First off: how funny is it that my post today is about how much I adore Amy’s products when I mentioned, only two days ago,  that I was going to try to eat less processed food? In my defense, I also said that I probably wouldn’t have too much success with that, so there you go.

Well, if – like me – you happen to partake in processed fare now and then, this brand is a particularly good choice. You’ve probably seen Amy’s products in your grocer’s freezer and/or natural foods section (and if you haven’t, you need to do something about that, stat!). If you’ve never stopped to check them out, Amy’s is the nation’s leading natural frozen food brand. It was founded by a couple who were WAY ahead of the organic/veg food curve and started the company (named after their daughter) out of their home in 1987.

Amy’s now produces nearly 100 different frozen meals and a line of canned soups, beans, pasta sauces and salads. All Amy’s products are vegetarian, organic and free of additives, preservatives and GMOs. No crazy ingredients. No crazy cooking methods. Just all-natural, good food.

Now for the best part: Amy’s makes 90 different items that are also completely vegan.

I discovered Amy’s back when I was vegetarian and was totally thrilled to have found such high-quality options for veggie convenience foods (the pickins’ are otherwise slim, ya’ll). On that note, I think this brand is particularly great for newbie vegetarians and vegans who aren’t used to the sometimes unconventional ingredients and cooking methods that go along with this kind of diet. It definitely takes some getting used to and Amy’s is a really good way to ease into that transition.

This is not to say that I don’t think Amy’s is also great for veggie eaters who’ve been around the block for a while as well (obviously). The idea behind my Busy Vegan series speaks to this exactly. My husband and I work full-time and have other interests and commitments. Cooking from scratch every night is not happening. I know I’m not the only one in that boat. To tell you the truth, half the time I couldn’t do better than an Amy’s meal in terms of nutritional value and quality of ingredients anyway.

I most often turn to Amy’s products for lunch. I keep a few in the freezer at work and pop them in the microwave on days when I don’t have any leftovers from dinner the previous evening. This usually comes out to once or twice a week. Absolute faves include the Baked Ziti Bowl, Brown Rice and Vegetable Bowl, Gluten-Free Non Dairy Burrito and the Teriyaki Wrap. I’m also a big fan of the Non Dairy Rice Crust Cheeze Pizza, Non-Dairy Vegetable Pot Pie and All American Veggie Burgers for quick dinners.

The one downside to Amy’s is price. These meals are quite a bit more expensive than your typical frozen entrees. I figure I’d spend about the same as I would if I grabbed something from a drive-thru (which is a common lunch routine for many people). This way though, I’m eating much healthier – and I don’t have to go anywhere. Score!

So the next time you’re at the grocery store, check out the Amy’s options and give one a try. And with that, I’m off to enjoy a Brown Rice and Veggie bowl. Bon Appetit!