Description: Fifty-nine ounce carton of Tropicana orange juice containing 50 percent less sugar and calories compared to regular brands.

Preparation summary: Ready to serve.

Highpoints: Tastes initially identical to fresh-squeezed.

Low points: The zero-calorie “natural sweetener” known as Purevia jangles the aftertaste and leaves you thirsty, much like aspartame.

Average Retail Price: $3

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Plastic-contained kit of rice and vacuum-packed sauce with chicken that is part of a new line of Healthy Choice steamed entrées.

Preparation summary: Add water to the fill line in supplied plastic steamer and microwave the rice for three minutes. Then microwave sauce pouch for 20 seconds and mix with the rice.

Highpoints: None

Low points: Product is unfriendly to both the planet and consumers. Excessive plastic packaging is used for too small a meal. Cooking instructions in super-fine print require telescopic eyeglasses to read. Rice turns out watery. The southwestern sauce is “Healthy Choice plain.” And the chicken is shamefully scant.

Average Retail Price: $4.29

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Box contains six to eight pieces of lightly battered Pacific halibut filets partially cooked in canola oil.

Preparation summary: Bake frozen filets on cookie sheet in preheated, 400-degree oven for 16 to 18 minutes or deep fry in oil for four minutes.

Highpoints: Pleasing density, yet flaky and fresh tasting. The batter doesn’t dominate the fish, which pairs exceptionally with jarred tartar sauce we found two aisles away (see following review).

Low points: The stubby “eighth” filet in the box looked as though someone on the fishing boat severed their big toe and sent it along for battering. Average Retail Price: $5.99

Availability: Trader Joe’s

Description: Glass jar containing 12 ounces of tartar sauce made with dill, jalapeños, cauliflower and bell peppers.

Preparation summary: Ready to serve.

Highpoints: Thick and viscous and blooms with tangy, spicy flavors. Doubles as a great sandwich condiment and veggie dip.

Low points: Two easy-to-eat tablespoons will cost you 90 calories.

Average Retail Price: $2.49

Availability: Trader Joe’s