10+ Best Frozen Meals (2024)

When you’re incredibly busy (and you haven’t meal prepped), it’s so easy to order in or make a quick stop to pick up some fast food on your way home — especially if you don’t have time to cook. Frozen meals are great for the days you don’t have time (or the energy) to cook meals from scratch.

While it’s easier to reach for a prepared meal, order out isn’t always feasible (or healthy). Frozen meal options have come a long way since the 1990s TV dinner days.

Frozen meals have now become more adventurous and varied with some frozen meals using vegetables, whole grains, and higher-quality ingredients and spices. So today, I’m sharing a roundup of the best frozen meals that you’ll want to stock up on for the days you just can’t cook from scratch (or just don’t want to!).

Here are over 10 of the best frozen meals you’ll want to add to your freezer collection.

The frozen food section now has great options to help you make an easy and healthy choice. Here’s some of our favorite finds.

Best frozen meals for weight loss

When you’re looking for frozen meals for weight loss, Healthy Choice is a great overall pick. The brand offers high quality frozen meals that are free of artificial ingredients, and most of their meals contain less than 600 mg of sodium per serving.

Try any of these fan favorites, which are marked up at just between $3-5 per serving, making Healthy Choice a solid pick for just about any budget.

Simply Steamers, Grilled Chicken Marsala

Made with juicy all-natural chicken with Russet potatoes, whole green beans, and sautéed onions, all served in a rich Marsala wine sauce. 17g of protein per serving.

Power Bowls, Cauliflower Curry

Delicious and filling without the meat, Healthy Choice Cauliflower Curry Power Bowls are quick, flavorful vegan meals. Enjoy bold flavors and purposeful ingredients for frozen meals that will BOWL you over with taste. This convenient frozen meal is crafted with lentils, cauliflower and dark, leafy greens, including chard, kale, and spinach. It’s served over a hearty mix of ancient grains, such as brown and red rice, red quinoa, and black barley, and topped with a flavorful, mildly spiced curry sauce for an UNBELIEVA-BOWL taste.

Cafe Steamers, Honey Glazed Turkey & Potatoes

Turkey medallions bathed in a honey pepper glaze, paired with roasted sweet and Russet potatoes, green beans, onions and cranberries. An inspired dish your taste buds will thank you for.

Best low calorie frozen meals

Lean Cuisine’s Apple Cranberry Chicken Frozen Meal

Lean Cuisine Apple Cranberry Chicken frozen meals feature grilled white meat chicken in an apple reduction with cranberries, green beans, carrots and whole wheat orzo pasta. This frozen dinner contains 300 calories, offering a satisfying portion of the food you love, ready in under 6 minutes.

Lean Cuisine’s Five Cheese Rigatoni Frozen Meal

This frozen pasta is low calorie, yet packed with quality ingredients and homemade flavor. You’ll get a meatless meal of rigatoni in a sweet tomato sauce topped with a five cheese blend. Bonus: It’s 14 grams of protein and no artificial preservatives!

Sweet Earth Butter Chik’n Frozen Bowl

This vegan bowl features plant-based chicken, chickpeas, carrots, peas and whole grain brown rice in a vegan tomato sauce with coconut milk and a vegetable base. This vegan frozen meal idea contains 15 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving. The meatless dish is easy to prepare in the microwave or oven. Keep Sweet Earth Butter Chik’n frozen until you’re ready to cook and serve this delicious, flavor-forward vegan food. Sweet Earth foods offer exceptional flavor and goodness in a variety of different plant based protein products, moving the needle towards a happier planet.

Best high protein frozen meals

Frontera chicken

In this frozen meal, you’ll get a mix of grilled chicken breast, chipotle fajita sauce, cilantro rice, black beans, bell peppers, and pepper jack cheese come together in this delicious Frontera chicken selection found at popular food chains like Kroger, Amazon, and more. Bonus: There’s 20g of protein per serving!

Marie Callender’s Creamy Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl Frozen Meal

Enjoy a big bowl of comfort with Marie Callender’s Creamy Vermont Mac & Cheese Bowl. You’ve love the warm, tender pasta that’s smothered in a smooth, creamy Vermont white cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a delicious classic comfort food ready to warm up in a convenient bowl. Coming in at 21 g protein and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, you’ll want to grab a fork and savor every creamy bite.

