Jimmy Dean weds Sara Lee

Prepared Foods, March, 1999 by Lynn Dornblaser

It's about time Sara Lee teamed up with one of its meat divisions for a co-branded product. Jimmy Dean, Cordova, Tenn., a Sara Lee subsidiary, now offers a meal product that contains a Sara Lee-branded dessert. Jimmy Dean Dinner and Dessert for 4 also happens to be a meal kit. It includes entree, side dish, and dessert and requires some fiddling by consumers to get it all cooked or heated up for serving.

What's more, the entree kits retail for less than $10, making an economical, complete meal for a family. Varieties include Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice, Green Beans, and Sara Lee Apple Pie; Sirloin Tips with Teriyaki Sauce and Rice Medley with Sara Lee Cherry Pie; Beef Pot Roast with Gravy, Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, and Sara Lee Apple Pie; and Meat Loaf & Burgundy Wine Sauce with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sara Lee Apple Pie.

The products are low in fat (e.g., 7g per serving for the Beef Tips meal) and calories (270 for the same), implying that the portions may be a bit small. Perhaps the addition of a fresh salad would fill out the meal- and fill up the family.

Maybe down the road we'll see other companies offering products from all of its divisions, with the specific brand names on the package. What about Campbell soup packaged with Pepperidge Farm crackers? Or a Pepsi snack pack with Pepsi One and Baked Lays?