We Try Garden Lites as a Tasty Way to Eat Healthy


Everyone I know is talking about eating better, losing weight, meeting health goals.  This is all well and good, but let's be honest --- will anyone really stick to those plans?  I'm one that has "fallen off the wagon" of healthy eating weekly (even daily), so I understand how difficult it is to find a truly healthy product that is enticing enough to keep eating.

I tried the new Garden Lites Souffles this week, and I wasn't sure that I would like them.  To be truthful, I don't really like frozen foods, and anything that promises to be vegetarian, lactose/casein/soy/gluten free doesn't sound all that exciting.  Because I struggle to get my daily intake of veggies and protein, however, I thought I'd give these a shot.

I sampled three flavors: Zucchini, Butternut Squash, and Roasted Vegetable.  Here was my experience:

This is the Zucchini right out of the box.  To prepare in the microwave, you leave the plastic wrap ON..


Microwave for 3:30...


Remove the wrapping, microwave a minute longer, let sit for a bit, and serve...


It didn't look horrible, at all.  And it tasted divine.  There was just enough salt and seasoning to make it taste homemade.  There were large pieces of zucchini that were tender enough to blend right into the souffle.  I was a little turned off by the texture of the middle (it was very mushy), but the savory flavors overcame any texture issues and my kids even liked the bites I shared with them!


Next, I decided to try the Butternut, which promised to be a sweeter treat, by baking it in the oven.  Could I make it a bit more eye-catching (like the photos on the package?)

Baking at 40 minutes sure took longer than microwaving, but I gave it a shot...


The appearance when I took it out was NOT good.  It was dried out and cracked on the top.  I didn't like the outside, as it was chewy and hard.  The inside, however, was a dreamy, custard-like texture and it was soooo yummy.  It reminded me of a decadent homemade pudding, but it was subtlety sweet (like the sweet potato).  I think if I were to make this one again -- which I would -- I'd make it in the microwave.

Overall, I'm very pleased with these products.  I wouldn't likely get the Vegetable blend again, because I don't really like peppers.  Both the zucchini and butternut were very delicious and filling.  I also like that I can sneak in 2 full servings of veggies and set a reasonable portion size just by throwing something in the microwave.  (I can see these being a great option for someone on Weight Watchers who takes their lunch to work; they are just 4-5 points!)

You can find them at select Walmart locations; find out where with their store locator tool!

Wanna Save?  Get $.75 off the price of $2.68 with the printable coupon found on the store locator page!


As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received product samples and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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