All articles tagged with #frozen meals
Many frozen entrées carry 900–1,400 mg of sodium per serving, and some trays list two servings, meaning a single microwaved lunch can equal or exceed a bag of chips in salt and nudge daily intake toward the 2,300 mg guideline; to protect heart health, read labels, aim for under 600 mg sodium per entrée with at least 15 g protein and 5 g fiber, avoid misleading ‘light’ claims, and balance meals with vegetables or unsalted sides.
Nutritionist Lyndsay Hall of JM Nutrition explains how to pick healthier frozen dinners by prioritizing meals with low sodium (ideally around 600 mg per serving, up to 800 mg), a balanced protein-to-carb ratio (roughly 15–20 g protein and under 50–60 g carbs), and mindful fats and sugars. She then highlights 10 dietitian-approved options from Farm Boy, President's Choice, and M&M Food Market, noting their calories, protein, fats and sodium. The takeaway: nutritious frozen options exist, but read labels carefully and pair with extra vegetables to boost fiber and micronutrients.
Ajinomoto Foods North America expands a prior recall to about 37 million pounds of frozen meals from brands including Trader Joe's, Ling Ling, Tai Pei, Kroger and Ajinomoto, produced Oct 2024–Feb 2026, due to possible glass contamination linked to a carrot ingredient; shipments went nationwide (with some exports to Canada/Mexico); no injuries reported.
A large recall of frozen fried rice, ramen, and dumplings has expanded to about 37 million pounds, including Trader Joe’s and Kroger-branded products, due to glass contamination linked to carrots. No injuries reported. Consumers should discard or return affected items and can contact Ajinomoto Foods for questions.
Trader Joe's offers a highly praised frozen Family Style Meat Lasagna that tastes restaurant-quality, made with rich ingredients like ricotta, three cheeses, and a meaty tomato sauce, and can be cooked in the oven, microwave, or air fryer for a convenient and delicious meal.
A taste test ranking of 14 Stouffer's frozen meals, with Swedish Meatballs rated the best for its savory flavor and satisfying protein, while Macaroni and Beef was rated the worst due to poor texture and flavor. The review considers taste, texture, balance, nutritional value, and satiety.
A family reviewed and ranked eight frozen meals from Costco, finding all to be tasty despite some minor disappointments. The Kirkland Signature breaded panko shrimp was the most expensive but had too much breading. Red's turkey-sausage breakfast burritos were a favorite, while the Sandwich Bros. chicken-melt pocket sandwiches had issues with the pita bread's texture. Overall, the review highlights the convenience and variety of Costco's frozen meal offerings.
While Lean Cuisine offers a variety of lower-calorie, lower-fat frozen meals, some options may not be as healthy as they seem. Certain meals can be high in sodium, heavily processed, and low in fiber or protein. Examples include the Steak Portabella with high sodium content, the Baked Chicken lacking fiber, the Comfort Beef Pot Roast with low protein and high sugar, the Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry with high sugar and low fiber, and the Cheddar Potatoes with Broccoli with low protein. It's important to consider the nutritional value and ingredients of Lean Cuisine meals before choosing them as a healthy option.
Animals at the Attica Zoological Park in Greece are being fed frozen meals as temperatures reach 40°C (104°F) in the fourth heat wave in less than a month. The extreme temperatures and wildfires have had a significant impact on Greek wildlife, with thousands of animals and beehives burned. The zoo is also caring for injured deer and turtles that suffered burns during a major wildfire on the island of Rhodes. Zoo curator Antonis Balas urged pet owners to be mindful of their animals during extreme heat, and animal charity PETA highlighted the role of animal agriculture in contributing to climate change.
Lean Cuisine has launched a new line of “diabetes-friendly” frozen meals called Balance Bowls that are relatively low in calories and meet the American Diabetes Association standards for diabetes-friendly. However, they may leave some people feeling hungry shortly after eating them. Including plenty of non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and carbohydrates at every meal can help people living with diabetes manage their blood sugars. People living with diabetes can also benefit from including at least 8 grams of fiber per meal.
Insulin resistance can lead to diseases like prediabetes, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Certain foods can increase insulin resistance and reduce calorie burn, such as those with processed sugars (like donuts and sugary cereals) and those high in saturated fat (like frozen dinner meals). Experts recommend avoiding these foods and instead opting for whole grains, "good" fats, and non-starchy vegetables to boost fiber intake and improve overall health.
Insulin resistance can lead to diseases like prediabetes, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Foods with processed sugars and high saturated fat levels can increase insulin resistance and reduce calorie burn. Frozen meals are also high in sodium and trans fats that can prevent calorie burn. Experts recommend avoiding these foods and opting for whole grains, "good" fats, and non-starchy vegetables to control insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance can lead to diseases like prediabetes, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Foods with processed sugars and high saturated fat levels can increase insulin resistance and reduce calorie burn. Frozen meals are also high in sodium and trans fats that can prevent calorie burn. Experts recommend avoiding these foods and opting for whole grains, "good" fats, and non-starchy vegetables to control insulin resistance.