Overview and History
Lean Cuisine was created in 1981 to provide a healthier alternative to Stouffer's frozen meals. It began with ten items and has expanded to include 100+ different meals. The brand name "Lean Cuisine" is considered by the FDA as a nutrient content claim, so all Lean Cuisine items are required to meet the "lean" criteria of less than 10 g fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol. Lean Cuisine items are also calorie-controlled, with most items in the 200-300 calorie range, with a minimum of 140 calories and a maximum of 400 calories. A major competitor of Lean Cuisine is Healthy Choice, manufactured by ConAgra Foods. It is required to meet "healthy" criteria by the FDA, since it includes "healthy" in its brand name. This includes a requirement to be below 480 mg of sodium in addition to fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol targets.
Other competitors include Smart Ones, made by H. J. Heinz Company, and South Beach Diet, made by Kraft Foods. There are also a number of store brand competitors, such as Safeway's Eating Right brand.
Lean Cuisine grew significantly during the 1980s and 1990s on the strength of low-fat, low-calorie dieting, becoming one of Nestle's largest U.S. brands. Sales suffered during 2003–2004, as did other diet food brands with the increased popularity of low-carbohydrate diet plans. Lean Cuisine reacted by launching a line of reduced-carb entrees in 2004, and has seen stronger growth as low carb dieting has become less prevalent.
Lean Cuisine sponsors the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation and America on the Move.
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