Consumer Reports recently compared frozen meals to identify top options for taste, quality and nutrition.
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“We looked at over 250 meals across 10 different brands by examining company websites and all that they offer,” said registered dietitian Amy Keating, who participated in the study. “We selected three products within each brand line,” for 30 products altogether.
Testers evaluated brands that emphasize wholefood ingredients, make health-related claims or market themselves as healthier options, including Amy’s, Blue Zones Kitchen, Evol, Healthy Choice, Kevin’s Natural Foods, Lean Cuisine, Saffron Road, Smart Ones, Tattooed Chef and Trader Joe’s.
Several brands performed well, but two stood out.
“Amy’s and Blue Zones were really the most consistent in our test in earning at least a ‘very good’ in both taste and nutrition,” Keating said.
All three products tested from each of those brands earned Consumer Reports recommendations.
“They hit all our targets in terms of being lower in sodium and saturated fat and higher in fiber,” she said.
Trader Joe’s also had several standout products, including its Chicken Burrito Bowl and a cauliflower-based bowl.
The study found that vegetarian, grain and power bowls generally outperformed meat-based entrees, which are often higher in sodium.
Keating said shoppers shouldn’t automatically trust front-of-package claims such as “high protein” or “low calorie.”
Instead, Consumer Reports recommends reviewing the full nutrition label, paying close attention to sodium, saturated fat, fiber and added sugar.
As a general guideline, its experts suggest choosing frozen meals with 700 milligrams of sodium or less, at least 6 grams of fiber, limited saturated fat and little or no added sugar.
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