PITTSBURGH — Starkist Co. is keying in on convenience with the launch of Starkist Creations Microwavables. Packaged in a microwave-safe pouch, the shelf-stable products combine tuna with vegetables and grains.

Starkist Creations Microwavables may be eaten unheated or heated for 30 seconds and come in four varieties.

The Spicy Rice & Beans product contains wild caught tuna with hot sauce, lime juice, brown rice, black beans, cilantro and corn. Each pouch contains 160 calories and 10 grams of protein.

The Tuna Tomato Basil variety combines wild caught tuna with barley, tomatoes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and black olives. Each pouch contains 170 calories and 12 grams of protein.

The Tuna Latin Citrus offering includes wild caught tuna with jalapeños, lime, red and white quinoa, navy beans, corn, cilantro and vegetables. Each pouch contains 160 calories and 11 grams of protein.

The Tuna Thai Green Curry variety features wild caught tuna with rice, green chili, coconut milk, rice, lime juice and lemongrass. Each pouch contains 160 calories and 10 grams of protein.

“Today’s consumer seeks a balance between health and convenience when considering food purchases — both are extremely important,” said Andy Mecs, vice president of marketing and innovation for Starkist Co. “We kept this in mind when creating a microwavable product that is high-quality, and it helps shift the ‘unhealthiness’ stigma that has been pervasive in the past. StarKist Creations Microwavables provide busy consumers with a solution that is a good source of lean protein, combining wild caught tuna, vegetables, and grains like quinoa, barley, and brown rice.  They taste great and can be enjoyed heated or at room temperature for lunch, dinner, or a healthy snack. It’s easy to just tear, heat and go.”

Starkist Creations Microwavables are available on Amazon and will roll out to retailers nationwide this summer. The 4.5-oz pouches will retail for $2.29 to $2.49.