5 ON YOUR SIDE: Frozen meals

5 ON YOUR SIDE: Frozen meals By KSTP 5 ON YOUR SIDE: Best frozen meals5 ON YOUR SIDE: Best frozen mealsFrozen meals can be a lifesaver on busy days. But with packages promising everything from high protein and whole ingredients to “GLP-1 friendly,” it can be difficult to know which healthy-sounding claims deliver. Consumer Reports taste-tested 30 frozen meals to find options that combine good nutrition with good flavor.For busy families, convenience can make all the difference. Anna Maria Kalfayan, a registered dietitian and working mom with a toddler, says frozen meals come in handy when she needs something quick that’s also nutritious and balanced.Consumer Reports tested 30 frozen meals from 10 popular brands. Consumer Reports nutrition experts looked for whole-food ingredients, lower levels of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, and fewer additives.Consumer Reports’ Amy Keating says claims like “high protein” or “no preservatives” can make a meal sound healthier, but shoppers still need to check the Nutrition Facts and ingredient lists. Pay particular attention to sodium and fiber, along with whether the meal contains healthy whole-food ingredients and fewer additives.Consumer Reports included meals with a variety of flavors and cuisines, as well as both plant-based and meat-based options. Of the 30 meals tested, 19 earned top marks for nutrition, and 16 of those also scored well for taste.Top-rated options included Amy’s Bowls Brown Rice Black-Eyed Peas and Veggies, Blue Zones Kitchen Korean Mixed Rice Bowl, Tattooed Chef Chipotle Sweet Potato Bowl, Trader Joe’s Chicken Burrito Bowl, and Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Creamy Spinach & Tomato Linguini.Consumer Reports found plenty of flavorful meals containing vegetables, beans, and whole grains, showing that convenience doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing nutrition.When shopping, Consumer Reports nutrition experts recommend looking for a frozen meal with at least 6 grams of fiber, less than 6 grams of saturated fat, and ideally no more than 700 milligrams of sodium. Also check for added sugars, which can show up in sauces like barbecue, teriyaki, and hot honey.And if a frozen meal isn’t quite filling enough on its own, consider adding a healthy side to round it out.If you’re concerned about chemicals from plastic packaging, Consumer Reports suggests transferring the food to a microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish before heating.For more frozen-meal recommendations and shopping advice, click here.