Dr. Gourmet's Food Reviews

Fig Foods Nonna’s Minestrone Soup

Nonna's Minestrone Soup and Split Pea and Potato Soup

We were really pleased with our discovery of Fig Food's soups back in August. They're not cheap at $3.99 for each pouch, but not only were the two we tested really good (the Yucatan Black Bean Soup and Mexican Bean and Rice Soup), they're actually more convenient than soup that comes in a can: they come in a sturdy plastic pouch. Just tear the pouch open partway, place it upright in the microwave (it stands up on its own), and heat for 2 minutes. No need to find the grungy can opener kept in the office kitchen - you just need a bowl and a spoon for a tasty, filling lunch.

Today we tasted two of their more classic style soups and started with Nonna's Minestrone. As with all of their soups in pouches, this is labeled two servings, but it doesn't matter: both servings together are only 260 calories and 520 milligrams of sodium - about the same numbers you'd find in Lean Cuisine or other frozen meals. But this soup has an astounding 12 grams of fiber!

"Nonna" is the Italian for "grandmother," and let me tell you, I wish I had a grandmother like this one. This is a rich, full-bodied soup with big chunks of potato (with the skin left on for more fiber) and carrots, along with creamy beans, peas, and spinach. It's very Tuscan-flavored with a hint of fennel and lots of oregano and basil.

The Split Pea and Potato Soup doesn't disappoint, either. Another thick and creamy soup with excellent pea flavor, it also contains big chunks of the same skin-on potatoes, along with carrots, onion, and celery. There's a touch of garlic and the leeks add mild sweetness. This pouch contains 240 calories, 520 milligrams of sodium, and 14 grams of fiber.

I really can't rate these highly enough. Have some of this soup and a piece of fruit for lunch and you'll be satisfied all afternoon. Not only will we keep an eye out for their other varieties to review for you, I plan to stock up on these for hurricane season.