Remember Lean Pockets? They were once the lighter, health-conscious cousin to Hot Pockets. We loved those things for a quick, low-cal snack on busy days.
Lean Pockets aimed to give us the same melty goodness but with fewer calories. They had a good run, but slowly vanished from freezers.
Hot Pockets, on the other hand, got a huge boost thanks to comedians like Jim Gaffigan. His jokes made Hot Pockets a staple in snack culture. Gaffigan’s hilarious takes connected people to the guilty pleasure of getting one out of the microwave.
While Lean Pockets tried to keep it light and healthy, Hot Pockets have taken over the convenience market. Their popularity leaves us reminiscing about the less indulgent option that seems to have disappeared.
What are Lean Pockets?
Lean Pockets dropped onto the scene in 1987 as a lighter cousin to Hot Pockets. They marketed themselves as a “diet” option, boasting lower calorie counts—about 270 calories compared to the standard 310.
This was during the height of diet fads in the ‘80s and ‘90s, so it felt like quite the cash grab. The green packaging just screamed healthy, because, you know, green equals good for you.
In reality, they were just another easy meal from the freezer section, hanging out alongside pizza rolls and dino nuggets.
In the end, while we had some fun with Lean Pockets, they simply weren’t as memorable as their cheesy, melty counterparts, Hot Pockets.
The History of Lean Pockets
Lean Pockets rolled out in 1987 as a supposedly healthier alternative to Hot Pockets. They aimed to provide that same gooey satisfaction, just with fewer calories. Regular Hot Pockets typically clocked in around 310 calories, while Lean Pockets nudged that down to about 270.
The green packaging was a total giveaway—green means healthy, right? This was during the diet craze of the ’80s and ’90s, and they were riding that wave hard. They were right there with frozen pizza rolls and dino nuggets in our freezers, yet they never quite made a name for themselves.
In the end, Lean Pockets came and went without leaving a lasting impact. Hot Pockets simply stole the spotlight, becoming the go-to for late-night snacking.
What Does Lean Pockets Taste Like?
When they were around, Lean Pockets had a few different flavors to choose from. Each one was essentially a lighter version of its Hot Pocket counterpart.
The crust was the same—thin and crispy—but the filling didn’t quite stack up in terms of flavor. It just wasn’t as rich or satisfying as a regular Hot Pocket. They also felt smaller, so we often ended up eating more than one at a time to feel satisfied.
Overall, Lean Pockets tasted like an attempt at being healthy, but still fell short in that department.
How Many Flavors of Lean Pockets are There?
Lean Pockets positions itself as a healthier alternative to Hot Pockets, flaunting all the trendy wellness catchphrases. Consider their Spinach Artichoke White Meat Chicken. It’s packed with two veggies and features “white meat” chicken, which is commonly regarded as the healthiest choice.
The flavor selection is impressive, from the enticing White Meat Chicken Jalapeno Cheese in Baked Pretzel Bread to the Garlic Chicken White Pizza on a Whole Grain Crust. What a diverse menu! We enjoyed the Sausage Egg and Cheese with its low-fat mozzarella and the Reduced Fat Pepperoni Pizza as well.
The BBQ Recipe White Meat Chicken was decent, but the most puzzling option? Philly Steak & Cheese. What were they thinking? Lean Pockets certainly introduced an eclectic mix while promising to keep our meals lighter as we navigate the frozen food section!
Do They Still Make Lean Pockets?
Lean Pockets are officially a thing of the past. In 2020, Nestlé, the parent company of Hot Pockets, decided to phase out Lean Pockets due to disappointing sales.
It seems that during the pandemic, people leaned more towards comfort food rather than healthier microwave options. Can you really blame anyone for wanting that cheesy, melty goodness?
On a brighter note, Hot Pockets are still going strong and even expanding their offerings! One thrilling new collaboration is with the spicy Hot Ones brand. So, be prepared—if the gooey cheese doesn’t set your taste buds ablaze, the intense heat surely will!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.