Description: Eight frozen potato pancakes (latkes) made with matzo meal and dehydrated potatoes by Trader Joe’s

Preparation summary: Cook on a baking sheet in a 400-degree oven for 8-10 minutes or panfry in vegetable oil over medium heat for 4-6 minutes

High points: The latkes turn out crispy regardless of how you cook them.

Low points: Kind of bland unless you introduce them to salt-n-pepper and sour cream or applesauce

Average Retail Price: $2.29

Availability: Trade Joe’s

Description: Packaged tray by Oscar Mayer “Lunchables” containing about five cooked chicken nuggets (white meat), ketchup for dipping, two Starburst fruit chews and a foil pouch of CapriSun fruit juice.

Preparation summary: Ready to eat

High points: Tricks obstinate kids into eating

Low points: If childhood diabetes and obesity can be traced to eating too much sugar and processed food, consider this a culprit. The mulchy nuggets are paired with starchy ketchup, waxy candy and a dose of so-called “all-natural fruit juice” from concentrate, which can turn a kid’s smile into Farmer Bill’s if consumed regularly.

Average Retail Price: $3.29

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: One-pound bag of refrigerated, diced potatoes containing additives to maintain color and flavor.

Preparation summary: Skillet-cook in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until brown

High points: Tastes like freshly peeled potatoes and makes for an easy, tasty side dish, especially when cooked with peppers and onions

Low points: Use a Teflon frying pan or else keep an abrasive sponge handy for the cleanup.

Average Retail Price: $2.29

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Single frozen panini filled with cooked, seasoned steak strips, cheddar cheese and spices.

Preparation summary: Bake for 30 minutes in a 350-degree oven, or microwave in “crisping sleeve” for three minutes and 15 seconds.

High points: In two separate servings, no fat or gristle turned up.

Low points: Dry and bready on the outside, particularly at the perimeters, much like original Hot Pockets, and the “cheddar” tastes a lot like American cheese

Average Retail Price: $2.99

Availability: Major grocery stores