Nutrition

16 Healthiest Frozen Meals Recommended by a Nutritionist in 2025

Last Updated on May 21, 2025 | 1 Comments
The healthiest frozen meals are those that are filling but low in sodium and sugar

Finding the healthiest frozen meals can be a challenge in the sea of options available at the grocery store. However, there are many healthy options to turn to if you know what to look for.

Have you ever found yourself spending hours combing through ingredient lists only to find added sugar or excess sodium? To help you save time, this list of the healthiest frozen meals and the brands behind them has you covered.

Whether you're looking for quick lunches, dinners or something in between, there are plenty of nutritious options that won’t compromise on taste. Why settle for bland or unhealthy choices when you can have convenient options for the healthiest frozen meals that are both delicious and good for you?

Keep reading to explore the 16 healthiest frozen meal brands that prioritize wholesome ingredients and balanced nutrition. Get ready to stock your freezer with meals that you and your family can feel great about eating!

 

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Are Frozen Meals Healthy?

Frozen meals have a long history, dating back to the 1950s when they were first introduced as convenient TV dinners. Over the years, they earned a reputation for being unhealthy due to high sodium, preservatives and low-quality ingredients.

However, the landscape of frozen meals has dramatically changed. Today, many brands offer frozen meals that are rich in nutrients, featuring whole foods and balanced portions.

While there are still plenty of unhealthy options, the market now includes many healthy frozen meals that prioritize nutritious ingredients. It’s crucial to check labels and make informed choices.

A woman looking at the healthiest frozen meals in the supermarket.
via Canva

How To Choose Healthy Frozen Meals at the Store

When choosing the healthiest frozen meals, it’s important to focus on the nutritional content. Look for meals that are low in added sugars, saturated fat and milligrams of sodium. Opt for meals rich in vegetables and whole grains, which provide essential nutrients and fiber. High-protein options can help keep you full and satisfied.

And remember, always review the label to make the best choice for your health. Check the ingredients list to ensure it features whole foods rather than artificial additives. The healthiest frozen meals often highlight portion control, ensuring you get a balanced meal without overeating.

A healthy ready meal.
via Canva

How We Choose the Healthiest Frozen Meals

At Cozymeal, we have over a decade of experience in the food industry, including expertise in healthy food and nutrition. We are also committed to providing only the most accurate, well-researched and detailed information possible to our audience. 

Thanks to this experience in the culinary world, we’re aware of the requirements our audience considers when trying to find nutritious, quick and easy food options, such as the healthiest frozen meals. This knowledge helps us when creating healthy product guides that are valuable for readers, offer them exactly what they're looking for, and answer any questions they have.

To ensure we recommend a range of options via this list of the healthiest frozen meals, our editorial team also undertakes in-depth research. We consult with nutritionists and team members who have tasted these healthy frozen meals themselves to curate experience-informed recommendations.

We additionally review customer feedback online to finalize our suggestions, recommending only brands with high consumer ratings.

The content also meets the following criteria.

Our guide to the healthiest frozen meals: 

  • Includes products that don’t exceed USDA daily nutrition recommendations.
  • Caters to a wide range of diets, such as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free, ensuring inclusivity.
  • Has options for all taste preferences.
  • Features products at various price points, many of which can conveniently be purchased at grocery stores across the U.S. and sometimes beyond.
  • Recommends healthy frozen meal brands that receive positive reviews from customers.
Healthy frozen meals on a table next to fresh ingredients
via Canva

The 16 Healthiest Frozen Meal Brands

1. Sweet Earth

Sweet Earth is known for its predominantly plant-based, flavor-forward meals, making it one of our favorite inclusive options among the healthiest frozen meals. The brand's offerings, which include bowls, burritos and pizzas, are vegetarian-friendly and mostly organic, with most options also being vegan.

While some of the meals are somewhat high in sodium, there are healthier choices like the Curry Tiger Bowl and the Cauliflower Mac, which are both high in fiber and have under 650 milligrams of sodium per serving.

With a focus on non-GMO ingredients and diverse, nutritious meals, Sweet Earth is a generally healthy brand, although it's essential to check labels for nutritional content, as some meals can be high in sugar and sodium. 

Some of the dishes are also a little lower in protein than you may want, so check the protein amounts and consider adding extra high-protein plant-based foods, like nuts, to your meal.

