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Editor's Choice
By Kristin V. Montalvo
SEPTEMBER 01, 2006
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To be honest, I've never been a big fan of instant soups. Most of the brands I've tried before taste artificial and watered down, plus they tend to be loaded with sodium. So I was a bit skeptical about the new Instant Cup Soups from Fantastic World Foods (formerly Fantastic Foods), but when I found out they were all natural or organic and chef-inspired according to regional and ethnic themes, my curiosity peaked. First, I tried the Buckaroo Bean Chili, a vegetarian soup that featured layered flavors of chili and cayenne throughout a tomato-spiked puree of pinto beans, diced bell peppers and onion. This satisfying chili combined just the right amount of peppery heat and offered a very pleasant flavor. Next, I sampled Sesame Miso, the clear winner of the group. This is a definite step up from other miso soups and actually tasted like something you'd be served in a Japanese restaurant. I loved how the delicate lemongrass flavor complemented the toasted sesame seeds, ramen noodles, quality mushrooms and carrots. I also liked that every soup package includes a checklist of "Fantastic Assurances" that showcases how each product is all natural and organic. In addition, the checklist includes detailed information about whether specific products are vegan, kosher, gluten or yeast free, low in fat or a good source of fiber, iron or other specific vitamins. And it's microwaveable to boot. Finally, somebody got it right. Available in 13 additional flavors.