9 Dietitian-Tested (and Approved!) Store-Bought Frozen Meals That Are 300 Calories or Less
We're debunking the myth that frozen food can't be nutritious.
The frozen food aisle has greatly expanded and now offers everything from simple, classic meals to globally inspired dishes packed with bold flavors. It might surprise you to know that a lot of these tasty options are 300 calories or less. We searched high and low for delicious frozen meals worth trying, and put together a must-try list of 9 standout options. You'll find them below, as well as some tips for what exactly to look for when choosing frozen meals that are nutritious, satisfying and delicious.
How To Choose a Low-Calorie Frozen Meal
In addition to flavor, there are a few nutritional things to keep in mind when choosing frozen meals:
- Protein and Fiber: Since they move through the gut, both protein and fiber take longer to digest. This means that meals containing both nutrients will keep you feeling satisfied for longer. We recommend choosing frozen meals that are higher in at least one of these nutrients — or even better, both!
- Sodium: Many frozen foods use sodium to add flavor and help with freezer preservation. Some frozen meal options are lower in sodium compared to others, so be sure to check food labels before adding them to your shopping cart.
- Added Sugar: Some sauces are also packed with added sugar. All the options included below have between 0 to 4 grams of added sugar per serving, which is a good baseline to keep in mind when browsing other frozen meal options.
- Frozen Vegetables: Not all frozen meals include plenty of vegetables, so add a side green salad, cut up veggies or a side of cooked ones to round out your meal.
9 Frozen Meals To Try for 300 Calories or Less
We packed this list with oldie but goodie brands who make fabulous frozen meals, plus others that are newer to the market. All are delicious and can be part of a balanced, healthy diet.
Kevin’s Natural Foods makes a line of single-serve frozen bowls that are delicious and many contain 300 calories or less, including this tasty teriyaki-style chicken option. The chicken breast is raised without antibiotics and the teriyaki sauce is soy-free. This bowl also provides a whopping 25 grams of protein, which will help keep you satisfied long after you eat it. Other bowl options from the brand with 300 calories or less include Thai-Style Coconut Chicken, Parmesan Basil Chicken, Orange Chicken and Korean BBQ-Style Chicken.
- Calories 210
- Protein 25 grams
- Fiber 4 grams
- Total Sugars 8 grams
- Sodium 700 milligrams
Daily Harvest makes some mighty tasty bowls under 300 calories including these Spinach + Shiitake Mushroom Grits. Traditional ground corn grits are swapped with fiber-filled millet and complimented with spinach, basil and Portobello mushrooms in this hearty meal. The creamy sauce is made with nutritional yeast, cashew butter and olive oil to also make it dairy-free. Other lower calorie options from Daily Harvest include Cauliflower Rice + Pesto and Herbed Squash + Asparagus Risotto.
- Calories 200
- Protein 9 grams
- Fiber 5 grams
- Total Sugars 2 grams
- Sodium 780 milligrams
This frozen line of meals by Blue Zone Kitchen is filled with wholesome ingredients that taste fantastic. The Burrito Bowl inspired by Nicoya, Costa Rica — one of the blue zones of the world where people live the longest lives — is made with sweet potatoes, black beans and guajillo chili. With 7 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein, it'll leave you feeling full and satiated. It’s also vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO project verified. The line also has several other bowl varieties below 300 calories in flavors like Sesame Ginger, Mushroom Birria, Spicy Sweet Hawaiian and Minestrone Pasta.
- Calories 290
- Protein 11 grams
- Fiber 7 grams
- Total Sugars 8 grams
- Sodium 530 milligrams
If you’re looking for a quick and easy low-calorie dinner, this meal from Healthy Choice is perfect for busy nights. It’s made with grilled chicken breasts and broccoli in a rich, comforting Alfredo sauce and provides 25 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Other 300 calorie (or less) meal options from the brand's Simply Steamers line include Blackened Chicken Alfredo, Pasta with Chicken Bolognese, Southwest-Style Chicken Burrito Bowl, Beef & Broccoli and many more.
- Calories 190
- Protein 25 grams
- Fiber 4 grams
- Total Sugars 2 grams
- Sodium 600 milligrams
This tender Mongolian-style beef is paired with crisp pea pods and rice for a flavorful, satisfying meal. It provides a whopping 25 grams of protein and has a reasonable amount of added sugar with 4 grams. The Liam’s line (formally Safer Plate) is free of all the top 9 allergens and is available in over 500 grocery stores across the U.S., including Martin's, Giant, Central Market and Hornbacher’s. Their Zing Zing Chicken is another tasty choice for 290 calories.
- Calories 280
- Protein 25 grams
- Fiber 2 grams
- Total Sugars 8 grams
- Sodium 760 milligrams
Whether you prepare them for breakfast or any other meal, these tasty egg bites from Applegate Naturals can be heated in an air-fryer or the microwave. Serve them with a side of sliced fruit or a green salad to round off breakfast, lunch or dinner. Each bite is made with organic ingredients that are sourced from animals raised without antibiotics, and are free from chemical nitrates or nitrites.
- Calories 170
- Protein 13 grams
- Fiber 0 grams
- Total Sugars 1 gram
- Sodium 540 milligrams
This flavorful cauliflower rice bowl from Caulipower combines shredded chicken, black beans, cheddar cheese and grilled pepper strips, all tossed together in a bold red chipotle sauce. It provides 18 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber thanks in part to the 1 cup of veggies found inside it. It's also wheat-, tree nut-, gluten- and peanut-free.
- Calories 210
- Protein 18 grams
- Fiber 5 grams
- Total Sugars 6 grams
- Sodium 600 milligrams
These quesadillas combine all-natural chicken with a blend of four cheeses for a homemade, cozy dinner. Add some avocado slices or grape tomatoes and a salad on the side for a quick, under 300 calorie meal with 12 grams of protein. Heat them in a toaster oven or air fryer for 12 to 13 minutes and 6 to 8 minutes, respectively, then dig in!
- Calories 230
- Protein 12 grams
- Fiber 1 gram
- Total Sugars 2 grams
- Sodium 590 milligrams
Enjoy these beautifully crafted Hane-style dumplings as a light lunch or dinner. To make authentic “hane,” a starch and water mixture is usually poured into the pan while the dumplings are cooking to form a delicate lace skirt which fuses the gyoza into a golden sheet that is then served to the table. Pair with a soba noodles, a cabbage slaw, or steamed vegetables for a full meal in less than 10 minutes.
- Calories 160
- Protein 7 grams
- Fiber < 1 gram
- Total Sugars 1 gram
- Sodium 450 milligrams
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