patties turn out crisp and escape the common “breakfast sausage” taste.

Low points: As you’ll discover, the name Jimmy Dean equates to grease, gristle and a big goodbye to healthy eating.

Average Retail Price: $4.29

Availability: Major grocery stores