By Chuck Martin
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Nine children ages 10 to 17 rated the following take-to-school lunch items on a 1 to 10 scale (1=poor; 10=excellent). Registered dietitians from the Nutrition Council in Cincinnati also graded the items on nutrition content, provided comments and suggestions for complementing the meal with fruit, vegetables, juice and milk.

1. Smucker's "Uncrustables" Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly (frozen)

Average score: 8.7.

Kids' comments: I love peanut butter and jelly and I don't like crust. Much easier to pack than making a sandwich.

Nutritionists' grade: B.

Nutritionists' comments: Low in sodium. Most fat is unsaturated. Some students may need to eat two sandwiches.

To complete meal: Add fresh fruit and vegetables; 1/2 pint low-fat or skim milk.

Price: $2.49 (4 sandwiches). Requires thawing.

2. Lean Pocket Steak Fajita (frozen)

Average score: 7.6.

Kids' comments: Spicy but good. Crispy.

Nutritionists' grade: C.

Nutritionists' comments: High in sodium. Some fiber. Good source of iron and vitamin A.

To complete meal: Add fresh fruit and low-fat or skim milk.

Price: $2.69 (two pockets). Requires baking or microwaving.

3. Oscar Mayer Lunchables "Cracker Stackers" (refrigerated)

Average score: 7.3.

Kids' comments: Crackers good because they're not salty. Pudding is good.

Nutritionists' grade: D.

Nutritionists' comments: Very high in sodium. Very low in fiber. No vitamin C and little iron. High in vitamin A and calcium.

To complete meal: Add fresh fruit and vegetables.

Price: $2.59 (includes ham, processed cheddar cheese, crackers, fat-free chocolate pudding and juice drink). Ready to eat.

4. Campbell's Soup at Hand "Mexican-Style Fiesta" (no refrigeration needed)

Average score: 6.4.

Kids' comments: Too spicy.

Nutritionists' grade: C-.

Nutritionists' comments: Good source of vitamin C. Low fat. High in sodium. Calories too low for an entree.

To complete meal: Add 1/2 to 1 lean meat sandwich. Add fresh fruit and vegetables. Add 1/2 pint low-fat or skim milk.

Price: $1.69 (10.75 ounces). Requires microwaving.

5. Mama Rosa's Pepperoni Pizza (frozen)

Average score: 5.8.

Kids' comments: Spicy. Salty. Needed more cheese.

Nutritionists' grade: C-.

Nutritionists' comments: High in fat. Low in fiber. Some calcium and iron.

To complete meal: Add fresh vegetables and/or fruit and 100% fruit juice.

Price: $5.99 (eight pizzas). Requires baking or microwaving.

(Tie) Smucker's "Uncrustables" Grilled Cheese (frozen)

Average score: 5.8.

Kids' comments: Too cheesy.

Nutritionists' grade: C-.

Nutritionists' comments: High in sodium. Low in fiber. Calories too low for entree. Some students may need to eat two sandwiches.

To complete meal: Add fresh vegetables and fruit, water or 100% fruit juice.

Price: $2.49 (four sandwiches). Requires baking or microwaving.

7. Oscar Mayer "Fun Fuel" Ham Wraps (refrigerated)

Average score: 5.6.

Kids' comments: Wrap was dry. Yogurt was good.

Nutritionists' grade: B.

Nutritionists' comments: High in sodium. Excellent source of vitamin C. Good source of calcium. Lower in sugar.

To complete meal: Add vegetables.

Price: $2.99 (includes ham, two tortillas, cheddar cheese shreds, light mayonnaise, low-fat berry yogurt and 100% fruit punch). Ready to eat.

8. Funny Bagels Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches (refrigerated)

Average score: 5.1.

Kids' comments: Bagel didn't taste fresh. Yogurt was good.

Nutritionists' grade: B-.

Nutritionists' comments: High in sodium. Low in fiber. Good source of vitamin C, calcium and iron. High in sugar.

To complete meal: Add fresh vegetables.

Price: $2.49 (includes turkey, two small bagels, American cheese, light mayonnaise, strawberry yogurt and 100% fruit juice punch). Ready to eat.

9. Morningstar Farms Supreme Pizza (vegetarian; frozen)

Average score: 3.6.

Kids' comments: Soft and squishy. Too spicy.

Nutritionists' grade: B-.

Nutritionists' comments: High in sodium. Some fiber. Good source of iron and vitamin A.

To complete meal: Add fresh fruit, low-fat or skim milk.

Price: $3.29 (11.7 ounces). Requires baking or microwaving.

10. Starkist "Lunch to Go" (tuna; no refrigeration needed)

Average score: 3.0.

Kids' comments: Tastes like pickled fish. Yuck!

Nutritionists' grade: B.

Nutritionists' comments: Good source of protein. High in sodium.

To complete meal: Add fresh fruit and vegetables; 1/2 pint low-fat or skim milk.

Price: $1.89 (includes 3 ounces tuna in pouch, mayonnaise, relish, crackers and breath mint). Requires mixing.

11. Amy's Organic Burrito Especi·l (frozen)

Average score: 1.7.

Kids' comments: Didn't like the beans and stuff inside.

Nutritionists' grade: B+.

Nutritionists' comments: Moderate to high sodium. Low in calories and saturated fat.

To complete meal: Add low-fat or skim milk or fruited yogurt. Add fresh vegetables and fruit.

Price: $1.99 (6 ounces). Requires baking or microwaving.