Sweet Earth Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options.
  • Types of Meals: Noodle dishes, curries, tofu dishes, pasta dishes.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Some use of organic and non-GMO ingredients. 
  • Best For: Plant-based and vegetarian diners and those looking to eat more plant-forward dishes.
Sweet Earth curry tiger bowl is one of the healthiest frozen meals.
via Sweet Earth

2. Saffron Road

Offering a range of globally inspired meals, Saffron Road is another of our favorite healthy frozen meals available at the grocery store. What we love about this brand is that the dishes are free of GMOs, artificial ingredients and hormones, with all options certified gluten-free and halal. Many of the meals are also vegan, vegetarian and/or kosher.

Healthier choices that we love include the lemongrass basil chicken and butter chicken. Saffron Road’s focus on authentic flavors and nutritious ingredients makes it a generally healthy brand, though it's essential to select the lower-sodium options, as we found that some of these healthier frozen meals are quite high in sodium.

Saffron Road Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and halal options.
  • Types of Meals: Noodle dishes, curries, enchiladas, stir-fry dishes and other globally-inspired meals.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Some use of organic and non-GMO ingredients. 
  • Best For: Those who enjoy internationally-inspired dishes and want a gluten-free and/or kosher option.
Butter Chicken Frozen Meal.
via Saffron Road

3. Healthy Choice

This budget-friendly brand is an excellent pick on this list of the healthiest frozen meals for those trying to eat healthy and also save money. With meals free of artificial ingredients and most containing less than 600 milligrams of sodium per serving, Healthy Choice provides nutritious options in a range of recipes.

The Simply Steamers, Power Bowls and Café Steamers feature high-protein, low-calorie and fiber-rich ingredients. While not all options are low in sodium, selections like the grilled chicken marsala and cauliflower curry power bowl stand out as healthier choices. The Power Bowls also come in a couple of plant-based options, and all versions are high in fiber and lean protein.

We also like that this healthy frozen meal brand offers a range of types of dishes, from Asian-style meals to pasta dishes and comfort food favorites like stews and pot pie. You can also get Plated Meals, which include lean protein, vegetables or beans, and carbs like rice or potatoes.

Healthy Choice Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Gluten-free options and a few plant-based options.
  • Types of Meals: Pasta dishes, Southeast Asian-style dishes, stews and 'Plated Meals.'
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Some use of organic and non-GMO ingredients.
  • Best For: Those wanting to eat healthy on a budget and those looking for dishes that prioritize lean protein.
Healthy Choice Grilled Chicken Marsala.
via Healthy Choice

4. Thrive Market

If you're searching for the healthiest frozen meals that focus on high-quality ingredients, we recommend you check out Thrive Market. This brand is an online marketplace that sells a range of healthy frozen meals under its own name as well as by other brands. This makes shopping at Thrive Market a great option if you like variety or are purchasing healthy frozen meals for people with different tastes and dietary lifestyles.

All of Thrive Market's healthy frozen meals prioritize clean ingredients and are affordable for the quality provided. Top picks include the plant-based lasagna and pasta Bolognese with Beyond Meat. Other brands offered range from Amy's to Rao's and Kevin's, a brand that makes paleo-friendly meals.

As with all frozen meals, even healthier frozen meals, it's important to check the nutrition labels when shopping at Thrive Market. Important things to check include the healthy frozen meal's sodium, sugar and saturated fat contents.

Thrive Market Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, vegan, paleo and gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Pasta dishes, bowls, Mexican-style dishes and Southeast Asian-style dishes, among other varied options.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Some use of organic and non-GMO ingredients.
  • Best For: Those wanting high-quality ingredients and a wide range of options to choose from. Diners wanting ultimate convenience, thanks to online ordering, will also appreciate Thrive Market.
Thrive Market Plant-Based Lasagna with Beyond Meat.
via Thrive Market

5. Lean Cuisine

Lean Cuisine is a well-known frozen meal brand, but is it one of the healthiest? We found that this brand can be a healthy pick. The brand's main health-based selling points are that it focuses on portion-controlled and has many low-calorie options.

The menu includes over 50 meals, many high in protein, carb-conscious, gluten-free or meatless. Notably, several meals, like the apple cranberry chicken and butternut squash ravioli, are "Heart-Check Certified" by the American Heart Association for meeting heart-healthy standards.

While Lean Cuisine is generally a healthy brand, it's essential to check the sodium content on each meal, as some are higher than others. Some dishes are also a little bit more of a treat food, such as the fettuccine Alfredo or French bread pizza.

