Description: New soup by Campbell’s containing 45 percent less sodium with the use of sea salt

Preparation summary: Heat and serve.

High points: With cold-and-flu season smacking us between the eyes, this is the next best thing to homemade chicken soup. It’s made with a touch of sea salt, and the broth offers a pure, herbal flavor without the usual metallic aftertaste of regular table salt. Another welcome surprise was that the carrots and celery hadn’t lost their firmness in the can that I tried.

Low points: My sinuses are still throbbing and my throat’s still sore.

Average retail price: $2.99

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Two poblano peppers stuffed with soy crumble, white and brown rice, bell and jalapeno peppers, black beans, pumpkin seed and corn, all held together in a thick tomato sauce infused with chipotle salsa.

Preparation summary: Microwave on high for five to five-and-a-half minutes.

High points: A potpourri of sweet and spicy flavors ensues from a filling so rich and densely packed with ingredients that you can easily share with another.

Low points: The liberal amount of soy crumble (a.k.a. fake ground beef) is too chewy and resembles the texture of low-grade beef.

Average retail price: $3.49

Availability: Trader Joe’s

Description: An elixir-type drink in a 16-ounce glass bottle containing potent doses of kombucha, a cultured Chinese tea touted for its active enzymes, amino acids and polyphenols. Sold in several other flavors.

Preparation summary: Ready to drink

High points: Hits the tongue with an unusual micro fizz due to fermentation that’s still occurring in the bottle. A health boost is provided, at least psychologically, given the claim that kombucha supports digestion, weight control, cell integrity and liver function.

Low points: Good luck detecting the raspberries. Though oddly refreshing, the drink tastes more like the pungent juice of grapes right before they start turning into wine. The product’s “citrus” version is much better, albeit lip-puckeringly tart.

Average retail price: $3.29

Availability: Whole Foods

Description: A frozen, single serving of miniature-size rigatoni with cubes of chicken breast laced in basil pesto.

Preparation summary: Microwave on high for two minutes. Lift plastic film, stir and re-cover. Continue cooking for one to two-and-a-half minutes.

High points: Restaurant-quality meal that delivers the flavors of fresh basil, garlic and parsley, along with al dante rigatoni and tender chicken breast sporting a quasi-roasted finish.

Low points: The meal goes down in less time than it takes to cook in the microwave. Unless you’re dieting – and you wouldn’t be doing it on Stouffer’s products – I don’t know any adult with an appetite this small.

Average retail price: $3.29

Availability: Major grocery stores