Healthy Choice frozen meals offer a convenient option for quick lunches and dinners. With a vast selection available, navigating the choices can be overwhelming. This review aims to guide you through the best options, highlighting those that deliver on flavor and quality, based on extensive taste testing. While some meals fall short, several stand out as surprisingly satisfying.
What We Looked For
In this review, the primary focus was on flavor. Seasoning is key to a satisfying meal, and many diet-focused options tend to skimp on this crucial element. The goal was to identify meals that didn't sacrifice taste in the pursuit of health. Another important factor was the quality of the protein. Whether it was steak or chicken, the expectation was for it to taste like real meat and not have a chewy or otherwise unappetizing texture.
The Best Healthy Choice Frozen Meals
After sampling 13 different Healthy Choice frozen meals, only six were deemed worthy of recommendation. Here's a closer look at those that made the cut:
Chicken Marinara with Orzo and Vegetables
This meal features white meat chicken in marinara sauce, accompanied by orzo, spinach, and seasoned broccoli. While the chicken, formed into a breast-shaped patty, lacks significant flavor, and the marinara sauce could use a boost of salt or Parmesan cheese, the orzo is the standout component. Its plump, tasty, and filling nature elevates the dish.
Chicken Fritters with Rice
Despite its unappealing appearance, with soggy chicken "fritters" and rice drenched in sauce, this meal delivers a surprisingly decent flavor. The chicken pieces, reminiscent of Chicken McNuggets dipped in McDonald's sweet and sour sauce, offer a familiar and comforting taste. Although the rice is messy and the mix-ins (pepper bits, carrots, and pineapple tidbits) are scarce, the overall flavor profile is enjoyable. For an enhanced experience, consider cooking the chicken in an air fryer before adding it to the bowl with the sauce and rice.
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Meatball Marinara
Healthy Choice emphasizes the use of "freshly made" pasta, this meal features a marinara sauce that is notably flavorful, avoiding the overpowering bitterness of oregano. The meatballs, while dense, possess a good taste.
Steak with Balsamic Sauce
This meal includes steak in a balsamic sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. The mashed potatoes have a noticeable garlic aroma, which is a promising start. While they could benefit from added salt, their overall taste is acceptable. The balsamic sauce offers a pleasant tanginess and savory flavor. Despite the beef's resemblance to dog treats, its taste is surprisingly good. The green beans even retain a satisfying crunch. When all the elements are combined in a single bite, the result is a flavorful and enjoyable experience. This stands out as the best of the beef-centric Healthy Choice frozen meals.
Merlot Beef with Potatoes
The beef in this meal is tender, and the Merlot wine sauce has a nostalgic flavor that complements the frozen meal format. The sauce tastes like a savory gravy with a subtle tannic undertone. While the overall taste is satisfactory, the cubed, "roasted" potatoes are mealy. Mashed potatoes would have been a better accompaniment to the gravy.
Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables
For those seeking a light and quick lunch option, the Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables is a top choice. The sauce, despite being slightly gloopy, has a bright, fresh flavor. The inclusion of yellow squash and zucchini is a welcome addition, as these vegetables absorb the sauce well and enhance the overall taste. While the chicken may not be exceptional, the other components compensate for its shortcomings. The "freshly made" rotini pasta has a pleasant bounce and chew.
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