Lean Cuisine Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Pasta dishes, Mexican-style dishes, pizza and American dishes like chicken with Buffalo sauce.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Some use of organic and non-GMO ingredients.
  • Best For: Those who want a lot of choice and a healthy frozen meal that's affordable and accessible. 
Butternut Squash Ravioli is one of the healthiest frozen meals.
via Lean Cuisine

6. Amy’s Kitchen

This brand is known for offering some of the healthiest frozen meals, particularly for those seeking vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options. It's also a brand that prioritizes organic ingredients and avoids GMOs.

With a wide array of vegetarian-friendly options and dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Amy’s offers low-sodium versions of popular dishes like a Mexican casserole bowl and tofu scramble breakfast wrap.

While some meals are higher in sodium, the brand provides "light in sodium" alternatives for a healthier option. As always, check the labels before purchasing to ensure that the nutritional profile of your chosen dish matches your dietary needs.

Amy's Kitchen Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, plant-based and gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Pasta dishes, pizzas, bowls, Mexican-style dishes, breakfast burritos and more.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Mainly organic ingredients and all non-GMO ingredients.
  • Best For: Vegetarians and plant-based diners and those looking for a variety of dishes, most of which you can pick up in the grocery store. 
Amy's makes some of the healthiest frozen meals
via Amy's Kitchen

7. Magic Kitchen

This meal delivery service is a top choice for those seeking the healthiest frozen meals tailored to specific dietary needs. A variety of meal plans are offered, including low-sodium, diabetic-friendly and renal diet options.

With meals like turkey chili with brown rice and lemon pepper fish with roasted potatoes, we find Magic Kitchen to be a top choice due to its emphasis on heart health and portion control without sacrificing flavor. The brand's commitment to low-sodium and balanced nutrition makes it a reliable source for healthy frozen meals and we love the variety offered, meaning you'll never get bored with these healthy frozen meals.

Magic Kitchen Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Almost all diets can be catered to. 
  • Types of Meals: Pasta dishes, meat-heavy dishes, comfort food like pot pie, and a variety of side dishes and desserts.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Some use of organic and non-GMO ingredients.
  • Best For: Those following a very strict diet plan and diners who want multiple meals delivered each week via a healthy frozen meal delivery service.
A chicken and stir-fried vegetable dish in a microwave container
via Magic Kitchen

8. Marie Callender’s

Marie Callender’s offers a range of comforting frozen meals that emphasize home-style cooking with quality ingredients. While not everything is low in calories or sodium, we think that this brand is one of the best healthy frozen meals for those seeking dishes with a high protein content and minimal artificial ingredients.

Top picks for those looking to increase their protein intake include the Creamy Vermont Mac and Cheese Bowl and Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing, both of which contain 21 grams of protein per serving and are free from artificial preservatives, colors and flavors. 

However, it's important to note that not all meals offered by Marie Callender's are health-focused, making it essential to read labels and choose wisely when shopping for the healthiest frozen meals from this brand.

Marie Callender’s Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Some gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Pasta dishes, homestyle meat and carbohydrate plates like Country Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, stews and Tex-Mex dishes.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Some use of organic ingredients.
  • Best For: Those who want comfort food-style dishes that have a good amount of protein.
A Mac & Cheese Bowl frozen ready meal.
via Marie Callender’s

9. Tattooed Chef

Well-known for offering some of the healthiest frozen meals, Tattooed Chef focuses on plant-based, organic ingredients that are free from additives and excessive sodium. The products are vegetarian-friendly, with many also being vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and grain-free.

Meals like the Buddha Bowl and Veggie Hemp Bowl, which provide at least ten grams of plant-based protein, are nutritionist-approved and packed with fiber and essential nutrients. The brand emphasizes whole, clean ingredients and is generally healthy, but pairing some meals with additional protein can enhance satisfaction.

Tattooed Chef Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Bowls and pasta dishes.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Certified organic ingredients and use of non-GMO ingredients.
  • Best For: Vegetarians and vegans, as well as those looking for more plant-forward, healthy frozen meals.
Cauliflower mac and cheese is one of the healthiest frozen meals.
via Tattooed Chef

10. Primal Kitchen

Primal Kitchen is a top pick among the healthiest frozen meals for those looking for dishes that use high-quality, grass-fed meats and cage-free chicken. The meals are crafted to be gluten-free, soy-free and paleo-friendly.

