When it comes to convenience, frozen meals are a popular choice. However, many of these quick meals are packed with sodium, sometimes even more than an entire large bag of pretzels! For reference, a large bag of Rold Gold Original Thins contains 1,225 milligrams of sodium.
Consuming too much sodium can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health issues, which is why it’s essential to know how much sodium you’re eating.
In this article, we’ll look at 15 popular frozen meals that have more sodium than a large bag of pretzels, some even nearing your entire daily recommended sodium intake of 2,300 milligrams. These meals may be tasty and convenient, but if you’re watching your sodium intake, it’s important to be cautious. Let’s dive into the list and see which meals made the cut.
Why Is High Sodium Dangerous?
Excess sodium in your diet can lead to various health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. While sodium is necessary for balancing fluids and ensuring muscle function, overconsumption leads to water retention, putting extra strain on your heart and kidneys.
The FDA recommends limiting your daily sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams, but many frozen meals pack in most of that limit in just one serving.
Top 15 Frozen Meals With High Sodium
1. Marie Callender’s Meatloaf And Country Fried Chicken
- Sodium: 2,370 mg
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 28 g
- Why it’s risky: This “duo” of meatloaf and chicken contains almost your entire daily recommended sodium intake in one meal.
2. Hungry Man XL Buffalo-Style Chicken Mac N’ Cheese
- Sodium: 2,040 mg
- Calories: 470
- Fat: 15 g
- Why it’s risky: Despite a relatively moderate calorie count, the sodium content is off the charts, making this meal dangerous for your heart.
3. Banquet Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Mega Bowl
- Sodium: 1,380 mg
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 19 g
- Why it’s risky: Banquet’s hot chicken might taste great, but the sodium content is more than half of your daily limit in one meal.
4. Digiorno Personal Size Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza
- Sodium: 1,530 mg
- Calories: 720
- Fat: 35 g
- Why it’s risky: The sodium content is high, and combined with 17 grams of saturated fat, this pizza isn’t ideal for regular consumption.
5. Hungry Man XL Nashville Style Hot Chicken Cutlette’s Bowls
- Sodium: 1,770 mg
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 22 g
- Why it’s risky: Another high-sodium offering from Hungry Man, this hot chicken bowl packs a sodium punch that should make you think twice.
6. TGI Fridays Buffalo Style Chicken Wings
- Sodium: 1,280 mg
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 16 g
- Why it’s risky: These wings might seem like a decent snack, but the sodium content is alarmingly high for just a small serving.
7. Marie Callender’s Cheesy Bacon Chicken
- Sodium: 1,240 mg
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20 g
- Why it’s risky: A comfort meal for sure, but the sodium content makes this an occasional indulgence, not a daily meal.
8. Jimmy Dean Meat Lover’s Biscuits & Gravy
- Sodium: 1,230 mg
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 31 g
- Why it’s risky: A tasty breakfast, but it’s loaded with sodium and fat. There are healthier alternatives for your morning meal.
9. Hungry Man Grilled Beef Steakettes
- Sodium: 1,570 mg
- Calories: 590
- Fat: 39 g
- Why it’s risky: High in both sodium and saturated fat, this meal is not recommended for those keeping an eye on heart health.
10. Banquet Mega Meats Original Crispy Chicken With Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
- Sodium: 1,540 mg
- Calories: 510
- Fat: 28 g
- Why it’s risky: The fried chicken and mashed potatoes combo has far too much sodium for a healthy dinner option.
11. Digiorno Personal Size Sausage & Gravy Breakfast Croissant Pizza
- Sodium: 1,550 mg
- Calories: 720
- Fat: 31 g
- Why it’s risky: This breakfast pizza is a sodium bomb and also contains trans fats, which are harmful to heart health.
12. Stouffer’s Bowl-FULLS Fried Chicken & Mashed Potatoes
- Sodium: 1,270 mg
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 17 g
- Why it’s risky: Fried chicken and mashed potatoes are classic comfort foods, but the sodium content here makes it a less-than-healthy option.
13. Benihana The Japanese Steakhouse Frozen Yakisoba Chicken
- Sodium: 1,230 mg
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 10 g
- Why it’s risky: While this frozen meal brings the taste of Benihana home, it also brings a hefty dose of sodium with it.
14. Hungry Man Beer-Battered Chicken
- Sodium: 1,690 mg
- Calories: 740
- Fat: 37 g
- Why it’s risky: A sodium overload, along with 37 grams of fat, makes this a meal you should reserve for rare occasions.
15. Marie Callender’s Country Fried Pork & Gravy
- Sodium: 1,300 mg
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 21 g
- Why it’s risky: Another Marie Callender meal that packs too much sodium into one serving, making it a less-than-ideal choice for those monitoring their salt intake.
Table: Nutritional Comparison Of High-Sodium Frozen Meals
| Frozen Meal | Calories | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marie Callender’s Meatloaf & Country Fried Chicken | 500 | 28 | 2,370 | 25 |
| Hungry Man XL Buffalo Chicken Mac N’ Cheese | 470 | 15 | 2,040 | 28 |
| Banquet Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Mega Bowl | 450 | 19 | 1,380 | 20 |
| Digiorno Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza | 720 | 35 | 1,530 | 33 |
| Hungry Man Nashville Hot Chicken Cutlette’s Bowl | 480 | 22 | 1,770 | 21 |
Conclusion:
Frozen meals can be convenient, but many come with high sodium levels that far exceed the daily recommended limit. Being mindful of sodium intake is crucial for maintaining good health, especially when opting for pre-packaged or frozen options.
Always check labels and consider balancing your meals with fresh, low-sodium foods to keep your heart and overall health in check.
FAQs
1. Why Is Sodium Used In Frozen Meals?
Sodium helps enhance flavor and acts as a preservative in frozen meals, allowing them to last longer.
2. What’s The Recommended Daily Sodium Intake?
The FDA recommends that adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
3. How Can I Reduce My Sodium Intake When Eating Frozen Meals?
Look for meals labeled as “low sodium,” and balance them with fresh vegetables and fruits, which are naturally low in sodium.
4. Are There Any Healthy Frozen Meals With Low Sodium?
Yes, there are many brands offering low-sodium options. Look for meals with less than 600 milligrams of sodium per serving.
5. Can Eating Too Much Sodium Affect My Health?
Yes, excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
