Question for “Ask the Dietitian”: This is a throw back: Do you remember Schwan’s? They used to bring us yummy treats when we were younger! I saw a truck driving around the other day and wondered, just how healthy are their foods? Loaded question, because ice cream v. chicken is a no brainer, but I just wondered if it was full of extra preservatives or if the foods tend to be comparable, or even a little healthier, than normal grocery store options. Thanks!

This is a throw back! I haven’t thought about Schwan’s in a while. I remember loving the orange sherbert push-ems. When I went to visit their site to do a little research, the first thing I clicked on was kid’s favorites. First thing that popped up, Mac and Cheese Bites – think fried mac n cheese, not so promising for healthy options. Glancing through the kid’s favorites, I noticed lots of fried products, but I did notice a Live Smart category.

The Live Smart category advertises:

• minimal preservatives and additives
• moderate calories, sodium, and fat
• zero grams trans fat

When I clicked on their ingredient list and nutritional information, I was surprised to see so many preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors in their Live Smart entrees.
Although, compared to their other entree products, the ingredient list is shorter. The fruit and vegetable categories had very few additives and seemed very comparable to what I find in the frozen section at grocery stores.

I personally would not buy Schwan’s entrees on a regular basis, but if you really wanted Schwan’s stick to the Live Smart products. As with all foods, everything can fit in your diet with moderation. Maybe it could be a good option for your family once every couple of weeks to give yourself a break in the kitchen.