The 11 PM Dumpling Stare-Down

This Calabrian Chili Tomato Dumpling Soup reads like a hug in a bowl. The ingredient list promises a rich, velvety base from tomato paste and cream, with those dumplings adding a soft, chewy bite. The 2g sugar per 100g is minimal, letting the savory notes of dried onion and garlic shine through. It's the kind of thing you'd heat up after a long day when you want something warming without much fuss. The 9.8 score suggests it's a crowd-pleaser. However, the Expeller Pressed Canola Oil and cream mean it's not the lightest option, so it might feel a bit heavy if you're planning to be super active right after. It's pure comfort food.

The MANDU VEGETABLE DUMPLINGS with a Kimchi flavor profile are a standout for the ingredient-conscious. With 0g of sugar per 100g and a near-perfect 9.9 score, they seem to nail the balance of flavor without relying on sweeteners. While the full ingredient list is updating, the kimchi designation suggests a welcome tangy, spicy kick that can cut through the richness of the dumpling wrapper. This is the kind of item you could stash in the office freezer for a quick, satisfying lunch that feels more intentional than a standard frozen meal. The trade-off is that a 9.9 score often means a premium price point, so you might be paying more per ounce for that clean label.

These Thai vegetable dumplings are an interesting case. The organic white wheat flour and sprouted soybean tofu base sound wholesome, but the 12g of sugar per 100g is a notable figure—it's not negligible, suggesting a sweeter profile than you might expect from a savory Thai-inspired item. The texture is likely firm and satisfying from the super firm tofu. I can see these being a great, quick protein-rich snack for a post-gym bag session, especially if you pair them with a savory dip to balance the sweetness. The trade-off is definitely that sugar content; if you're strictly monitoring sugar, this might not be the first choice, even with the organic ingredients.

Chicken With Dumplings is a timeless classic, and this version keeps it simple. The 0g sugar per 100g is a huge plus, ensuring the flavor stays squarely in the savory, hearty camp. The ingredient list focuses on the essentials: water, dumplings made from enriched wheat flour, and presumably chicken (though not listed in the snippet, the name implies it). This is the ultimate pantry staple for a rainy day when you want something familiar and filling. It would be perfect for a family dinner where you just need to get something warm on the table quickly. The trade-off is the likely texture of the dumplings; made from enriched flour, they can sometimes be a bit dense or pasty compared to fresh ones.

This Dumpling Sauce is a powerhouse of flavor, but you have to be mindful of the numbers. A staggering 26g of sugar per 100g puts it on par with some desserts, and the 7.4 score reflects that it might be a bit one-note sweet for some palates. The blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil promises a deeply umami and tangy profile, but that sugar is doing a lot of heavy lifting. This is the secret weapon for elevating a bland meal—think a few drops on steamed vegetables or plain dumplings to make them pop. The trade-off is obvious: it's a sugar and calorie bomb. A little goes a very long way, so it's not something you'd want to douse your food in if you're watching your intake.