The 5 Best Tasting Frozen Meals of 2023

Best Overall: Saffron Road Chicken Enchiladas Poblano

Pros

• Conveniently portioned single-serving packaging
• 4.4 g of fiber
• Equilibrated macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates)
• Kosher and gluten-free certification

Cons

• 660 milligrams of sodium per serving

We chose the Saffron Road Chicken Enchiladas Poblano as the most convenient and well-rounded frozen dinner overall. There are 56 grams of carbs, 18 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat in one packet.

We like that it incorporates a variety of dietary categories, including poultry, dairy, and vegetables, in order to deliver a wide range of nutrients. This variant improves sustained energy and higher enjoyment, as well as a number of body processes.

The corn tortillas, spinach, and beans contribute 4 grams of fiber, which aids in satiety, blood sugar regulation, and digestive health.

In addition, this meal provides 15% of the recommended value for calcium, potassium, and iron. It is gluten-free, therefore persons with celiac disease or wheat allergies can also consume it.

These enchiladas include 4 grams of saturated fat and 660 milligrams of sodium, which is average for a frozen meal but should be considered if you are managing your saturated fat or salt intake.

They only contain 420 calories, which is little less than the recommended minimum of 500 calories each meal. Consider adding another element, such as corn tortilla chips and tomato salsa as an appetizer while the dinner heats in the microwave.

• Serving Size: 1 container (283 grams)
• Carbohydrates per Serving: 56 grams
• Fiber per Serving: 4 grams
• Sodium per Serving: 660 milligrams
• Protein per Serving: 18 grams
• Saturated Fat per Serving: 4 grams

Best Vegan: Tattooed Chef Vegan Frozen Buddha Bowl

Pros

• High fiber content
• Less saturated fat
• No additional sugar

Cons

• Not excessive in protein

The Buddha Bowl by Tattooed Chef is a substantial dish with sweet potatoes, kale, and cauliflower, with chickpeas added for protein. The sauce is a creamy tahini that imparts an abundance of taste and is rich in fat.

There is no added sugar to these bowls, which include 9 grams of fiber. While having less protein than other alternatives, each bowl has 10 grams of protein.

You can try adding additional protein to this recipe, whether or not that protein is plant-based.

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (284 grams)
• Carbohydrates per Serving: 33 grams
• Fiber per Serving: 9 grams
• Sodium per Serving: 310 milligrams  
• Protein per Serving: 10 grams
• Saturated Fat per Serving: 2.5 grams

Best On-the-Go: 365 Frozen Bean & Cheese Burrito

Pros

• Affordable
• Excellent calcium and Iron Source
• Equilibrated macronutrients

Cons

• Increased sodium

What better symbolizes on-the-go than a burrito? We had to add one more burrito to the list since they are inexpensive, tasty, healthful, and handy.

These bean and cheese burritos from 365 by Whole Foods Market are created with simple and tasty ingredients: a tortilla, pinto beans, Colorado sauce (a red tomato-based chili sauce), and reduced-fat cheese.

They are vegetarian-friendly and have less saturated fat and salt than many frozen alternatives. In addition, they are an excellent source of unsaturated fats (through soybean and sunflower oil) and fiber (through pinto beans).

One burrito is insufficient for a meal, so we suggest ordering two or serving it with rice and a substantial amount of salsa, Greek yogurt, or sour cream.

• Serving Size: 1 burrito (170 grams)
• Carbohydrates per Serving: 45 grams
• Fiber per Serving: 4 grams
• Sodium per Serving: 570 milligrams
• Protein per Serving: 12 grams 
• Saturated Fat per Serving: 2.5 grams

Best Low-Sodium: 365 Frozen Organic Ricotta Spinach Ravioli

Pros

• Low sodium
• Certified natural
• No additional sugar

Cons

• Zero fiber

These 365 Organic Ricotta Spinach Ravioli are an excellent frozen low-sodium lunch choice. Two servings of these ravioli contain sufficient calories and nearly enough fat to constitute a meal.

Tossing them in olive oil might add a healthy supply of unsaturated fat to the dish. There is also the opportunity to add other ingredients as desired, like garlic, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt.

The major drawback of these ravioli is their lack of fiber, but this is readily remedied by the addition of frozen vegetables. Compared to fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables have a longer shelf life and require less preparation.

Moreover, frozen veggies may have more nutrients that your body can utilise than fresh food. Soto notes that frozen vegetables are frozen immediately after harvesting, so preserving the majority of their nutritious content.

Fresh produce, on the other hand, spends days or weeks traveling from the farm to the store and then in your refrigerator after purchase.

