16 Healthiest Frozen Meals Recommended by a Nutritionist

Finding the healthiest frozen meals can be a challenge in the sea of options available at the grocery store. Have you ever found yourself spending hours combing through ingredient lists only to find added sugar or excess sodium? To help you save time, this list of the healthiest frozen meals and the brands behind them has you covered. Whether you're looking for quick lunches, dinners or something in between, there are plenty of nutritious options that won’t compromise on taste. 

Why settle for bland or unhealthy choices when you can have convenient options for the healthiest frozen meals that are both delicious and good for you? Keep reading to explore the 16 healthiest frozen meal brands that prioritize wholesome ingredients and balanced nutrition. Get ready to stock your freezer with meals that you and your family can feel great about eating.

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• Are Frozen Meals Healthy?
• How To Choose Healthy Frozen Meals
• The 16 Healthiest Frozen Meal Brands
• Learn To Cook Healthy Meals

Are Frozen Meals Healthy?

Frozen meals have a long history, dating back to the 1950s when they were first introduced as convenient TV dinners. Over the years, they earned a reputation for being unhealthy due to high sodium, preservatives and low-quality ingredients. However, the landscape of frozen meals has dramatically changed. Today, many brands offer frozen meals that are rich in nutrients, featuring whole foods and balanced portions.

While there are still plenty of unhealthy options, the market now includes many healthy frozen meals that prioritize nutritious ingredients. It’s crucial to check labels and make informed choices.

How To Choose Healthy Frozen Meals

When choosing the healthiest frozen meals, it’s important to focus on the nutritional content. Look for meals that are low in added sugars, saturated fat and milligrams of sodium. Opt for meals rich in vegetables and whole grains, which provide essential nutrients and fiber. High-protein options can help keep you full and satisfied.

Check the ingredients list to ensure it features whole foods rather than artificial additives. The healthiest frozen meals often highlight portion control, ensuring you get a balanced meal without overeating. Always review the label to make the best choice for your health.

The 16 Healthiest Frozen Meal Brands

1. Sweet Earth

Sweet Earth is known for its plant-based, flavor-forward meals, making it a standout among the healthiest frozen meals. The offerings, which include bowls, burritos and pizzas, are vegetarian-friendly and mostly organic, with many options also being vegan. While some of the meals are higher in sodium, there are healthier choices like the curry tiger bowl and the cauliflower mac. With a focus on non-GMO ingredients and diverse, nutritious meals, Sweet Earth is a generally healthy brand, although it's essential to check labels for nutritional content as some meals can be high in sugar.

2. Saffron Road

Offering a range of globally inspired meals, Saffron Road ranks among the healthiest frozen meals at grocery stores. Its dishes are free of GMOs, artificial ingredients and hormones, with all options certified gluten-free and many being vegan, vegetarian and halal. Healthier choices include the lemongrass basil chicken and butter chicken. Saffron Road’s focus on authentic flavors and nutritious ingredients makes it a generally healthy brand, though it's essential to select the lower-sodium options for the best results.

3. Healthy Choice

This budget-friendly brand is known for offering some of the healthiest frozen meals at grocery stores. With meals free of artificial ingredients and most containing less than 600 mg of sodium per serving, Healthy Choice provides nutritious options that fit a variety of dietary needs. The Simply Steamers, Power Bowls and Café Steamers feature high-protein, low-calorie and fiber-rich ingredients. While not all options are low in sodium, selections like the grilled chicken marsala and cauliflower curry power bowl stand out as healthier choices.

4. Thrive Market

Providing some of the healthiest frozen meals, Thrive Market focuses on high-quality ingredients and dietary inclusivity. The meals often feature plant-based proteins like Beyond Meat, as well as grass-fed and cage-free meats. Options like the Plant-Based pasta lasagna with Beyond Meat and the beef and mushroom bowl highlight the brand’s commitment to health-conscious eating. Although not all meals are vegan, they prioritize clean, organic ingredients.

5. Lean Cuisine

Lean Cuisine offers some of the healthiest frozen meals, focusing on portion-controlled, low-calorie options that cater to various dietary needs. The menu includes over 50 meals, many high in protein, carb-conscious, gluten-free or meatless. Notably, several meals, like the apple cranberry chicken and butternut squash ravioli, are "Heart-Check Certified" by the American Heart Association for meeting heart-healthy standards. While Lean Cuisine is generally a healthy brand, it's essential to check the sodium content on each meal, as some are higher than others.

6. Amy’s Kitchen

This brand is known for offering some of the healthiest frozen meals, particularly for those seeking vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options. The brand prioritizes organic ingredients and avoids GMOs. With over 250 vegetarian-friendly options, Amy’s offers low-sodium versions of popular dishes like the Mexican casserole bowl and tofu scramble breakfast wrap. While some meals are higher in sodium, the brand provides "light in sodium" alternatives for a healthier option.

