The 31 Best Frozen Foods in America

There’s an old cliche that says if you’re looking for love, forget about the singles bars. The real action is in the frozen foods aisle of your supermarket, where men and women unencumbered by domestic attachment (and, presumably, cooking skills) gather to hunt down the evening’s meals.

While we’re not sure the freezer section can quite hold a candle to Tinder, we do know one thing: finding foods you can love—and that will love you back—truly is possible, if you know what to look for. And microwave meals aren’t as nutritionally destitute as you might think—in fact, they can lead to quick weight loss: A 2014 study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that when you opt for a frozen meal from the grocery store, you’ll consume an average of 253 fewer calories and 2.6 fewer grams of saturated fat per day than if you stopped at a fast food joint.

Whether you’re serious about nutrition or just cruising the frozen food scene looking for Mr. Hot Pockets, we’ve got the lowdown on the best options in your supermarket. The researchers of Eat This, Not That! put on their mittens and reached deep into the freezer section to find the 46 best frozen meals.

RELATED: No-sugar-added recipes you’ll actually look forward to eating.

You want to start every morning with a healthy dose of protein (think 10 grams and up) and a belly-filling boost of fiber (try for 5 grams and up). The dishes we chose here meet at least one of those criteria.

Blueberries figure prominently in these first-rate waffles, explaining the huge hit of fiber. You’ll also get nearly half a day’s worth of whole grains—without the artificial colors you’ll find in Eggos.

Kashi does waffles right: These are the most fiber-packed waffles in the freezer.

This hearty breakfast power bowl meets both our fiber and protein criteria, deeming this pick one of our best a.m. meals to wake up to.

Black beans are one of the healthiest foods on the planet—and this burrito is packed with ’em.

Made with cage-free eggs for a healthy protein punch and hidden veggies for added vitamins, this breakfast is both delicious and nutritious.

If you find one with more than 10 grams of protein per serving, and 500-800 mg of sodium, then who needs Domino’s for their cheat meals?

Made with organic, unbleached wheat flour, as well as other wholesome ingredients, this pick serves up 2 grams of fiber and 12 grams of muscle-building protein.

Newman’s Own combines spinach and cheese for a truly delicious slice sans too much sodium (that’s if you stick to the serving size).

Truffle lovers rejoice for this umami-packed pie that also sneaks in a respectable 5 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein.

They snuck broccoli and carrots into the crust. Clever devils! And still curious about how these compare to takeout? Don’t miss our special report every menu item at Domino’s—ranked!

 

Diffuse the comfort food’s flab-producing potential by opting for this light rendition. It omits artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives you’ll find in other frozen mac and cheese meals.

Swap out the white sauce for red sauce and you’ll save a few hundred calories per serving every time. For more easy tips and tricks, don’t miss these 50 ways to lose 10 pounds—fast!

To shrink your belly, go small with shrimp. Just skip the cocktail sauce—and avoid tilapia.

Unadulterated shrimp are among the leanest sources of protein on the planet.

Toss this on the grill, then sandwich it between a toasted bun with arugula, grilled onions, and Greek yogurt spiked with olive oil, garlic, and fresh dill. Pair it with one of these fat-burning soups, and you have a full, healthy meal.

Craft a better dinner with Fish People’s salmon kit. It comes with wild-caught salmon and a crunchy crust made of Parmesan, Meyer lemon, and a splash of butter. One serving is jam-packed with protein and low in sodium. Be sure to pair it with a side salad for some fiber.

High in protein and always lean, chicken is our go-to in the frozen aisle—just be careful of what it’s sauced in, especially if you see sugar in the ingredients. That’s how the calorie count gets jacked up.

Evol’s teriyaki bowl is made with brown rice, free-range chicken, and enough produce to meet 70 percent of your day’s vitamin A needs.

The sauce is created with fat-free yogurt for low-calorie creaminess and an extra dose of the muscle-building macro.

Courtesy of Wildscape

The vitamin-packed ingredient list includes farro, red skin potatoes, chicken thighs, and extra virgin olive oil for a truly delicious and clean meal that will keep you satiated well past dinnertime.

Instead of the standard white rice, this meal rests on a blend of black beans and brown rice.

Beetnik’s blend of cauliflower rice, tender chicken, and lemony mushroom sauce makes this pick low-carb and high-protein.

Because so many frozen sides are baked, instead of fried, you can find some healthy choices. And to see how your favorite McFry pans out, don’t miss our special report on every fast-food French fry—ranked!

Cascadian Farms uses just one ingredient in this bagged app: organic sweet potatoes. Pair one of our best frozen meals with this sweet side for a balanced meal.

The relatively light breading makes Applegate’s strips less fatty than the competition’s.

Find ones with few ingredients and under 20 grams of sugar and you’re golden!

The secret to a low-calorie ice cream is simple: Lead off with something lighter than cream. This one uses regular milk first and cream last. Use a bit to make one of these smoothies for weight loss!

Swirled ice cream flecked with chocolate peanut butter cups—you won’t find a more decadent dessert with fewer calories, or a better chance to indulge and lose belly fat at the same time.

Edy’s Slow Churned line leans more heavily on milk than cream, which keeps the calories in check.

So Delicious cuts the fat without needing to make up for it with an extra hit of sugar. Thanks to organic soymilk, you’ll get plant-based protein and fiber in each bite. Pair it with some sliced bananas.

Careful—it’s made with real coffee, so it’s not the best choice right before bed.

Breyers Natural has earned our allegiance for both its low-calorie concoctions and the simplicity of its ingredient statements.

The secret behind the stellar nutritionals: it’s made with milk and cream and sweetened with erythritol, a sugar alcohol that likely won’t cause digestive issues. Get spooning!

Banana, chocolate, and peanut oil. You don’t find a frozen treat with a simpler recipe.

Low in sugar and overall calories, this is a good treat to keep in mind even if you’re not lactose intolerant. Unlike dairy desserts, this treat’s saturated fat content comes from brain-boosting, plant-based MCTs.

A classy upgrade to the standard Fudgsicle, this frozen treat delivers 6 grams of belly-filling protein. Kinda like our favorite chia puddings.