Description: Ten pouches of instant spiced apple cider fortified with vitamin C

Preparation summary: Empty contents of one pouch into a cup and pour six to eight ounces of hot water over it. Stir until dissolved.

High points: Combined with a fuzzy blanket on a chilly night, and you end up with a warm and peaceful “cider moment” faster than it takes to peel two apples.

Low points: The flavor is frustratingly weak if you abide by the directions. Use either a little less than six ounces of water per packet, or sneak in an extra few tablespoons of the mix from a second pouch.

Average Retail Price: $3.99

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Newest line of cookies sold by the Girl Scouts and manufactured by Little Brownie Bakers of Kentucky. One six-ounce box contains a single roll.

Preparation summary: Ready to eat

High points: Cookies are thick, dense and dry like shortbread and take well to milk baths.

Low points: The sour, dried cranberries are few and far apart, but just as well because they stick ruthlessly to your molars.

Average Retail Price: $4.00

Availability: Girl Scout distributors or by calling 800-478-7248

Description: High-mineral cereal made with oats, barley, spelt, quinoa, amaranth and walnuts. Flavored with black tea, date powder, cardamom seeds, ginger and cinnamon bark.

Preparation summary: Eat plain or serve with milk.

High points: Tastes like all things Christmas no matter when you eat it: Gingerbread; mulling spices; potpourri; sugar plums; spice candles, etc. Yields a brawny crunch and feels truly healthy as it heads toward your digestive tract.

Low points: None

Average Retail Price: $4.59

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Frozen egg-white omelet with cheddar cheese, béchamel sauce and Jardiniere sauce (tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and spices). Accompanied by parsley potatoes. Created by Dr. Sears, founder of the Zone Diet.

Preparation summary: Microwave on high for five to five and a half minutes, or cook in conventional oven at 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.

High points: None

Low points: Tastes like a recipe given to the prison system by a cheap airline. Rubbery on the outside, mealy on the inside and completely flavorless. I couldn’t possibly consume the whole thing. And it’s expensive too!

Average Retail Price: $5.59

Availability: Major grocery stores