Description: Frozen pizza tailored after those made at the family-owned Reggio’s restaurants in Chicago

Preparation summary: Cook for 14 to 17 minutes in a 400-degree preheated oven.

High points: None, except that the notion of a “butter crust” is intriguing

Low points: The yellowish crust tasted so freezer burned that I had to check the expiration date. Surprisingly, it showed April 1, 2009, which indicates these pies are overloaded with preservatives and sit in freezers so long that the essence of the butter gets obliterated. The cheese tasted pretty flat, too.

Average retail price: $3.99

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Spicy chili with chunks of ground beef and kidney beans

Preparation summary: Heat on stovetop or in microwave

High points: Tastes homemade with moderate heat from jalapenos and chipotle chili powder

Low points: Though plentiful, the ground beef is shaped into irregular factory-made cubes – a blue-ribbon disqualifier.

Average retail price: $2.49

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Refrigerated low-fat soy milk, dairy-free, lightly flavored with vanilla extract and sweetened with raw cane crystals

Preparation summary: Ready to serve

High points: If you’re a die-hard fan of udder milk, don’t be afraid. The soy alternative offers similar creaminess, Vitamins A and D and zero saturated fat. Better yet, it contains isoflavones, an antioxidant believed to help in the prevention of breast and prostate cancers.

Low points: Tastes less like real milk the warmer it gets

Average retail price: $3.29

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Box of eight frozen Angus cheeseburgers on sesame buns

Preparation summary: Thaw first, then microwave on high for 60 seconds

High points: Bigger than sliders, the patties are thick and juicy and the American cheese tastes buttery rather than processed. Savory quality exceeds all other frozen burgers on the market. Sorry White Castle.

Low points: Consumers turn into aggressive hyenas when samples are dispensed at Costco.

Average retail price: $12.49

Availability: Costco