Frozen foods are a convenient way to make meal prep easier, but not all frozen items are created equal. Some can be loaded with unhealthy ingredients like added sugars, sodium, and preservatives that aren’t good for you. While they may seem like a quick fix for a meal, certain frozen foods could leave you feeling less than your best. It’s important to know which options are better left on the shelf, so you can make healthier choices.
Contents
- 1 Frozen Pizzas
- 2 Frozen French Fries
- 3 Frozen Burritos
- 4 Frozen Fried Chicken
- 5 Frozen Pancakes
- 6 Frozen Pot Pies
- 7 Frozen Corn Dogs
- 8 Frozen Fish Sticks
- 9 Frozen Mac and Cheese
- 10 Frozen Pizza Rolls
- 11 Frozen Meatballs
- 12 Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches
- 13 Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
- 14 Frozen Shepherd’s Pie
- 15 Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- 16 More From RetailShout
- 17 12 Delicious One-Pan Meals You Can Make in Your Cast-Iron Skillet
- 18 17 One-Pot Meals Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Frozen Pizzas
Frozen pizzas might seem like a quick dinner, but they’re usually full of unhealthy ingredients. Most brands use too much sodium, artificial preservatives, and low-quality fats that aren’t good for your heart. The toppings often lack fresh vegetables and lean proteins, meaning you’re getting more empty calories than nutrients. Plus, the crust is usually made from refined flour, which won’t keep you full for long. It’s better to make your own pizza or opt for healthier, fresher alternatives.
Frozen French Fries
While it’s easy to toss a bag of frozen French fries in the oven, they’re usually not the healthiest side dish. These fries are often pre-fried in unhealthy oils before freezing, which adds a lot of extra fat and calories. They’re also loaded with salt and artificial flavors to boost their taste. Many brands include additives to maintain texture, which means you’re eating chemicals that aren’t needed. You can make your own fries from fresh potatoes for a healthier option.
Frozen Burritos
Frozen burritos might look filling, but they usually contain a lot of unhealthy ingredients. The tortillas are often packed with processed flour and the fillings are high in saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives. You won’t find many fresh veggies inside, either, so they don’t provide much nutritional value. Some brands even add sugars to enhance flavor, which makes them even less healthy. Making a burrito at home with fresh ingredients is always a better option.
Frozen Fried Chicken
It’s no surprise that frozen fried chicken is loaded with unhealthy fats. The chicken is usually pre-fried in unhealthy oils before freezing, making it high in calories. It’s also packed with sodium and preservatives to keep it fresh for longer periods. Plus, the breading is often made from refined flour, which doesn’t add any nutritional value. Choosing grilled or baked chicken is a much healthier option for your next meal.
Frozen Pancakes
Frozen pancakes may seem convenient, but they don’t offer much nutritional value. They’re usually made with refined flour, sugar, and artificial ingredients that won’t keep you full or energized. Some brands even add unhealthy oils to keep them soft, which increases their fat content. Instead of relying on frozen pancakes, try making your own with whole grains and fresh ingredients. It’s a simple swap that can make your breakfast healthier.
Frozen Pot Pies
Frozen pot pies are a comfort food, but they come with a heavy load of unhealthy ingredients. Most are filled with creamy sauces that contain high amounts of saturated fats and preservatives. The crust is usually made from refined flour and unhealthy fats, making the meal high in calories and low in nutrition. You also won’t find many fresh vegetables in these pies, reducing their overall value. A homemade pot pie with fresh ingredients is a far healthier alternative.
Frozen Corn Dogs
Frozen corn dogs are popular, but they’re not a great choice for your health. These snacks are often deep-fried before freezing, adding unhealthy fats and extra calories. The batter is usually made from refined flour and includes added sugars, which don’t do your body any favors. Additionally, the hot dogs inside are highly processed and contain preservatives and sodium. Skipping these and making your own healthier versions at home is a better idea.
Frozen Fish Sticks
Frozen fish sticks might seem like a convenient way to add seafood to your diet, but they’re not as healthy as they appear. Most fish sticks are coated in refined flour and fried in unhealthy oils before freezing. They also contain preservatives and added sodium, which lowers their nutritional value. Plus, the fish inside isn’t always of high quality, meaning you may not get the benefits of eating fresh seafood. Opt for fresh fish instead for a healthier option.
Frozen Mac and Cheese
Frozen mac and cheese may taste comforting, but it’s usually loaded with unhealthy ingredients. These meals are packed with artificial cheese, unhealthy fats, and sodium. The pasta is typically made from refined flour, which doesn’t provide much nutritional value. Many brands also use preservatives to keep the product shelf-stable, which isn’t ideal for your health. Making your own mac and cheese at home with whole-grain pasta and real cheese is a better option.
Frozen Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are a quick snack, but they’re far from a healthy choice. They’re typically filled with processed meats, cheeses, and artificial flavors that don’t offer much nutritional value. The outer crust is usually made from refined flour and fried in unhealthy oils, making them high in calories. They also contain a lot of sodium and preservatives to enhance their shelf life. Choosing fresh ingredients for your snacks can help you avoid these unhealthy pitfalls.
Frozen Meatballs
Frozen meatballs may be easy to heat up, but they’re not the best for your health. Many brands use processed meats, which are high in sodium, fats, and preservatives. The meat is often mixed with fillers like breadcrumbs and artificial flavorings that reduce its nutritional value. You’ll also find that they’re higher in fat and calories than homemade versions. Making your own meatballs with lean meats is a much healthier option.
Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches
While frozen breakfast sandwiches are convenient, they’re often packed with processed ingredients. The bread is usually made from refined flour, while the fillings often include processed meats and artificial cheese. These sandwiches are also high in sodium and preservatives, which aren’t great for your health. You won’t get much nutritional value from them, and they can leave you feeling sluggish. A homemade breakfast sandwich with whole grains and fresh ingredients is a better choice.
Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Frozen mozzarella sticks may be a popular snack, but they’re not the healthiest option. They’re typically breaded with refined flour and fried in unhealthy oils before freezing. The cheese inside is usually processed and high in sodium. Plus, these snacks are often packed with preservatives to keep them fresh for longer. For a healthier snack, consider baking your own mozzarella sticks using whole-grain breadcrumbs and fresh cheese.
Frozen Shepherd’s Pie
Frozen shepherd’s pie can be a comforting meal, but it’s often filled with unhealthy fats and preservatives. The mashed potatoes on top are usually loaded with butter and cream, making them high in saturated fats. The filling often contains processed meats and sauces with added sodium and artificial flavors. You won’t find many fresh vegetables in these pies, either. A homemade version with lean meats and fresh veggies is a better alternative.
Frozen Chicken Nuggets
Frozen chicken nuggets might be a kid-favorite, but they’re not always the healthiest choice. These nuggets are often made with processed chicken meat and coated in breadcrumbs filled with unhealthy fats. They’re usually pre-fried in oils that aren’t good for your heart and then loaded with sodium to improve flavor. The result is a high-calorie snack with little nutritional value. Making your own nuggets at home with whole ingredients is a much better option.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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