Poll: Do “Healthy” Frozen Meals Exist?

You’re strolling down the aisle at the grocery store, filling your cart for the week. You need to plan dinners and decide what you’re going to bring to work for lunch. And you’re trying to stay as healthy as possible, without spending hours prepping, cooking, and cleaning up. Enter healthy frozen meals.

But you wonder, “are they healthy?” Let us know what you think below and then keep scrolling to learn more before your next trip to the supermarket.

Deciphering Food Labels

Frozen meals aimed at health-conscious shoppers often label themselves as “lean,” “light,” or even use the words “healthy” or “smart” in their name. The problem with this is that the only regulation surrounding these meals is that they include necessary nutritional information on the package.

There are no rules on what they can or cannot call themselves as brand names, as long as they provide consumers with the facts. Most people don’t take the time to read food labels when shopping carefully. I know I’m guilty of this myself.

To determine the nutritional value of these meals, look at the numbers. Most frozen meals are packed with sodium, which acts as a preservative and helps add flavor. Additionally, many are high in calories, added sugar, and fat without much nutritional value.

Making a Healthy Choice

If you’re looking for the healthiest possible meal, homemade is usually the way to go. If you’re pressed for time, try these fast and healthy meal prep ideas to save time.

Of course, sometimes eating a frozen meal is unavoidable. There are nights where you’re too tired, too busy, or don’t want to cook. Often, frozen meals are a better option than fast food.

The verdict on “healthy” frozen meals? They’re not the best thing you can eat, so compare labels carefully to determine which ones are better than others, rather than relying on brand names alone.