Marie Callender’s Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing

Warm up with Marie Callender’s Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing. This delicious, hearty meal includes premium turkey breast, creamy mashed potatoes, home-style stuffing, and vegetables – all in a savory made-from-scratch gravy. With 21 g protein and no artificial colors or flavors, this convenient meal can be microwaved or heated in the oven. You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving for turkey & stuffing – enjoy this delectable dish year-round.

Best keto frozen meals

Healthy Choice’s Carne Asada

A savory bowl of tender, braised, all natural* beef paired with a hefty serving of yellow squash, greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and topped with a robust ancho chili sauce. 16g protein per bowl.

Amy’s Kitchen Pad Thai

Broad rice noodles, organic house-made tofu, julienned carrots, green onions, broccoli and – our twist – baked cashews, instead of the typical peanuts. This is a great-tasting way to try Thai. Gluten free/dairy free/lactose free/vegan/plant based/kosher.

Best gluten free frozen meals

When you’re looking for gluten free frozen meals, Saffron Road is a top brand you’ll want to try. While some options are higher in sodium than others, here is our top pick for a more healthier option.

Saffron Road Lemongrass Basil Chicken with Basmati Rice Frozen Dinner

Roasted white meat chicken, green peppers and onions simmered in a lemongrass basil green curry.

Amy’s Kitchen Mexican Casserole Bowl

This yummy bean and corn medley is definitely one you’ll want to add to your list of favorites. It’s the authentic flavor of a traditional tamale that you eat with a spoon. Organic white corn masa, black beans, sweet golden corn, olives, tomatoes and a carefully chosen blend of chili peppers and spices. Gluten free/tree nut free/kosher. Light in Sodium is also available.

You won’t be able to tell the difference between fresh vs frozen vegetables in this dish.

Best low sodium frozen meals

Healthy Choice’s Sesame Chicken with Zoodles

An all natural sesame chicken breast with zucchini spirals and vegetables nest in a spicy sesame tahini sauce. 5g net carbs per bowl.

Healthy Choice’s Chicken Parmigiana Frozen Meal

Savor a quick and delicious meal ready made to be warmed up in the microwave at anytime. When you have a taste for a beautifully rustic Italian countryside, this would be it. Imagine a juicy and lightly breaded, country fried chicken patty served over a bed of al dente pasta, covered in a robust marinara sauce and melted cheese. It comes with a side of broccoli and a caramel apple dessert that never disappoints.

Perfect for an on-the-go lunch or a quick and delicious dinner at home after a long day, this single-serve meal contains 320 calories, 0 grams of trans fat and 16 grams of protein to keep you satisfied.

Sweet Earth Vegan Frozen Cauliflower Mac

Made with ingredients that matter, this vegan bowl features cauliflower, sweet potato, garlic and gemelli pasta in a vegan cheese sauce. A vegan microwave food offering 9 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving, this cauliflower mac is ready in minutes for a quick lunch or easy frozen TV dinner. This cook and serve vegan mac is easy to prepare in the microwave or oven. Keep Sweet Earth Cauliflower Mac frozen until you’re ready to enjoy delicious, flavor-forward vegan food. A flavor-forward frozen pasta with plant-based protein, this vegan mac is a frozen food choice you can feel good about.

Sweet Earth Frozen Vegan Veggie LoMein Bowl

This vegan frozen meal features lo mein noodles, seitan and a veggie medley of broccoli, green beans, bell peppers and carrots in a ginger sesame sauce. This vegan microwave food offers 17 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving. Ready in minutes, this vegan frozen food is perfect for a quick lunch or easy frozen TV dinner. Sweet Earth Veggie Lo Mein vegan bowl is easy to prepare in the microwave or oven. Keep Sweet Earth Veggie Lo Mein frozen until you’re ready to cook and serve delicious, flavor-forward vegan food. Sweet Earth foods offer exceptional flavor and goodness in a variety of different plant based protein products, moving the needle towards a happier planet.

Like these and want more? We also made a list of the Best trader joes frozen foods!

10+ Best Frozen Meals (2024)

FAQs

Can I lose weight by eating frozen meals? ›

Low-calorie frozen meals provide convenience, structure, and calorie control, which leads to better adherence and weight loss.” Bartfield offers five reasons why going frozen can help you lose weight and improve nutritional content of what you eat. 1 – Enforced Portion Control.