The beef and mushroom bowl is a prime example of the focus on nutrient-dense, flavorful options. The emphasis on clean ingredients and dietary inclusivity makes Primal Kitchen a strong contender for some of the healthiest frozen meals available.

Primal Kitchen Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Gluten-free, paleo, Whole 30 and soy-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Curries, stews and bowls.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients and some use of organic ingredients.
  • Best For: Those looking for meat-heavy dishes and anyone who follows a paleo or Whole 30 diet and/or avoids soy. 
A beef and mushroom frozen meal from Primal Kitchen
via Primal Kitchen

11. Trader Joe’s

The healthiest frozen meals at Trader Joe’s often feature wholesome ingredients and well-rounded nutrition profiles. What we love most about Trader Joe's frozen food offerings is the amount of choice available. From meat and seafood dishes to Trader Joe's vegan options, there's something for everyone, and the majority of the prepared frozen meals are healthy. 

Just remember to check the nutrition labels when choosing a healthy frozen meal from Trader Joe's. The popular grocery store chain isn't a healthy brand in itself, and some of its frozen products are made to be a treat, so they may have a high amount of sugar, salt, saturated fat or all three. 

One recommended pick for those who eat meat is the Chicken Burrito Bowl that packs 22 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber, making it both filling and nutritious. 

For those who avoid meat, we rate the Korean Beefless Bulgogi very highly. We love to pair it with healthy stir-fried or steamed vegetables and brown rice or noodles. Best of all, a serving of this healthy frozen meal has 16 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, making it a filling and balanced option.

Trader Joe's Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Pizza, curries, bowls, globally-inspired dishes and much more.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Some use of organic and non-GMO ingredients.
  • Best For: Anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal that's also affordable. 
Trader Joe's Chicken Burrito Bowl is one of the healthiest frozen meals.
via Trader Joe's

12. Red’s All Natural

This healthy frozen food brand is known for its delicious and nutritious burritos, including breakfast burritos, and breakfast sandwiches. What we like about Red's All Natural is that each and every product is made with high-quality, good-for-you ingredients like lean proteins, whole grains and fresh vegetables. Plus, all ingredients are USDA organic and non-GMO.

Options like the organic chicken, cilantro and lime burrito offer 12 grams of protein for just 270 calories, making it one of the healthiest frozen meals you can find. This focus on providing balanced, portion-controlled options that contribute to a healthier diet is what makes it one of our favorite healthy frozen meal brands for anyone who needs quick food on the go.

Red's All Natural Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Burritos and breakfast sandwiches.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: USDA organic ingredients and non-GMO ingredients.
  • Best For: Those searching for the healthiest frozen meals for breakfast or lunch, and anyone searching for products that use organic and non-GMO ingredients.
Organic chicken, cilantro and lime burrito.
via Red’s All Natural

13. Deep Indian Kitchen

Deep Indian Kitchen is our top pick among the many healthy frozen meals for anyone searching for authentic, homemade recipes that use whole ingredients and freshly ground spices. All the dishes are made from scratch, slow-simmered for rich flavor and ready in minutes, offering a dish that could be mistaken for something home-cooked.

Additionally, many of the meals offered by this healthy frozen meal brand, such as the chickpea masala, are vegan and packed with nutrients like protein and fiber. Plant-based eaters can even get dishes like Chik'n Tikka Masala and there are vegetarian options with paneer, along with a range of chicken dishes that prioritize lean protein.

If you're craving take-out but want something a little healthier, this Indian food brand should be your new go-to. It's just important to check the nutrition labels. Notably, sodium content may be too high for some, with it ranging from around 500 milligrams per serving to a higher 1,000 milligrams per serving. Each dish also comes with rice, which may not be optimal for those following low-carb or keto diets.

Deep Indian Kitchen Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Indian dishes
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Non-GMO ingredients. 
  • Best For: Anyone looking for a healthier option than takeout and those who love Indian food.
Deep Indian Kitchen has some of the healthiest frozen meals.
via Deep Indian Kitchen

14. Cappello’s

Looking for the healthiest frozen pizza? If so, let us introduce you to one of our favorites: Cappello's. This brand stands out for offering gluten-free options made from nutrient-rich almond flour.

The products, including the whole-milk mozzarella cheese pizza, provide protein and a small amount of heart-healthy fats from the almond flour. Although a bit more expensive than some of the healthiest frozen meals on this list and than some less healthy frozen pizzas, Cappello's is worth the splurge.

