The 20 Healthiest Packaged Foods In 2011 Part 1

While it is always best to make meals from scratch, it cannot be denied that time constraints cause us to resort to packaged foods.  Fortunately for us, there are packaged foods which are judged healthier and tastier than its peers.  Prevention Magazine called upon registered dietitians and leading food bloggers to vote for the best packaged foods and here's the list.

1.  Best Cereal:  Ambrosial Venetian Vineyard Granola

This crunchy combination of walnuts, dates and raisins packs whole-grain nuts, proteins, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) without trans fats and extra sugar.  The winning taste and texture beats all the other brands of granola.

2.  Best Yogurt:  Chobani Lemon 0% Greek Yogurt

This high-end brand of yogurt wowed the critics with its decadently rich taste amidst its zero fat content.  It is neither overly sweet nor bland.  Just 140 calories per cup, this is a low-cal dessert or snack item which also doubles up as a calcium and protein source.

3.  Best Oatmeal:  Country Choice Organic Instant Oatmeal with Flax

The whole-grain goodness of organic rolled oats and flaxseed coupled with its extra-creamy taste won the judges over to this oatmeal brand.  The convenience of this instant oatmeal mix makes this a perfect mix for breakfast or quick snacks.  Just a packet of this gives you fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and complex carbohydrates.

4.  Best Cheese:  Sargento Sliced Reduced-Sodium Pepper Jack Cheese

Even though this cheese is low in sodium, it is still robust in cheese flavor and has hints of pepper.  The sliced presentation makes portion control easy for quick toppings on sandwiches and as chopped-up condiments for veggie salads.  Finally, here's a low-sodium (but still tasty) dairy source of calcium and Vitamin D.

5.  Best Soup:  Trader Joe's Organic Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup Low-Sodium

The name tells it al--it's made of organic tomatoes, red pepper and is low in salt.  Added value lies in its rich and creamy taste and consistency which bested all other brands for the soup category.  With every sip of this soup, you get heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin A.

6.  Best Deli Meat:  Applegate Farms Organic Roasted Turkey Breast

Naturally low-fat turkey is made even healthier by its being organically-raised in an environment free from nitrates, preservatives and antibiotics.  What's more, this brand packs the least sodium among all cured turkey brands.  But its winning appeal lies in its rich, full-bodied flavor and smoky, toasty aroma.

7.  Best Fish:  Wild Planet Canned Wild Albacore Tuna

Without added oils, water and extenders but simply the natural goodness of albacore tuna caught wild, this brand bests all the other canned tuna brands.  Because the fish is caught using fishing methods which comply with the fishing guidelines of environmental agencies, this tuna is far lower in mercury and far higher in omega-3 fatty acids.