Frozen food has a bit of a bad rap. It has a reputation for being low-quality, flavorless, unhealthy Frankenfoods. 

And the people who eat it? They’re lazy, or worse, bad cooks. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. First off, you’re not lazy for cooking prepared meals. You’re busy. And, if you’re not trying some popular frozen foods from the grocery store, you’re limiting yourself. 

Modern frozen meals have come a long way from the TV dinners of yore. These days, you can find anything in the frozen food aisle, from classic comfort foods like hearty lasagne and chicken nuggets that will satisfy the pickiest of eaters to Korean-inspired meals for those craving a taste adventure. More nutritious options like vegan mac & cheese and power bowls loaded with veggies are plentiful. 

So forget the guilt, move past the prejudice, toss a salad, and be prepared to experience some of the best frozen food on the market. Clear the ice cream out of your freezer to make room for these delicious meals, and let’s dig in. 

1. Severino Cheese Lasagna 22oz

Severino Cheese Lasagna truly takes a page from your Nonna's recipe book. Handmade pasta sheets are delicately layered with fresh ricotta cheese and tomato sauce as tasty as homemade. This savory goodness is topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella for a perfect, bubbly crust. Heat and serve in the oven or microwave while making a Caesar salad for an ideal weeknight family meal.

$7.69

2. Amy's Frozen Bowls Broccoli and Cheddar Bake 9.5oz

Looking for a meat-free frozen food option? Look no further than Amy’s Frozen Bowls. Made with organic rice pasta, this broccoli cheddar bake is both virtuous and gluten-free. Indulge in the cheese-coated spirals and broccoli without feeling guilty or sacrificing great taste.

$8.99

3. Stouffer's Frozen White Meat Chicken Pot Pie Meal 10oz

Nothing says comfort like a hot-from-the-oven chicken pot pie. Individually sized, Stouffer stuffs hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and rich gravy between a flakey, buttery crust sure to satisfy even the finickiest eaters. 

Just thinking about it will make you feel warm inside. 

$5.29

4. DiGiorno Frozen Traditional Crust Four Cheese Personal Pizza 6.5in 9.2oz

Admit it. When you think about frozen foods, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably pizza. And with good reason. It’s one of the best frozen foods you can buy. And one of the best frozen pizzas you can buy is DiGiorno Frozen Traditional Crust pizza. 

Pizza for one? Don't mind if we do. This DiGiorno personal-size, four-cheese pizza will hit the spot when you're looking to enjoy a pie all by yourself.

$6.99

5. Healthy Choice Frozen Power Bowls Korean-Inspired Beef Meal 9.5oz

Looking for a fast, healthy frozen meal that packs a flavor punch? Look no further than Healthy Choice Frozen Power Bowls. This Korean-Inspired dish is packed with unbelievea-bowl flavor, USDA choice beef, and a mix of kale, spinach, and red quinoa. Topped with a spicy Gochujang sauce, this savory microwavable meal is ready in minutes and delivers 20 grams of protein per serving to stop hunger in its tracks. 

Eat mindfully with this bold, flavorful dish that'll leave you feeling satisfied.

$7.29

6. Lean Cuisine Favorites Frozen Fettuccini Alfredo Meal 9.5oz

There’s a reason Lean Cuisine’s Fettuccine Alfredo consistently sits at the top of people’s best microwave-ready meals list. It delivers excellent taste. Now leaner than ever before, this delicious Fettuccini Alfredo comes with tender pasta, a rich, creamy cheese sauce, and is ready in minutes. Its premium ingredients bring out the best in this Italian-inspired meal. 

Try this frozen entrée the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch. Your taste buds will thank you.

$5.29

7. Alpha Foods Frozen Plant Based Chik'N Fajita Burrito 1ct 5oz

Sometimes, your appetite straddles a space between wanting a quick snack and a full sit-down meal. It’s the perfect space for Alpha Foods’ plant-based, non-GMO, meatless burritos to come and satisfy your hunger. 

Indulge in their spicy Chik'N Fajita burrito. It's the perfect snack option that packs a flavor punch thanks to dairy-free cheddar, meatless grilled chik'n strips, peppers, and onions, all smothered in a savory fajita sauce. So delicious, it'll curb your cravings from morning till night.

$4.49

8. Banquet Frozen Breaded Chicken Nuggets 15oz

Say goodbye to bland, dry chicken nuggets. Banquet’s Breaded Chicken Nuggets combines breast, drum, and thigh meat, with a crispy, seasoned coating that has these morsels bursting with flavor. Easily heated in either microwave or oven, these childhood staples are perfect for a quick snack or the featured player in a simple, satisfying meal. 

