Lean Cuisine facts for kids
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Microwaved Lean Cuisine tortellini
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| Owner |
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|---|---|
| Introduced | 1981 |
| Discontinued | 2023 (Canada only) |
| Related brands | Stouffer's |
| Markets | Worldwide |
| Tagline | Do something good for yourself! |
Lean Cuisine is a brand of frozen meals. These meals are sold in the United States by Nestlé Prepared Foods. In Australia, they are sold by Vesco, which has a special agreement with Nestlé.
Lean Cuisine started as a healthier option for Stouffer's frozen foods. Today, the brand offers many different types of meals. These include traditional dinners, dishes from other countries, pizzas, and even sandwiches called panini. Nestlé Prepared Foods, which makes Lean Cuisine, has its main office in Solon, Ohio.
In February 2023, Nestlé Canada announced it would stop selling frozen meals and pizzas in Canada. This change happened over the next six months. However, Lean Cuisine meals are still made and sold in the United States.
What is Lean Cuisine?
Lean Cuisine was created in 1981. The idea was to offer a healthier choice compared to other frozen meals. It began with just ten different meals. Over time, the brand grew to include more than 100 different options.
The name "Lean Cuisine" means the food is low in certain things. The FDA has rules for what "lean" means. For Lean Cuisine, this means each meal must have:
- Less than 10 grams of fat.
- 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat.
- Less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol.
Lean Cuisine meals also control calories. Most meals have between 200 and 300 calories. The lowest calorie meal is 140, and the highest is 400.
Who are Lean Cuisine's competitors?
Lean Cuisine has several competitors in the frozen meal market. One major competitor is Healthy Choice. This brand is made by Conagra Brands. Because its name includes "healthy," it must meet special FDA rules. These rules include having less than 480 milligrams of sodium. They also have targets for fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
Other companies that make similar meals include Smart Ones by H. J. Heinz Company. There are also store brands like Safeway's Eating Right.
Lean Cuisine helps support good causes. It sponsors organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This group works to fight breast cancer. It also supports America on the Move, which encourages people to be more active.
Lean Cuisine's Journey Through Time
Lean Cuisine has changed a lot since it first started. Here's a look at some key moments:
- 1981 – The brand launched with 10 meals. Ads focused on "Good tasting entrees at less than 300 calories."
- 1983 – A new slogan was used: "You'll love the way it looks on you." The meals were very popular, and sometimes there weren't enough for everyone.
- 1984 – Lean Cuisine offered a 14-day diet plan. They also gave out a free booklet called "On Your Way to Being Lean." Another slogan was "It's not just the calories that count, it's the taste."
- 1985 – The number of meals grew to 18. The slogan became "You'll love the taste. And you'll love the way it looks on you."
- 1986 – More companies started making similar meals. Lean Cuisine's slogan changed to "Only Lean Cuisine tastes like Lean Cuisine."
- 1987 – The product line expanded to 25 meals. These included new options like shrimp and lamb. The slogan was "More Satisfaction." They also helped Weight Watchers dieters by listing exchange values for all meals.
- 1991 – Eleven new meals were launched. The focus was on being low in fat, with messages like "98% fat free!"
- 1992 – Eight more new meals came out. One was Honey Mustard Chicken, which even came with a small jar of Grey Poupon mustard.
- 1993 – Eight more new items were added, including pot pies and enchiladas.
- 1995 – Lunch Express was launched. These were cheaper meals that you could eat right from the box. Slogans included "Time to treat yourself right" and "It's not just Lean, it's Cuisine."
- 1996 – Cafe Classics were introduced. These meals were inspired by restaurant dishes.
- 1997 – American Favorites were launched. These were classic American dishes that felt more like home cooking.
- 1998 – Four new Cafe Classics meals were added.
- 1999 – Skillet Sensations were launched. These were "kit" meals in a bag that you cooked in a pan.
- 2000 – The slogan "Do something good for yourself" was first used in ads.
- 2001 – Zesty Selections were launched. These were spicier and more flavorful dishes.
- 2002 – Bowls and Dinnertime Selects were introduced.
- 2003 – Asian-inspired meals and pizzas were launched.
- 2004 – Low-carb meals and deep-dish pizzas were introduced. The old slogan "It's not just Lean, it's Cuisine" was replaced with "Do Something Good for Yourself."
- 2005 – Spa Cuisine meals were launched. These included whole-grain dishes. Some Dinnertime Selects meals also came with a dessert.
- 2006 – Preservatives were removed from most (over 80) meals. Panini sandwiches and Brick Oven style pizzas were also launched.
- 2007 – Five Spa Cuisine meals with extra vegetables were introduced. Two more panini sandwiches were also added.
- 2008 – Four Flatbread melts were launched.
- 2010 – "The Book of Truth" advertising campaign began.
- 2018 – Lean Cuisine launched vegan frozen meals.
