Microwavable food packaging, and related products and methods

A microwavable product comprising:

• a cup comprising a sidewall, a closed end, and an open end opposite the closed end, wherein the sidewall and the closed end together define an interior volume, and wherein the cup further comprises a lip surrounding the open end;
• a first layer of foodstuff disposed within the interior volume, the first layer of foodstuff having a thickness and dielectric properties;
• a second layer of foodstuff disposed within the interior volume below the first layer and closer to the closed end than the first layer, the second layer of foodstuff having a thickness and dielectric properties, wherein the foodstuffs of the first and second layers differ from each other;
• and
• a cover removably secured to the cup at the open end, the cover comprising a microwave regulating material disposed to regulate incident microwave radiation being transmitted through the open end into the interior volume of the cup,
• wherein the sidewall comprises a composite including a microwave regulating material disposed to surround at least the first layer of foodstuff to regulate incident microwave radiation from being transmitted through the sidewall into the interior volume at a location of the first layer.

A method for preparing a food product, the method comprising:

• applying microwave energy to a container holding at least a first foodstuff and a second foodstuff, the first and second foodstuffs being held in axially layered relation to each other within an interior volume of the container;
• regulating the microwave energy being transmitted through a first end of the container to the first foodstuff;
• regulating the microwave energy being transmitted through a sidewall of the container to the first foodstuff via a composite including a microwave regulating material;
• and
• heating the second foodstuff with the microwave energy transmitted through the sidewall and a second end of the container.