Best Frozen Dinners for 2023 - Top Picks for Healthy, Convenient Meals

The Best Frozen Dinners for Healthy, Convenient Meals

Frozen dinners can be a quick and easy meal option when you're short on time. But not all frozen meals are created equal when it comes to nutrition and ingredients. Certain frozen dinner brands and meals stand out for their high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and great taste.

What to Look for in Healthy Frozen Meals

Here are some key factors to look for when selecting the healthiest frozen dinners:

• At least 300 calories per meal - Very low calorie frozen meals often skimp on portions.
• 20+ grams of protein - Look for enough protein to keep you full.
• At least 5 grams fiber - Fiber helps you stay satisfied.
• Limited added sugar - Choose meals with 10 grams or less added sugar.
• No more than 600 mg sodium - Lower sodium options avoid excess salt.
• Low in saturated fat - Meals with 5 grams or less help limit unhealthy fats.
• No artificial ingredients - Check the ingredient list for preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Top Picks for Healthy Frozen Meals

Based on their nutrition stats, ingredients, and reviews, here are some of the best frozen dinner brands and meals to buy:

1. Amy's Kitchen

This organic brand uses high quality ingredients in meals like:

• Bowls: Lentil Bowl, Rice Bowl, Burrito Bowl
• Pasta: Mac and Cheese, Pasta Bake
• Meatless meals: Vegetable Pot Pie, Bean & Cheese Burrito

2. Luvo

With an emphasis on nutrition, Luvo offers frozen meals like:

• Bowls: Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Enchilada
• Breakfast: Egg White Frittata, Breakfast Sandwich
• Entrees: Lemon Chicken, Beef Medallions

3. RealEats

This brand uses clean ingredients in meals such as:

• Bowls: Chicken Tikka Masala, Turkey Meatballs
• Soups: Tomato Basil, Butternut Squash
• Sides: Mashed Cauliflower, Quinoa Pilaf

4. Lean Cuisine

Nutrient-balanced options from Lean Cuisine include:

• Bowls: Chicken Fried Rice, Shrimp & Angel Hair Pasta
• Pizza: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Veggie White Pizza
• Entrees: Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Salisbury Steak

5. Evol

Made with simple, natural ingredients, Evol meals feature:

• Bowls: Korean Inspired Beef, Chicken Ramen
• Burritos: Fire Roasted Vegetable, Chicken Apple Sausage
• Sandwiches: Cuban Inspired Pork, Chicken Gyro

Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Frozen Meals

Follow these tips when shopping for frozen dinners to find the healthiest options:

• Compare nutrition labels - Calories, protein, fiber, sodium, and fat contents can vary greatly between similar meals.
• Watch out for sodium - Many frozen meals still contain too much sodium per serving.
• Seek at least 3 grams fiber - This ensures the meal is filling and promotes good digestion.
• Look for veggies - Meals with broccoli, spinach, carrots and other veggies provide important nutrients.
• Find "clean" ingredients - Avoid meals with preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.
• Seek 20+ grams protein - This helps keep you full and satisfied.

Avoiding Unhealthy Ingredients in Frozen Meals

When selecting frozen dinners, try to avoid meals containing:

• Excess sodium - More than 600-700mg per serving.
• Saturated or trans fats - These unhealthy fats raise cholesterol levels.
• Refined grains - Like white rice or pasta instead of whole grains.
• Lots of sugar - Meals with more than 10-15g total sugar.
• Artificial flavors and colors - These offer no nutritional value.
• Preservatives - Like BHA, BHT, nitrites or nitrates.

Best Frozen Meal Delivery Services

Meal delivery kits and prepared meal delivery services have revolutionized the convenient meal game. Here are some top prepared meal delivery companies offering healthy frozen meals nationwide:

1. Factor_

Factor_ ships chef-prepared, fully cooked meals like:

• Bistro Bowls: Korean Beef, Chicken Tikka Masala
• Sandwiches: Italian Hero, Chicken Avocado Club
• Entrees: Turkey Meatloaf, Cajun Shrimp & Grits

2. Freshly

Enjoy nutrient-balanced meals from Freshly, such as:

• Bowls: Teriyaki Chicken, Steak & Eggs
• Wraps: Chipotle Chicken, Falafel
• Breakfasts: Veggie Omelet, Avocado Toast

3. Splendid Spoon

Splendid Spoon delivers a variety of ready-to-heat frozen meals:

• Bowls: Chickpea Tagine, Mexican Lasagna
• Soups: Tomato Basil, Carrot Ginger
• Breakfast: Apple Crumble Oatmeal

4. Hungryroot

In addition to groceries, Hungryroot ships quick frozen meals like:

• Bowls: Thai Coconut Chicken, Mexican Quinoa
• Entrees: Tofu Tikka Masala, Chicken & Rice
• Sides: Cauliflower Gnocchi, Broccoli Tots

Health Benefits of High Quality Frozen Meals

Enjoying frozen meals made with real, wholesome ingredients provides benefits like:

• Convenience - Just heat and eat for fast, fuss-free meals.
• Nutrient-dense - Carefully developed meals provide balanced nutrition.
• Budget-friendly - Pre-portioned frozen meals can cost less than takeout.
• Time-saving - Minimal prep means more free time.
• Portion control - Single-serving packages help prevent overeating.
• Less waste - Only cook what you need instead of ingredients going bad.

Frozen meals made with quality ingredients, lean proteins, veggies, and whole grains can be part of an overall healthy diet.

Tips for Enjoying Frozen Meals While Staying Healthy

Here are some tips to get the most nutrition and satisfaction from your frozen meals:

• Add extra vegetables - Round out the nutrients by sauting fresh veggies like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini.
• Include healthy fats - Drizzle with olive oil or pair with avocado to increase staying power.
• Incorporate fruit - Frozen, fresh or dried fruit makes a nutritious dessert.
• Drink water - Stay hydrated by sipping water with your meal.
• Watch portions - Stick to single-serving meals to avoid overeating.
• Supplement with salad - Enjoy a side salad for added nutrition and fullness.
• Limit sodium - Flavor meals yourself with herbs and spices instead of salt.

The Bottom Line

With so many frozen meal options lining grocery store aisles, it can be tricky to identify truly healthy choices. Seek out established brands that emphasise nutrition over artificial flavors and excess sodium. Meals containing ample protein, fiber and veggies make satisfying convenient meals. Pairing frozen entrees with fresh add-ins helps boost nutrition for healthy, fuss-free eating.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.