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Are Frozen Meals Healthy? Debunking Common Myths
Frozen meals have long carried a bad reputation, with many people perceiving them to be less nutritious than fresh options. In fact, a recent YouGov study confirms that 45% of adults agree that fresh food is healthier than frozen. So, if you are focused on health and fitness goals, it seems safe to assume that freezer food is best avoided.
However, our busy modern lives don’t always leave much time for cooking and meal prep. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, healthy frozen meals can be the answer to maintaining a balanced diet when you’re juggling a jam-packed schedule.
But, just how healthy are frozen ready meals? Let’s debunk four common myths about freezer stored options.
Myth 1: Healthy Frozen Meals Aren’t as Nutritious as Fresh
It may sound logical, but fresh doesn’t always beat frozen. The British Frozen Food Federation confirms that frozen fruit and vegetables can contain higher, or at least equivalent, levels of nutrients compared to fresh.
Nutrients begin to decline the moment produce is picked. Fresh ingredients can spend days on supermarket shelves before they are consumed. While, in many cases, frozen food is prepared and stored quickly. This preserves valuable vitamins and minerals, which make for healthy, nutritious frozen meals.
However, it is important to check the ingredients and nutritional information when purchasing pre-prepared options. As a guide, prioritise high protein, high fibre low calorie frozen meals.
Myth 2: Frozen Meals Aren’t Well Balanced
Some frozen meals aren’t the healthiest, and that’s why this myth exists. Many ready meal options are high in sugar, salt, and fats. However, that’s down to the recipe, not the way the food is stored. Well-balanced, nutritious frozen meals, such as the GSN range of healthy frozen meals, deliver rich protein and fibre content, while keeping calories to a minimum.
Always look at the ingredients list, keeping an eye out for high protein levels, visible veggies, and reduced calorie options. Opt for meals with low salt and sugar content, as per the following NHS daily intake guidelines for adults:
- Sugar – No more than 30g per day (equivalent of seven level teaspoons)
- Salt – No more than 6g per day (equivalent of one level teaspoon)
For example, if you look at our Slow Cooked Beef Ragu Signature Meal, it contains 468 calories, 28.1g protein, 7.8g of sugar, 1.3g of salt and 5.1g of fibre. Despite being a frozen ready meal, it’s packed full of nutrients and flavour of course!
Try for yourself
Our Best Selling High Protein Meals
Myth 3: Frozen Meals Are Low Quality
Frozen meals don’t have to mean a compromise on taste or quality. When freezing is the method of preservation, healthy frozen meals are possible without the need to rely on lots of additives to keep food at its best. The quality of a dish is determined by its preparation, ingredients, and nutritional value, not by how it is stored.
While many people assume that low calorie frozen meals are bland, in sourcing good quality options, you can enjoy great flavours, textures, and variety.
Think:
All of which are healthy and nutritious frozen ready meals, packed with flavour.
Myth 4: Frozen Meals Are Just About Convenience
Convenience is a big part of the appeal when it comes to frozen meals, buts its far from the only benefit. By purchasing microwaveable options or getting healthy frozen meals delivered to your door, you can take the effort out of eating well.
When it comes to ready prepared meals, portion control is built in, nutritional information is clear, and consistency is guaranteed at every mealtime. A well-stocked freezer means there is always a nutritious option to hand. So, when plans change or your energy is low, you will be less likely to reach for the takeaway menu. Plus, because healthy frozen meals keep, you can rest assured that your meal delivery won’t spoil and go to waste within days.
So, Are Frozen Meals Healthy?
Yes, while all frozen foods aren’t made equal, they can be healthy and are often the easiest way to stay consistent. When choosing your frozen meals, in store or for delivery, always check the label for nutritional information and ingredients. Food quality is dependent on its contents, rather than its storage, so by choosing a high-quality meal provider you can guarantee your calorie and protein targets are met at mealtimes.
GSN’s range of healthy frozen meals are designed to offer nutrition and convenience without compromise. From the Pot O Gold range to Signature Meals, GSN provides a tasty variety of frozen meals delivered to your door that are easy to prepare when needed.
