Minsley Cooked Organic Quinoa, 4.2 oz. (Pack of 12)

Quinoa is a relatively new grain to the North American market, but it's an ancient staple in South America. And I'm really glad it's finally gotten popular, because it is an INCREDIBLE source of vegetable protein -- there are six grams of protein in each of these meal-size servings. It has a mild taste, just as rice does. It's a natural grain, and can be the equivalent of rice or potatoes in a traditional meal. But, there's so much more you can do with it! I've scrambled it into eggs, to provide more protein and volume. I've added it to soups, I've just heated it, thrown in blueberries, and had it with a little hazelnut milk as a breakfast cereal. I've had it warmed for lunch with a little salsa and avocado on it. I've added it to recipes for breads, muffins, health bars. I've used it to thicken casseroles, it's just a great, all-purpose pantry item. And, it's organic, and fully prepared. I like to mix a pack of this quinoa, with a pack of the McDougall's Lentil Curry that Amazon also carries -- and then I spoon that mix into romaine lettuce leaves, with a dollop of salsa, to make great tasting lettuce wraps for a fun frisky lunch. This ready-to-serve organic quinoa gets five stars and two thumbs up from me.

Each of the containers has a large serving of quinoa (but only 170 calories) that is already perfectly cooked. I am not much of a cook myself and cooking dry quinoa, particularly just a single serving, didn't work for me. Since it is already perfectly cooked, but totally plain, I can use it as a really quick and healthier base for many things where white rice or brown rice would work. It can also be stirred into any strongly flavored sauced dish that needs a little toning down or extra hardiness or texture. I use it most often as a nice substitute for rice in what used to be a "rice bowl" with meat and other ingredients on top. I have now bought this item 3 times. As far as I have found, this is a completely unique product and no one else makes anything as flexible and convenient with quinoa.

Quick, convenient, and versatile. The only thing I don't like is a kind of tart/bitter almost lemony flavor? It doesn't taste quite like plain quinoa. However, for the value and convenience for a quick and healthy lunch, it's a fair exchange and I have it on subscribe and save. I just always have to flavor it before eating it.

There are only a few comparable options which are not always available on the shelf's.

Recently bought 4 cases of this product. The cases showed boldly-printed expiration dates of 01/27. I was thrilled! But much less visible on the boxes, as well as on the individual bowls, were expiration dates of 11/13/24 and 11/17/24. Not nearly as good! Very disappointed with this misleading info! Only happened to discover the discrepancies.

This is even easier than the Steamed Brown Rice Bowl, Organic, Microwaveable, 7.4-Ounce Bowls (Pack of 12). You don't even need to heat it up! Just open, and put on a plate. No boiling, cooking, etc. I tend to like it warm, however, so I throw it in the microwave for at least 30 seconds after opening.The awesome thing about Quinoa is that it's both a complete protein, and a carbohydrate (though, oddly enough, someone told me that it's technically a fruit). This makes Meatless Mondays much easier to accomplish: if you get some Pacific Natural Foods Light Sodium Organic Soup, Creamy Tomato, 32-Ounce Cartons (Pack of 12), throw in some frozen broccoli, and one of these Quinoas, and put it in the microwave for a few minutes, you have a quick, easy, and healthy lunch!

I've made quinoa from scratch at home and it didn't turn out good. I tried this and it's great. A nice light texture, mild flavor. Heats in 1 minute. I ordered in September 2022, arrived promptly. Servings expire April 2023. Super convenient. So nice to have on hand to bulk up a meal.

We received a very similar item, same brand name package has some of the wording pictured, cover a different color and says white and red quinoa. Does not mention gluten free.