The Convenience of Ready-Made Meals
If you’re focused on meal planning or pushing back against the temptation to dial in takeout, ready-made meals can simplify the decision-making process for dinner while saving you valuable time. In today’s fast-paced world, the balancing act between maintaining a healthy diet and managing a busy schedule can feel overwhelming. While protein bars might get you through the afternoon crunch, they lack the satisfying depth of a full meal. Thankfully, there’s a diverse range of ready-to-eat meals available at your local grocery store, catering to every dietary preference—whether you’re a vegan, pescatarian, or just someone looking for a quick, wholesome option. Here’s a look at some of the best brands making ready-made meals accessible and delicious.
EVOL: Wholesome and Convenient
EVOL specializes in hearty single-serve meals, including burritos designed for breakfast or lunch. The brand manages to strike a balance between being light yet satisfying, ensuring that you won’t feel weighed down after your meal. With an array of options—from butternut squash ravioli to fire-grilled steak—there’s plenty to keep your palate engaged. Even special diet needs are accommodated, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices, ensuring that you won’t have to settle when reaching for a quick fix.
Luvo: Nutritious and Delicious
Luvo offers a variety of options, from quick breakfasts to filling office lunches. Picture dishes like chicken chorizo chili or roasted vegetable lasagna—a feast for the senses, all prepped and ready to go. Luvo prioritizes wholesome ingredients by incorporating daily servings of fruits and vegetables into each meal. Each dish emphasizes whole grains and high protein content, making them not just convenient, but also genuinely nourishing.
Kitchen & Love and Cucina & Amore: Grab-and-Go Simplicity
If you crave simplicity, Kitchen & Love and Cucina & Amore present an enticing array of on-the-go meal solutions. Their offerings range from ready-to-heat pouches to quick cups ideal for lunch or an afternoon snack. One standout choice is the Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Quinoa Quick Cup. Crafted for convenience, the quinoa comes pre-cooked, separating the veggies so you can customize every bite and avoid a mushy mixture. A spoon is included, making it perfect for enjoying wherever your day takes you.
Amy’s: Classic Comfort with a Twist
When it comes to the standard repertoire of ready-made meals, Amy’s has you covered with everything from comforting noodles to flavorful burritos. However, they also breathe new life into traditional frozen meal options with dishes like Mexican casserole bowls and Asian dumplings. With a keen eye on health, Amy’s also offers light meals crafted to be lower in calories and fat. Whether you prefer gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based options, Amy’s caters to a wide array of dietary preferences.
Red’s Natural Foods: Protein Power
Red’s Natural Foods offers meals that are as convenient as they are protein-packed. Their line features burritos and breakfast sandwiches designed to give you an energy boost any time of day. The highlight? The chicken chorizo breakfast burrito and the Philly steak and cheese burrito pack in flavor without compromising on quality. They use hormone-free meats and cage-free eggs, resulting in meals that are wholesome and free from artificial preservatives.
Cedar Lane: Dietary Variety
For those with specific dietary needs, Cedar Lane’s ready-made options shine. Catering to gluten-free, vegetarian, and protein-dense diets, Cedar Lane provides a diverse menu that includes dishes like three-layer enchilada pie and eggplant parmesan. These meals are substantial enough to keep you feeling full without succumbing to the temptation of mindless snacking.
Dr. McDougall’s Pad Thai Noodles: Comfort in a Cup
If you’re a noodle enthusiast or just in need of a quick, satisfying meal, Dr. McDougall’s line of ready-to-eat meals includes a selection that spans from soups to noodle cups. Their Pad Thai Gluten-Free Noodle Cup offers a familiar taste with a significantly reduced calorie count. Made with baked noodles and a mix of fresh vegetables like cabbage and cilantro, this meal option represents comfort food that won’t break your calorie bank.
Realgood Foods Co.: Low-Carb Innovation
Realgood Foods Co. has made its mark on the ready-made meal scene with its focus on high protein and low carb options. Many selections are gluten-free and crafted with tortillas and pasta made from chicken and cheese, rather than traditional grains. For quick meal solutions, their chicken enchiladas with tomatillo sauce deliver an impressive 31 grams of protein alongside a mere 6 grams of carbs for two enchiladas. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to fuel up healthily.
Kevin’s Natural Foods: Health-Conscious Choices
Kevin’s Natural Foods steps up to the plate with frozen meal options available in single-serve or family-sized portions. Each dish is designed to be high in protein while steering clear of refined sugars. Notable options include a Thai-style coconut chicken bowl, made with broccoli and carrots over cauliflower rice, making it suitable for those following paleo diets—completely free from cane sugar, artificial flavors, and grains.
These ready-made meal options provide the perfect solution for busy lifestyles without sacrificing health or taste. Each brand brings something unique to the table, allowing you to enjoy home-cooked flavors on your terms.