Advertising Disclosure
Packaged Meals Side Dishes Comparison - October 2025
| 1 Best Choice  9.8Exceptional | 2  9.7Exceptional | 3  9.4Excellent |
| View DealOn Amazon | View DealOn Amazon | View DealOn Amazon |
ModelKnorr Rice Sides For a Tasty Rice Side Dish Herb & Butter Long Grain Rice and Vermicelli Pasta Blend No Artificial Flavors, No Preservatives, No Added MSG 5.4 oz | Model Pasta Zing Spaghetti Pasta Made with Italian Durum Wheat | Ready to Eat Meals in 60 seconds | Fully Cooked, Microwave Meals, Ready Pasta for Dinner, Easy Dinner Sides | Pack of 7, 7.05 Ounce | Model Regganic Cilantro Lime Rice - 85 Seconds - Organic, Long Grain White Rice, Vegan & Gluten Free | Ready to Eat Meals | BPA-Free | Microwavable Food, Easy Dinner, Side Dish | 8.8 Ounce (Pack of 6) |
BrandKnorr | Brand PASTA ZING | Brand Reganic |
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews  |
Available On  | Available On | Available On |
Our Top 3 Picks
Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
9.8
1KnorrKnorr Rice Sides For a Tasty Rice Side Dish Herb & Butter Long Grain Rice and Vermicelli Pasta Blend No Artificial Flavors, No Preservatives, No Added MSG 5.4 oz
Why we love it
Quick and easy to prepare in just 7 minutes.
No artificial flavors, preservatives, or added MSG.
Versatile for recipes or as a standalone side dish.
Main highlights- You can easily prepare Knorr Rice Sides on the stove or in a microwave
- Our Herb & Butter rice can be part of a delicious Knorr recipe, or can be enjoyed as a rice side dish on its own
- Knorr Rice Sides are quick and easy to prepare — they cook in just 7 minutes
- Knorr Rice Sides Herb & Butter is a rice and pasta blend side dish that enhances meals with amazing flavor
- Knorr Rice Sides Herb & Butter contains no artificial flavors, no preservatives, and no added MSG, except those naturally occurring glutamates
- Herb & Butter Rice Sides expertly combines oregano, rosemary, basil and thyme with a delicate butter sauce
-
9.7
2PASTA ZING
Pasta Zing Spaghetti Pasta Made with Italian Durum Wheat | Ready to Eat Meals in 60 seconds | Fully Cooked, Microwave Meals, Ready Pasta for Dinner, Easy Dinner Sides | Pack of 7, 7.05 Ounce
Why we love it
Quick and easy meal preparation.
High-quality Italian durum wheat.
Certified Kosher and Halal.
Main highlights- VERSATILE ENTRÉE OR SIDE DISH: Enjoy this spaghetti pasta as a quick entrée or pair with veggies or protein for hearty dinner sides. Great for meal prep, instant meals, or pantry-ready ready meals—Pasta Zing is your go-to solution for versatile, flavorful, and clean eating any time.
- READY IN JUST 60 SECONDS: Enjoy hot, delicious microwaveable spaghetti pasta in just 60 seconds. Whether you're meal prepping, running late for work, or feeding kids after school, this instant pasta is always ready to go. Perfect for busy days when you want quick meals without giving up flavor or nutrition.
- MADE FROM 100% ITALIAN DURUM WHEAT: Crafted from premium Italian pasta made with durum wheat, our spaghetti delivers a firm al dente bite and bold, traditional flavor. A better choice than overly processed options—great for home-style recipes or healthy meals. Get whole wheat pasta flavor without long prep.
- CLEAN, DIET-FRIENDLY INGREDIENTS: Made with non-GMO, plant-based ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This low sodium, cholesterol-free spaghetti is Halal, Kosher, and perfect for clean eating. Perfect for health kicks or everyday healthy meals ready to eat.
- BPA-FREE PACKS: Packaged in a microwave-safe, BPA-free pouch, this ready-to-eat spaghetti requires no refrigeration and is perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. Use it for work lunches, travel meals, or emergency food kits. Just tear, heat & eat—no mess, no fuss, just dependable taste and nutrition.
-
9.4
3Reganic
Regganic Cilantro Lime Rice - 85 Seconds - Organic, Long Grain White Rice, Vegan & Gluten Free | Ready to Eat Meals | BPA-Free | Microwavable Food, Easy Dinner, Side Dish | 8.8 Ounce (Pack of 6)
Main highlights- VEGAN & DIET-FRIENDLY: This high-protein, plant-based rice is gluten-free, low in sodium, halal, kosher, and diabetic-friendly. Free from added sugar, trans fats, and cholesterol—perfect for clean eating, weight loss plans, and balanced diets with zero guilt in every bite.
- SHELF-STABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY: Pantry-friendly and travel-ready with long shelf life and no refrigeration. Comes in a 100% recyclable, BPA-free pouch—perfect for emergency food kits, zero-waste homes, work lunches, road trips, or quick, clean meals anytime.
- READY IN 85 SECONDS: Microwaveable cilantro lime rice ready in only 85 seconds. Ideal for hectic days, family dinners, or fast lunches. No prep, no cleanup—just heat, eat, and enjoy bold flavor and clean nutrition on the go, at work, or home with zero mess or hassle.
- CLEAN ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: Made with USDA-certified organic, non-GMO long grain white rice for a light, fluffy texture in every bite. No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors—just a wholesome, allergy-safe side dish that’s clean, natural, and perfect for daily healthy meals at home or work.
- BOLD CILANTRO LIME FLAVOR: Enjoy a delicious fusion of crisp cilantro, tangy lime, and buttery flavor made from real herbs. Elevate everyday meals into gourmet plates—pairs perfectly with grilled proteins, smoked sausages, fresh salads, tacos, and even lunch bowls or wraps.
Our ranking system
At BestChoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.
Features
Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
Consumer Reviews
We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
Popularity
Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
Value for money
AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
