Frequently Asked Questions

Select an appropriate category at right to find answers to common questions about Country Crock® Side Dish products and programs.
PRODUCT SPECIFIC
HOMESTYLE MASHED POTATOES

Are my mashed potatoes supposed to look watery?

Before heating, you may see some water in the tub. This is normal and you do not need to remove it. Once the potatoes are stirred during and after heating, the water will be absorbed back into the potatoes. After heating, the potatoes may appear watery if they were not heated long enough or if the product was not mixed during heating.

Can I whip the potatoes?

You may whip the potatoes if you like. However, we recommend transferring them out of the tub to do so.

Are there supposed to be brown pieces in the potatoes?

Since the Homestyle Mashed Potatoes and Garlic Mashed Potatoes are made with real Russet potatoes, occasionally a piece of the potato skin will end up in the product.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

Is real garlic used in the Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, real garlic is used in the mashed potatoes.
DELUXE ELBOW MACARONI & CHEESE

What type of cheese is used in the DELUXE Elbow Macaroni & Cheese?

A mixture of American and Cheddar cheeses is used to make the DELUXE Elbow Macaroni & Cheese.

Is the macaroni supposed to be chewy? Mushy?

No, the macaroni should be tender. However, overheating may cause macaroni to become tough or chewy. Overcooking may be caused by using a more powerful microwave or by cooking the product for too long.
SHOPPING / IN-STORE

In which section of the store can I find Country Crock® Side Dishes?

You can find Country Crock® Side Dishes in your grocer's meat section - near the fully cooked Tyson and Hormel ready-to-heat entrées. If you cannot find them there, look in the refrigerated deli section or ask the store manager.
HEALTH / NUTRITION

Are these products made from fresh ingredients?

Our products are produced daily and delivered straight to your grocer's warehouses. We use only the best ingredients so that you can feel good about serving them to your family. The potato varieties are made with 100% Russet potatoes and milk. DELUXE Elbow Macaroni & Cheese is made with real Cheddar and American cheese. The product is intended to be eaten within 60 days of the date of manufacture.

Do any of the products contain:

Country Crock®? Yes, all products contain Country Crock® Margarine (liquid) made with 80% vegetable oil. While this product is not available at your local grocery store, it is sold to food service providers.

Trans fat? Some Country Crock® Side Dishes contain a small amount of partially hydrogenated soybean oil as part of the liquid soybean oil. This contributes less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.

Dairy? (i.e., real milk in the potatoes) All Side Dishes varieties contain dairy. Please refer to the ingredients panel for a detailed list.

Preservatives? Yes. The preservatives used are listed on the Ingredient Statement.

Are the Sides Kosher? No, none of the Side Dishes are designated as Kosher dishes.

Are these products vegetarian / vegan? None of the Side Dishes are vegan. The potato varieties and the DELUXE Macaroni & Cheese may be considered vegetarian. DELUXE Homestyle Stuffing and DELUXE Cornbread Stuffing are made with real chicken broth.

STORAGE / CONTAINER

Is the product freezable?

We do not recommend that you freeze Country Crock® Side Dishes. In general, starches such as pasta, potatoes, and rice do not freeze well. Freezing will affect the quality and taste of the product. Side Dishes are intended to be consumed soon after purchase and within 3 days of opening.

How long will the product last after I open the container?

Side Dishes should be consumed within 3 days after the container has been opened, or before the expiration date, whichever comes first.

Is the container:

  • Microwavable? Yes, the plastic tub is microwavable and can be used to reheat the product as well.

  • Reusable? Yes, you may reuse the container.

  • Dishwasher safe? Yes, you can wash the container on the top rack in your dishwasher.

  • Recyclable? Yes, the tubs are recyclable.
PREPARATION / COOKING

What is the normal fill level of each tub?

Each tub contains 3 – 5 portions (differs by variety). We've provided some extra space in each tub to make it easier for you to stir up your favorite Side Dish after it has been warmed up in the microwave. The product also tends to settle during transportation. Be assured, though, that you are receiving the full weight specified.

Can I leave the seal on while I cook this? How do I remove the seal?

We recommend that you heat Country Crock® Side Dishes uncovered. The seal must be punctured before it can be removed. We recommend that you use a clean pair of scissors or a kitchen knife and cut around the rim. Try to remove as much of the seal as possible; however, it is not harmful if you are not able to remove it entirely.

Can I heat these in another dish or do I have to heat them in the container? Does this change the cooking time?

If you are heating these products in the microwave, we strongly recommend that you use the tub provided. If you would like to transfer the product into your own microwave-safe dish, you may need to alter the heating time.

Can I cook these products on the stovetop?

Yes. We have provided stovetop cooking instructions on the packaging.

Can I add ingredients to the Side Dishes before I cook them?

If you would like to personalize your Side Dishes, we recommend that you add ingredients after the Side Dishes have been heated. It will make mixing easier and least affect the Side Dishes heating process.

Is the product reheatable?

Yes. The product may be reheated multiple times over the three-day period after the product has been opened. You may choose to adjust the cooking time based on how much product is left.
OTHER

Where is the expiration date?

The Use By date is listed on the bottom of the cardboard sleeve as well as on the side of the tub.
If you are still unable to locate an answer to your question, please call our Consumer Services toll free number at 1-800-319-6169, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM ET so we can further assist you.