Costco is renowned for offering excellent deals on a wide range of products, and their frozen dinners are no exception. These budget-friendly options provide generous portions that can satisfy the appetites of the whole family. However, before you get too excited about their price-per-ounce appeal, it's important to be aware of a significant drawback: their nutritional value. In fact, several of the frozen dinners available at Costco have raised concerns among dietitians.
While it's true that a few of the frozen dinners at Costco can contribute to a healthy diet, others are heavily processed and contain additives, as well as potentially worrisome nutrients such as sodium and saturated fat. Below, you'll discover which specific frozen dinners dietitians advise against adding to your shopping cart.
1) Royal Asia Honey Walnut Shrimp
PER SERVING: 240 calories, 13 g fat, 610 mg sodium, 65 g carbs, 10 g protein
Shrimp is generally considered a healthy choice, being a great source of protein and omega-3 fats that support heart and brain health. Unfortunately, Royal Asia's Honey Walnut Shrimp falls short of being a nutritious option due to its excessive use of sugar and oils in the sauce. The added sugar and highly refined oils used in this meal make it one of the least nutritious frozen dinner options available. Furthermore, its high sodium content, exceeding 600 milligrams per serving, can contribute to an increased risk of hypertension with frequent consumption.
2) Foster Farms Jumbo Corn Dogs:
PER CORN DOG: 270 calories, 14 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 700 mg sodium, 27 g carbs (1 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 10 g protein
Corn dogs are a nostalgic and fun food choice for parties and casual gatherings. However, they come with a hefty price in terms of sodium and saturated fat. Each battered corn dog packs 700 milligrams of sodium and 4 grams of saturated fat, making them a less balanced option among the choices available at Costco. For a healthier alternative, consider opting for grass-fed hot dogs when hosting a barbecue or event.
3) Raybern's Choice Philly Cheesesteaks:
PER SANDWICH: 430 calories, 22 g fat (12 g saturated fat), 980 mg sodium, 37 g carbs (2 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 21 g protein
Philly cheesesteaks are not typically associated with health-conscious eating, and Raybern's frozen version is no exception. These sandwiches contain high amounts of saturated fat and sodium, with each serving contributing to 60% of the recommended daily intake of saturated fat and 43% of the recommended sodium intake. The hoagie roll used in the sandwich is made with refined white flour, and the filling contains ingredients like palm oil and processed cheese, raising additional concerns about the nutritional value of this frozen dinner.
4) Kirkland Signature Chicken Bakes:
PER SANDWICH: 540 calories, 19 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 1,370 mg sodium, 58 g carbs (3 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 35 g protein
The Kirkland Signature Chicken Bakes may have gained popularity and become a member favorite, but they fall far from being a nutritionally ideal option. Each serving of these savory handheld pies contains a staggering 1,370 milligrams of sodium, surpassing more than half of the recommended daily intake of sodium in just one meal. Additionally, with over 30 ingredients listed, including high fructose corn syrup, the Chicken Bakes are considered highly processed and may contribute to health issues such as obesity and metabolic dysregulation.
5) Don Miguel Shredded Beef with Cheese Burritos:
PER BURRITO: 430 calories, 13 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 990 mg sodium, 58 g carbs (3 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 20 g protein
Don Miguel's Shredded Beef Burritos may seem appealing with their protein content, but they come with drawbacks in terms of sodium intake and imbalanced macronutrients. A single burrito nearly maxes out the recommended daily sodium intake, and the ratio of carbohydrates to protein is considerably high. The abundance of carbohydrates compared to protein can leave you feeling hungry sooner than anticipated, making these burritos a less satisfying choice.
6) Pierre Signatures Angus Cheeseburgers:
PER SANDWICH: 500 calories, 27 g fat (10 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 820 mg sodium, 40 g carbs (2 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 25 g protein
Pierre Signatures Angus Cheeseburgers have held their place as a frozen staple in Costco for years, but that doesn't make them a nutritionally sound option. Each burger is packed with 510 calories, providing 55% of the recommended daily intake of saturated fat and 5 grams of added sugars. While they can be enjoyed occasionally, it is advisable to limit their consumption as part of a balanced diet.
7) Bibigo Beef Bulgogi Mandu:
PER 4-PIECE SERVING: 280 calories, 9 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 820 mg sodium, 40 g carbs (2 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 25 g protein
Bibigo's Beef Bulgogi Mandu offers a fiery Korean twist, but it also comes with a significant amount of sodium, saturated fat, and sugar. A serving of four small dumplings contains over 700 milligrams of sodium, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, and 4 grams of sugar. With a lengthy list of over 20 ingredients, these dumplings fall into the category of ultra-processed foods, raising concerns about their overall nutritional value.
8) Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pies:
PER PIE: 600 calories, 32 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 960 mg sodium, 61 g carbs (4 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 17 g protein
Chicken pot pies are often associated with comfort and warmth, but Marie Callender's frozen version fails to live up to the wholesome, homemade classic. Each pie contains 600 calories, 32 grams of fat (including 14 grams of saturated fat), and only 4 grams of fiber. This nutritional profile, with excessive saturated fat and low fiber intake, can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and other health issues. As a result, it is important to limit consumption of these types of convenience foods.