What are good frozen meals for seniors? ›

Easy freezer meals to help you eat at home
  • Chili: Recipe from The Wholesome Dish.
  • Chicken pot pie: Recipe from Pillsbury.
  • Meatloaf: Recipe from Natasha's Kitchen.
  • Vegetable soup: Recipe from Cooking Classy.
  • Beef and bean burritos: Recipe from Tasty.
  • Pot roast: Recipe from Food Network.
  • Fried rice: Recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

Are frozen meals healthier than eating out? ›

Frozen Meal Eaters Get More Essential Nutrients

The same study showed that those who reported eating frozen meals had higher amounts of key nutrients in their diet compared to fast food diners, including essential nutrients like: Fiber.

What are the top 10 healthiest dinners? ›

It's dinnertime: ZOE members' top recipes
  • Chickpea & broccoli pasta.
  • Lentil & eggplant stew.
  • Veggie shepherd's pie.
  • Harissa traybake.
  • Noodle salad.
  • Cod & salsa salad.
  • Kale salad.
  • Mushroom stir-fry.
Mar 19, 2024

Are Marie Callender frozen meals healthy? ›

Marie Callender's Meatloaf and Country Fried Chicken

That's not to mention the 500 calories and whopping 2,370 milligrams of sodium. Frankly, while noting the negative aspects of this frozen dinner, Arce says that it's not only "lacking fiber," but is also "high in sodium and saturated fat."

What should you avoid in frozen meals? ›

Excessive Sodium, Sugar, and Saturated Fats

One of the primary dangers of grocery store frozen meals is their high content of sodium, sugar, and saturated fats. Even so-called “healthy” pre-packaged frozen meals can contain excessive amounts of these additives.

Can I eat frozen dinners everyday? ›

On most days of the week, you'll want to rely on fresh meals — or tasty leftovers. “At the end of the day, I would limit frozen meals to no more than twice a week,” notes Taylor. But when you need the convenience of a frozen entrée, these tips can guide your choices.

Is Marie Callender's good for weight loss? ›

If you're watching your waist, read labels carefully. Of those tested, the Marie Callender's meals were highest in calories and fat. Roasted garlic chicken weighs in with 17 grams of fat per serving!

What are 5 foods that seniors should eat? ›

Wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread, fruit, dried fruit, dried peas, beans and lentils are all excellent sources. Make sure you drink enough water to prevent constipation. Remember, most older people need 6–8 cups of fluid each day.

Which ready meals are the healthiest? ›

Brands
  • Easy Bean.
  • Itsu.
  • DAYLESFORD ORGANIC.
  • Kirstys.
  • The Vegetarian Butcher.
  • John West.
  • Lazy Vegan.
  • White Rabbit Pizza Co.

What is the healthiest diet for a senior citizen? ›

Older adults' unique nutrition needs

Choose foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. To get enough protein throughout the day and maintain muscle, try adding seafood, dairy, or fortified soy products along with beans, peas, and lentils to your meals.

Is it cheaper to cook or buy frozen meals? ›

While some frozen meals can be very cost-effective, others may be more expensive than cooking the same meal from scratch. If you're cooking a meal for multiple people, you may find it's cheaper to buy the ingredients separately than to purchase enough frozen meals for everyone.

How do you make frozen meals healthier? ›

Try improving their nutritional quality by using brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and low sodium pasta sauces and broths. You can also boost the nutrients and decrease the calories by adding non-starchy vegetables to the recipe such as bell peppers, dark leafy greens, mushrooms, carrots or zucchini squash.

Is homemade food cheaper than store bought? ›

For those who want a quick and easy answer: It's generally cheaper to cook food at home than eat out. The reason so many people can get stuck on the question is the human psychology variable. People don't always spend wisely, and it isn't as if prices are always the same at a supermarket or a fast food restaurant.

What are the healthiest frozen meals for weight loss? ›

Table of Contents
  • Primal Kitchen Chicken Pesto.
  • Sweet Earth Vegan Frozen Natural Foods Curry Tiger.
  • Green Harvest California Style Protein Bowl.
  • Lean Cuisine Steak Portabella.
  • Saffron Road Thai Red Curry Chicken.
  • Amy's Mexican-Inspired Veggies and Black Beans.
  • Gardein Chick'n Fajita Bowl.

Are smart ones frozen meals healthy? ›

Smart Ones. The calorie conscious may be tempted to gravitate towards Smart Ones, but don't let the numbers fool you. Most of the meals from this Kraft Heinz brand total less than 300 calories which is remarkably low for an entire meal.

Are Lean Cuisine meals healthy? ›

Tip. Lean cuisine meals may appear to be healthy when considering calories alone. However, because they are processed food, many are high in sodium while being low in protein and fiber.

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