$4.99

9. Bibigo Frozen Mandu Bulgogi Chicken Dumplings 24oz

Ideal for adventurous palates, these Korean-inspired dumplings are ready in minutes! The perfect satisfying snack or appetizer, these potstickers are filled with quality ingredients and surrounded by a silky mandu wrapper. Bibigo’s dumplings are bigger than average, with a 73% filling-to-wrapper ratio. Due to their large size and juicy, flavorful meat, no dipping sauce is required. 

$9.99

10. Farm Rich Frozen Breaded Jalapeno Peppers Stuffed with Real Cream Cheese 18oz

Who says appetizers can’t be an entire meal? You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

Farm Rich makes the best wholesome and delicious apps ideal for busy, perfectly imperfect families! These Jalapeno Peppers contain 100% real cream cheese stuffed in mildly spicy Jalapeno Peppers and then coated in a perfectly crispy breading. Perfect for snacking, entertaining, dipping, and yes! Dinner.

$9.99

11. White Castle Frozen Classic Cheeseburger Sliders 4ct 7.3oz

Some nights, even going out for fast food is too much like work. Create the same White Castle take-out experience from the freezer aisle. Enjoy the classic combination of beef, onions, and cheese on their signature bun that you crave at home.

From their Castle to your freezer. It’s What You Crave!

$4.99

12. Sweet Earth Frozen Vegan Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Meal 9oz

Mac and cheese fresh from the oven is always comforting. Sweet Earth understands this and has created a heartening low-carb, gluten-free option. Vegan cauliflower cream sauce, sweet potatoes, parmesan-style cheese alternative, and frozen pasta noodles craft a tasty and healthy entrée perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack.

$6.59

FAQ

What are the most popular frozen foods?

The frozen food section contains the depth and breadth of world cuisine. You can find popular frozen versions of just about any meal you can imagine, from pub grub like chicken nuggets and coconut shrimp to international classics such as crispy traditional empanadas or a vegan take on General Tso’s Chicken. And don’t forget every college student’s timeless go-to, the hot pocket.

Whatever your gastronomic cravings, the time of day, or schedule, you can find a frozen entrée to make your taste buds sing.

What frozen meals are actually good?

What constitutes a good frozen meal is really up to you. Some people think an excellent frozen dinner is one you fire in the oven or microwave, then grab and go. Others are a little more discriminating. If you're looking for a prepared meal that's delicious and satisfying, here are a few guidelines to help you make your choice.

• Check the serving size. There are two versions of frozen meals. The ‘light’ version usually has 300 calories and 8 grams of fat. Then there’s the full version which comes in at 360-400 calories and up to 25 grams of fat. Choose the one that’ll leave you feeling satisfied.

• Read the label. One of the big complaints about frozen foods is that they’re too salty. Check the nutritional ingredients and pick the meal with 800 mg of sodium (one-third of your daily allotment) or less to keep the saltiness in check. Also, check the protein level. The more protein in a meal, the fuller you’ll feel.

• Look at the ingredients. Are there seasonings other than salt? Lots of veggies? Items you don’t recognize, let alone pronounce? Herbs, spices, and veggies indicate a healthy, flavorful meal. Too many chemicals could mean an over-reliance on preservatives and flavor enhancers. You want to buy a frozen dinner with ingredients as close to fresh as you can find so that it packs a nutritional punch. 

• Find the date. Not every frozen meal has one, but check for either a Best Before or a Packaged On date. If it’s expired or a long time since it was packaged,  it doesn’t necessarily mean the meal is spoilt, but the longer it’s been sitting in the freezer, the less tasty it’ll be.

You decide what makes a good frozen meal at the end of the day. Did you enjoy it? Was it fun to eat? Are you satisfied? If the answer is yes, that’s what counts.

What is the healthiest frozen meal brand?

There are good food choices, and then there are healthy choices. They’re not always the same thing. If you’re looking for the best healthy frozen meals, try to find lighter versions of old favorites, like Lean Cuisine’s Fettuccini Alfredo which delivers fewer calories and fat than the traditional version. You can also opt for meat-free or vegan dishes with more whole foods on the ingredient list. 

Even if you don't make the healthiest choice in the frozen food aisle, it doesn't have to derail your nutrition entirely for the day. Whip up a quick salad, stir fry some veggies, or cook a healthy side like brown rice while your entrée heats. If you're grabbing a fast snack, try some fruit for a quick kick of antioxidants. 

Don’t knock yourself out if you fall off the diet wagon. It’s one meal. Accept it and recommit to making healthier choices the next time. And frozen meals aren’t inherently unhealthy. There’s definitely a way to fit the ease and pricepoint of frozen food into any balanced diet.