Questions about our products or ingredients

How high is the sodium (salt) content in our products?

All our products contain less than 950mg of sodium per serving, which is 1/3 of our daily recommended intake. A teaspoon of salt contains 2,300 mg of sodium. Our Meat and Vegetable Lasagnas meet the nutritional requirements for the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation ‘Health Check^TM’ label.

Do your products contain MSG or trans fats?

Our products are free of MSG and non-natural trans fatty acids.

Do Bassili's Best products contain potential allergens such as eggs?

All potential allergens are listed in a 'contains statement' located at the end of the ingredients declaration. Regarding eggs, Bassili's Best products DO NOT contain eggs.

 

Questions about preparation

Should I defrost or thaw your products before cooking them?

Our products are designed to be prepared from a frozen state. Although not recommended, Bassili’s Best Lasagnas can be thawed to help speed up the cooking time. The product should be thawed on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator for 8 to 10 hours. Once thawed, it should be cooked immediately. It should not be refrozen after being thawed.

I followed the cooking instructions and still found the product to be cold; in fact some ingredients were still frozen?

Microwave ovens do vary. If you found your entrée cold, increase the heating time in 30-second increments until 160° F is achieved. Keep in mind that appliances come in different makes and models, and as a result cooking times can vary. Consider as well that your lasagna can range from -20º to 0º when it goes into the appliance. Therefore, it is always best to check on your lasagna as it is cooking. For food safety and quality, your lasagna should be heated thoroughly to at least 72ºC (160ºF).

Why is it important to let the product sit before it is served?

Allowing the product to sit for 5-10 minutes once out of the cooking appliance lets the temperature of the product equilibrate so that all of the flavors combine and the sauce can thicken; this provides consumers with the perfect blend of thick and flavorful sauce over a bed of fresh cooked pasta.

 

Questions about our packaging

Why did you switch from a foil tray to a paperboard tray in your 907g sized products?

Paperboard trays provide consumers with the alternative of cooking their product in the microwave. An average of 90% of North Americans utilize the convenience of microwaves. By providing this additional cooking method, we have further enhanced the convenience of our products by reducing the cook time. Heat is absorbed by the black tray, reducing cook time by 30%. This means less time in the oven and less power used. Our new paperboard tray is both efficient and economical!

Can the paperboard tray be reused?

We do not recommend that the paperboard tray be reused/re-heated because it was not designed as a permanent container.

Is the paperboard tray recyclable?

Our trays are made with coated paperboard, to keep the food from soaking into the packaging. This material’s performance is superior in both conventional and microwavable oven environments. Like milk cartons, our trays are not recyclable in all areas. To find out if the tray is recyclable in your area contact your local recycling department.

 

Miscellaneous questions

Do you have coupons available?

We suggest that you watch for special sales or promotions at your local retail store and look for coupon offers on our website.

How many people do each of your products feed?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recommends serving sizes for all Canadian products. Their serving suggestions are as follows:

• Our 454g sized products serve two. However, they are also ideal for an individual looking for a large meal.
• Our 907g sized products serve four people. This size also provides a hearty meal for two people.
• Our 800g sized products serve four people. This size also provides a hearty meal for two people.
• Our 1.13kg sized products serve five people.
• Our 1.5kg sized products serve six people.
• Our 2.27kg sized products serve 10 people.
  

How do I read the best before code?

• The Best before code is read: month day year.
• ex. BB 10 16 11 -> Best before October 16, 2011.