6 High-Protein Frozen Foods That Actually Keep Them Freeze – Eat This Not That

Find six frozen dinners that are packed with protein and approved by a nutritionist.

Most frozen meals are not good for you. However, there are others out there, and even a few that are packed with enough protein for even dieticians to eat. “Frozen foods can be part of a healthy diet, and I often recommend them for convenience, portion control, and reducing food waste. The key is to be selective because the nutritional quality of food varies greatly by product,” Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, Board Certified Sports Dietitian, Cook Author of Dutbook, Cook Author, told Flatbook Economics Not That!. “I look for frozen meals that provide at least 15-20 grams of protein, along with a balance of fiber, healthy fats, and reasonable sodium levels (preferably under 600-700 mg).” Here are 6 frozen dinners that meet a dietician’s standards for protein.

Healthy Choice Power dishes

Collingwood is a fan of Healthy Choice Power Bowls. “These are strong choices because they tend to combine healthy proteins with whole grains and vegetables, which help with satiety and balancing blood sugar. The inclusion of fiber-rich grains is a big plus,” he said.

Kevin’s Natural Foods

Kevin’s Natural Foods, one of my personal favorites, is another brand that uses great ingredients. “These stand out by using whole cuts of meat instead of highly processed proteins, and the ingredient lists are simple. They’re a great choice for someone who prioritizes less processed, higher protein options,” says Collingwood.

Priority Pursuit

Vital Pursuit is another brand he recommends. “This is designed with protein and portion control in mind, which can be helpful for people with weight or blood sugar control goals. As with any new line, it’s still important to check sodium and ingredient quality,” he says.

Real Good Food Enchiladas

Real Good Food Enchiladas are “high in protein and low in carbs because they’re grain-free,” says Collingwood. “That can work well for certain food preferences, but it’s not healthy for everyone. Balance and whole foods are more important than just avoiding carbs. Read the labels, especially if you’re a vegetarian! I bought a cheese enchilada once and saw they used chicken in the enchilada tortilla!”

Saffron Road Tikka Masala

Do you crave Indians? Take Saffron Road Tikka Masala from the refrigerator section. “This is a good example of a frozen meal that offers quality protein with a flavor inspired from around the world, which can help with a variety of meals. It can fit well into a balanced diet, especially when combined with more vegetables if needed,” said Collingwood.

Amy’s Mexican Casserole

If you don’t eat meat and need a protein fix, Collingwood recommends Amy’s Mexican Casserole. “It’s a solid plant-based option, providing protein and fiber from beans and fiber from vegetables. It’s a good reminder that you don’t need meat to get enough protein, even though the total protein in a serving may be lower than other meat-based foods,” he said.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Below: Frozen Food Can Be Compared to Fresh

“Frozen food is like fresh food in many cases, because freezing helps retain nutrients,” says Collingwod. The main nutritional indicators are usually sodium, saturated fat, and portion size. Also, look for a balanced plate: proteins with fiber and vegetables.

Leah Groth