Most Processed Frozen Meals Brands
Frozen meals are among the most processed foods in the grocery store, combining multiple ultra-processed components (sauce, protein, starch) each with their own additive load. Sodium levels are typically 700-1200mg per serving to compensate for flavor loss during freezing and reheating.
Frozen Meals at a Glance
15 Most Processed Frozen Meals Brands
Brands ranked by highest average processing score across all their products in this category.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | El charrito | 7 | 27.1 5.6 | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | Yankee trader seafood | 5 | 26.9 4.8 | 5 | 0 |
| 3 | Hungry-man | 160 | 24.4 4.4 | 160 | 0 |
| 4 | Kid cuisine | 9 | 24.4 5.0 | 9 | 0 |
| 5 | Zatarains | 97 | 20.6 4.2 | 94 | 0 |
| 6 | Hot pockets | 6 | 19.7 3.3 | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Broadway foods | 5 | 19.1 5.0 | 5 | 0 |
| 8 | Big easy foods | 5 | 18.9 5.1 | 5 | 0 |
| 9 | Margaritaville | 8 | 18.7 4.1 | 8 | 0 |
| 10 | Taylor farms | 5 | 18.7 4.9 | 5 | 0 |
| 11 | Eastons | 9 | 18.6 5.1 | 9 | 0 |
| 12 | Digiorno | 13 | 18.3 3.9 | 13 | 0 |
| 13 | Lubys | 9 | 18.0 4.0 | 9 | 0 |
| 14 | La romanella | 9 | 17.9 4.7 | 9 | 0 |
| 15 | Emerils | 12 | 17.7 4.0 | 12 | 0 |
Closest Look: Top 5 Most Processed
Least Processed Frozen Meals Products
Individual products with the lowest processing scores.
Most Processed Frozen Meals Products
Individual products with the highest processing scores.
What to Look for on the Label
- 1Check sodium — under 600mg per serving is relatively low for frozen meals
- 2Shorter ingredient lists (under 25) indicate less processing
- 3Avoid meals listing multiple forms of modified starch and gums
- 4"Clean label" frozen meals exist but are significantly more expensive
Least Processed Frozen Meals Brands
For comparison — brands with the lowest average processing scores.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La fe | 8 | 1.5 6.2 | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | Jovial | 10 | 2.0 7.4 | 0 | 10 |
| 3 | True goodness | 5 | 2.0 7.0 | 0 | 5 |
| 4 | Sno pac | 5 | 4.0 5.6 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | Foodies | 10 | 4.0 3.7 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | Goldn plump | 5 | 4.0 4.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Scardignos | 25 | 4.5 4.9 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Path of life | 6 | 4.5 5.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Bombay kitchen | 6 | 4.5 5.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Perdue | 7 | 4.7 5.4 | 0 | 2 |
| 11 | Bantry bay premium seafoods | 10 | 5.0 7.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | Gustare vita | 9 | 5.0 4.7 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Catalina | 5 | 5.0 7.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | Cucina di lensi | 10 | 5.0 6.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | Grandcestors | 9 | 5.0 7.5 | 0 | 0 |
How We Score Products
Every product is evaluated using two independent scores. The Processing Score (lower is better) measures the degree of industrial processing based on ingredient analysis, including the presence of artificial additives, preservatives, and highly modified ingredients. The Nutrition Score (higher is better) rates overall nutritional quality, rewarding protein and fiber while penalizing excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
Products are assigned to one of four processing levels: Minimal (score ≤ 2.5), Processed (2.6 – 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 – 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Brand averages are calculated across all products in the category to produce the rankings shown here.
Based on analysis of 1.98 million products in the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look at the methodology, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are frozen dinners so processed?
Each component (protein, starch, sauce, vegetable) is separately processed and combined. Sauces require emulsifiers and stabilizers; proteins use phosphate solutions; starches are modified for freeze-thaw stability.
Are frozen burritos ultra-processed?
Most commercial frozen burritos are Level 4, containing modified food starch, sodium phosphate, artificial flavors, and multiple preservatives across the tortilla, filling, and sauce components.
Are TV dinners getting less processed over time?
Some brands have reformulated with cleaner labels, but the average frozen meal still contains 25-40 ingredients. The structural challenge of freeze-thaw stability requires additives.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about how individual foods are classified.
Disclaimer: All tools and data visualizations are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended as health, medical, or dietary advice. Product formulations change frequently — always check the actual label for current ingredients and nutrition facts before making purchasing decisions. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary guidance.