Like Deep Indian Kitchen, this is a great brand to turn to when a takeout craving hits, and there are options for a range of diets, from the previously mentioned gluten-free options to vegetarian pizza. You can also get a plain crust to add your own favorite toppings that work with your personal dietary needs.  

As with some other products in this guide to the healthiest frozen meals, it's important to check nutritional values, especially sodium content, before opting for these pizzas. Some pizzas also come with ultra-processed meats, such as pepperoni and sausage, which should be eaten in moderation. 

If you enjoy the pizza products, you can also get fresh pasta from Cappello's. We especially love the ravioli and gnocchi options, which simply need a sauce added to make a tasty and filling meal.

Cappello's Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Pizza and pasta.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Non-GMO ingredients and some use of organic ingredients.
  • Best For: Gluten-free diners and anyone looking for an alternative to takeout pizza.
Pizza topped with cheese, tomatoes, basil, garlic, all spread over red sauce on a crispy almond flour crust.
via Cappello's

15. Purple Carrot

If you want your frozen meals delivered each week without having to worry about going to the grocery store, Purple Carrot may be your new favorite brand. This plant-based meal delivery service creates nutrition-packed meals that even meat eaters will enjoy.

Options from this healthy meal delivery service range from sweet and sour cauliflower with farro and brown rice to plant-based meatball marinara to udon noodle dishes. As with some plant-based meals, sodium can be a little high in these, so always check the label to see if they work for your specific dietary needs. If that isn't of concern, you'll find that these tasty meals are packed with protein, fiber and flavor!

Purple Carrot Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • Types of Meals: Noodle dishes, pasta dishes, bowls and curries.
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Some use of organic and non-GMO ingredients.
  • Best For: Plant-based eaters and anyone looking to try plant-based food via a convenient meal delivery service.
Purple Carrot makes some of the healthiest frozen meals that are plant-based
via Purple Carrot

16. Milton’s

Known for crafting some of the healthiest frozen meals, Milton’s Craft Bakers reinvents classic comfort foods with better-for-you ingredients. Another of our favorite frozen pizza brands, Milton's uses cauliflower crusts to craft its pizzas, offering added fiber, vitamins and minerals compared to traditional refined flour crusts.

This brand's gluten-free options don't compromise on taste, making it a great choice for health-conscious consumers who want to choose the healthiest frozen meals that fit their dietary needs. Toppings include meat options like pepperoni or grilled chicken and bacon, as well as vegetarian pizzas, such as four cheese, roasted vegetable and Margherita.

Again, we must mention that the sodium content of these pizzas is a little high, with a half-pizza serving having around 800 to 1,000 milligrams of sodium. However, for most, this won't be an issue if you've limited sodium for other meals. The meat toppings are also classed as ultra-processed, so keep that in mind if trying to eat as clean as possible.

Milton's Overview

  • Dietary Needs: Gluten-free and vegetarian options.
  • Types of Meals: Pizza
  • Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients: Non-GMO ingredients and some organic ingredients.
  • Best For: Those looking for gluten-free pizza and anyone wanting to replace takeout pizza with a healthier option. 
Supreme Cauliflower Crust Pizza
via Milton's

Learn To Cook Healthy Meals

While frozen meals are convenient and can be part of a healthy diet, learning to cook healthy meals is an excellent way to reduce reliance on them and enjoy fresh, home-cooked dishes. Taking cooking classes near you or enrolling in online cooking classes can equip you with the skills and confidence to prepare nutritious meals easily. These classes often focus on simple, healthy recipes, making cooking at home fun and accessible.

Taking cooking classes can teach you to make meals alongside purchasing the healthiest frozen meals
via Cozymeal

Incorporating the healthiest frozen meals into your diet is a smart way to enjoy nutritious, convenient options when time is tight. By making healthy and informed choices, you can maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor or quality.

And if the options we've outlined above are anything to go by, there's still plenty of choice when it comes to eating healthily, meaning you can keep your freezer stocked with an array of meals to suit whatever tempts your tastebuds.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.

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Shelly .

Shelly

30 Dec 2024

There's nothing healthy about dextrose, high fructose corn syrup which is GMO, mono and dyglicerides, BHT, soy lecithin, canola oil which is GMO, xanath and guar gum, non-organic soy etc. All of which is in marie Calendar's Roasted Turkey breast and stuffing. Tasty yes. healthy? Not really.

Reply to this comment
Shelly .

24 Jan 2025

There's always a Karen in every post