But for those who need to make dessert on the fly, pre-made frosting can be a lifesaver. It comes in a handful of flavors, including vanilla and citrus, but the flavor that dominates store shelves is chocolate in all its lush variety: milk, dark, fudgy and decadent. Most stores carry at least two kinds of spread-and-serve chocolate icing; some carry as many as six.
It's important to note that none of these frostings are made from all natural ingredients. Most contain at least a touch of hydrogenated fat, as well as artificial colors and flavorings, and a list of questionable ingredients you won't find in many pantries.