• Serving Size: 1 cup (125 grams)
• Carbohydrates per Serving: 42 grams
• Fiber per Serving: 0 grams
• Sodium per Serving: 125 milligrams
• Protein per Serving: 14 grams
• Saturated Fat per Serving: 2.5 grams

Best Gluten-free: Evol Fire Grilled Steak

Pros

• Higher fiber
• No additional sugar
• Convenient
• Carbon Neutral Certified

Cons

• Not suited for vegetarian or vegan diet

The evol fire grilled steak bowls are an excellent alternative for those avoiding gluten. The meat in these bowls is delicate, and the fire-grilled taste is achieved with minimal effort.

This meal is also accompanied with a cilantro lime pesto for more taste and color.

Each serving contains 18 grams of sugar, 7 grams of fiber, and no added sugar. This firm creates items that are Certified Carbon Neutral, indicating they actively try to decrease their carbon impact, and these bowls are manufactured in a Certified Zero Waste facility.

These microwaveable bowls will yield a wonderful supper in less than five minutes.

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (255 grams)
• Carbohydrates per Serving: 40 grams
• Fiber per Serving: 7 grams
• Sodium per Serving: 510 milligrams
• Protein per Serving: 18 grams
• Saturated Fat per Serving: 3.5 grams

Calories

Typically, frozen meals lack sufficient calories to constitute a fulfilling dinner. "People frequently believe that the best thing to do is to substantially reduce caloric intake, but this is not true.

It is crucial to consume enough food to supply your body with adequate energy so that you do not feel too hungry later on.

The majority of individuals require at least 500 calories each meal plus a few snacks throughout the day, and many require more "says Autumn Rauchwerk, MS, RDN, RYT.

"Calorie restriction is not sustainable over the long run and may result in fatigue, trouble concentrating, emotional issues, compulsive eating, binge eating, and weight cycling.

Consider your body's sensations of hunger and satiety while deciding how much to consume. If the serving size is modest and the packaging contains many servings, it is not necessary to consume only one serving.

Moreover, you may add additional veggies, grains, or protein to guarantee enough nutrition "says Rauchwerk.

Observe that calorie demands differ among individuals based on several factors, including age and exercise level.

Carbohydrates and Dietary Fiber

Choose a meal that contains grains whenever feasible to provide your body with enough carbs. The majority of frozen meals include less than the required quantity of 45 to 60 grams of carbs each meal.  

In this scenario, you may like to add a side of toast or grains (such as rice, quinoa, couscous, or farro) or finish the meal with a piece of fruit.

Choose a meal that has at least 4 grams of fiber per serving. This ensures that the food will be satiating and promotes good digestion.

Protein

Selecting a meal that has a considerable amount of protein, such as meat, fish, beans, or tofu, can help you support your body and feel content.

It may be a good idea to aim for 20 or even 30 grams of protein every meal, so you may want to add beans or scrambled eggs to a meal with less protein or have Greek yogurt with honey for dessert.

Sodium

Sodium is used to preserve and enhance the flavor of frozen meals. Choose a meal with less than 750 milligrams of sodium (less than one-third of the daily value recommendation of 2300 mg).

If you dislike low-sodium items, you may just have a greater salt requirement, and a pinch of salt may go a long way. If you are on a salt-restricted diet, you may want to seek for products with even less sodium.

Also, you may search for monosodium glutamate (MSG) or monosodium in the ingredient list, since these aid to increase taste and reduce sodium consumption.

Fat

More unsaturated fats than saturated fats are found in nutrient-dense frozen meal alternatives. In general, we prefer options with fewer than 4 grams of saturated fat per serving.

What are the advantages of frozen food?

If you lack culinary abilities or kitchen space, frozen meals may be the most practical option for preparing and enjoying a whole dinner. Frozen dinners save you time and energy and make for the ideal dinner after a hard day.

These meals are immediately prepared and frozen, so they keep the majority of their nutritional content, flavor, and texture.

Are frozen foods healthy?

Healthy frozen meals are possible. Checking the product label might be beneficial when searching for wholesome frozen dinners. Select frozen meals with a maximum of 20 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, and 600 milligrams of sodium.

Moreover, search for well-balanced frozen meals that contain a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as lean protein sources, whole grains, and veggies, and have more than 3 grams of fiber.

How long can a frozen meal be stored in the freezer?

You may store frozen meals in the freezer for up to one year after the purchase date. Avoid storing frozen food in the refrigerator. Keep your meal frozen in the freezer until you are ready to eat it, then cook it according to the label's instructions.

Which is less expensive: fresh or frozen food?

Generally speaking, it is usually less expensive to purchase frozen meals. Particularly, frozen fruits and vegetables are frequently less expensive than their fresh equivalents.

Also, frozen meals have a far longer shelf life than fresh food, which reduces the risk that food will go to waste.

BestForHomes (bestforhomes.org) hopes that our reviews of the best tasting frozen meals have helped you narrow down your options and pick the most suitable product for your needs.