Compass national development and innovation manager Lauren Scott (left) samples the meals with food writer Charmian Smith. Photos by Peter McIntosh. : Frozen meals underwhelm (+ video)

Chicken and lemon sauce, potato bake, silverbeet and carrots. : Frozen meals underwhelm (+ video)

Barbecue beef with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and parsley sauce. : Frozen meals underwhelm (+ video)

Pumpkin and cheese gratin with potatoes, cauliflower and peas. : Frozen meals underwhelm (+ video)

The cheesecake was ‘‘appalling’’ and ‘‘gluggy’’ but the mousse was ‘‘nice’’. : Frozen meals underwhelm (+ video)