7. Magic Kitchen

This meal delivery service is a top choice for those seeking the healthiest frozen meals tailored to specific dietary needs. A variety of meal plans are offered, including low-sodium, diabetic-friendly and renal diet options. With meals like turkey chili with brown rice and lemon pepper fish with roasted potatoes, Magic Kitchen emphasizes heart health and portion control. While not all the options are vegan, the commitment to low-sodium and balanced nutrition makes it a reliable source for healthy frozen meals.

8. Marie Callender’s

Marie Callender’s offers a range of comforting frozen meals that emphasize home-style cooking with quality ingredients. While not all the options are low in calories or sodium, you'll find this brand offers some of the healthiest frozen meals for those seeking high protein and minimal artificial ingredients. The creamy Vermont mac & cheese bowl and roasted turkey breast and stuffing both contain 21 grams of protein per serving and are free from artificial preservatives, colors and flavors. However, it's important to note that not all the meals are health-focused, making it essential to choose wisely when looking for the healthiest frozen meals at the grocery store.

9. Tattooed Chef

Known for offering some of the healthiest frozen meals, Tattooed Chef focuses on plant-based, organic ingredients that are free from additives and excessive sodium. The products are vegetarian-friendly, with many also being vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and grain-free. Meals like the Buddha bowl and veggie hemp bowl, which provide at least ten grams of plant-based protein, are nutritionist-approved and packed with fiber and essential nutrients. While the brand emphasizes whole, clean ingredients, it's generally healthy, though pairing some meals with additional protein can enhance satisfaction.

10. Primal Kitchen

Primal Kitchen stands out among the healthiest frozen meals for its use of high-quality, grass-fed meats and cage-free chicken. The meals are crafted to be gluten-free, soy-free and paleo-friendly. The beef and mushroom bowl is a prime example of the focus on nutrient-dense, flavorful options. The emphasis on clean ingredients and dietary inclusivity makes Primal Kitchen a strong contender for some of the healthiest frozen meals available.

11. Trader Joe’s

The healthiest frozen meals at Trader Joe’s often feature wholesome ingredients and well-rounded nutrition profiles. The chicken burrito bowl packs 22 grams of protein and nine grams of fiber, making it both filling and nutritious. A range of choices are provided that align with the healthy criteria, making it a popular brand choice for health-conscious shoppers.

12. Red’s All Natural

This healthy frozen food brand is known for its delicious and nutritious burritos, breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches. The meals are made with high-quality, good-for-you ingredients like lean proteins, whole grains and fresh vegetables. Options like the organic chicken, cilantro and lime burrito offer 12 grams of protein for just 270 calories, making it one of the healthiest frozen meals you can find. Red's focuses on providing balanced, portion-controlled options that contribute to a healthier diet.

13. Deep Indian Kitchen

Deep Indian Kitchen offers some of the healthiest frozen meals with a focus on authentic, homemade recipes using whole ingredients and freshly ground spices. The meals, such as the chickpea masala, are vegan and packed with nutrients like protein and fiber. All the dishes are made from scratch, slow-simmered for rich flavor and ready in minutes.

14. Cappello’s

This brand stands out for offering gluten-free options made from nutrient-rich almond flour. The products, including the whole-milk mozzarella cheese pizza, provide plant-based protein and heart-healthy fats. Although a bit more expensive, Cappello's offers generally healthy options like almond flour-based pizzas and pastas. The commitment to clean, ingredient-focused foods makes it a top choice for the healthiest frozen meals in this pizza aisle.

15. Planet Based Foods

A leader in some of the healthiest frozen meals, Planet Based Foods has a focus on sustainability and hemp-based products. The original taquitos with cheese are 100% vegan and made from nutrient-dense hemp, which is rich in omega-3 fats, fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and iron. Hemp is a complete plant protein, making these meals naturally lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber compared to traditional frozen options.

16. Milton’s Craft Bakers

Known for crafting some of the healthiest frozen meals, Milton’s Craft Bakers reinvents classic comfort foods with better-for-you ingredients. The cauliflower crust pizza uses cauliflower as the main ingredient, offering added fiber, vitamins and minerals compared to traditional refined flour crusts. This brand focuses on creating gluten-free options that don't compromise on taste, making it a great choice for health-conscious consumers who want to choose the healthiest frozen meals that fit their dietary needs.

Learn to Cook Healthy Meals

While frozen meals are convenient and can be part of a healthy diet, learning to cook healthy meals is an excellent way to reduce reliance on them and enjoy fresh, home-cooked dishes. Taking cooking classes near you or enrolling in classes online can equip you with the skills and confidence to prepare nutritious meals easily. These classes often focus on simple, healthy recipes, making cooking at home enjoyable and accessible.

Incorporating the healthiest frozen meals into your diet is a smart way to enjoy nutritious, convenient options when time is tight. By making healthy and informed choices, you can maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor or quality. And if the options outlined above are anything to go buy, there's still plenty of choice when it comes to eating healthily, meaning you can keep your freezer stocked with an array of meals to suit whatever tempts your tastebuds.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.