Description: Jarred Alfredo sauce made with cream, butter, egg yolks and Parmesan and Romano cheeses.

Preparation summary: Add to hot pasta and serve.

Highpoints: Water is listed as the first ingredient, which helps tone down the calorie count to 90 per quarter cup opposed to 120 when homemade. Yet the sauce’s cheesy flavor and artery-clogging powers aren’t compromised.

Low points: A heavy hand of nutmeg pervades, much more than what the Romans prefer.

Average Retail Price: $2.99

Availability: Trader Joe’s

Description: Four individually wrapped frozen bagel “rolls” filled with strawberry-flavored Philadelphia Cream Cheese.

Preparation summary: Heat thawed bagels in toaster on medium setting for one cycle or microwave on high for 10 seconds.

Highpoints: Bagel sections turn out warm and chewy against the cool and fruity cream cheese filling.

Low points: As with all pre-made bread products, freezing alters their natural starchiness, so bakery fresh they’re not.

Average Retail Price: $2.99

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Eight-ounce tub of sharp cheddar cheese spread.

Preparation summary: Ready to eat

Highpoints: Tastes minimally processed and wonderfully sharp and airy.

Low points: That light, whipped texture tricks you into piling the stuff onto crackers a lot more than you should.

Average Retail Price: $3.99

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Mustard containing white wine, garlic and whole mustard seed

Preparation summary: Ready to serve

Highpoints: Much like expensive German mustards, it’s balanced and robust and bestows glory to bratwurst, sandwiches and cream sauces.

Low points: None

Average Retail Price: $3.29

Availability: Ralphs