Summary of 14 Best & Worst Frozen Appetizers You Can Buy, Say Dietitians:
*Summary:
1. Frozen appetizers can be a convenient option for hosting parties, but it’s important to make healthy choices to avoid excess sodium and saturated fat.
2. Registered dietitians recommend several healthy frozen appetizers, such as Strong Roots Spinach Bites and Applegate Naturals Spicy Breaded Chicken Breast Bites, which provide nutritional value and taste great.
3. On the other hand, there are frozen appetizers that are best left in the freezer section, like TGI Friday’s Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers and White Castle Cheese Sliders, due to their high levels of saturated fat and sodium.
4. Knowing the best and worst options can help you make informed decisions when buying frozen appetizers.
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Whether you’re planning a game day gathering, a cocktail party, or simply enjoying the sunshine by the grill, appetizers are a must-have for hungry guests. While homemade appetizers can be fun and delicious, making them can often take you away from enjoying the festivities. That’s where frozen appetizers come in handy. Having an arsenal of frozen appetizers ready to heat up can help you eat well, impress your guests, and enjoy yourself at the same time. If you’re looking for some healthy and delicious options, we’ve got you covered with both the foods to buy and the unhealthy options to avoid. So, let’s dive in!
When you’re walking down the frozen food aisle, it’s important to be aware of certain red flags on the nutrition labels of your favorite apps. Some of the biggest health culprits found in these frozen foods include sodium and saturated fat, both of which are related to a higher risk of heart disease if eaten in excess. To help you host your next party without sacrificing your health, we asked dietitians to share their favorite appetizers to make entertaining a breeze, and also which ones they would never buy. Here are some of the best and worst frozen appetizers at the store, according to registered dietitians.
Let’s start with the best. These healthy, RD-approved appetizers are worth filling your cart with:
1. Strong Roots Spinach Bites: These no-added-sugar apps are vegan, easy to prep, and a great way to build more vegetables into the start of a meal. They’re a plant-forward app that makes eating veggies fun for kids and adults.
2. Bibigo Steamed Chicken and Vegetable Dumplings: Filled with ground chicken, these dumplings provide a good source of protein for muscle repair and growth. The nutrient-rich vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
3. Annie’s Three Cheese Pizza Poppers: Pizza rolls are a favorite for kids and adults, but they can be loaded with fat and sodium. These pizza poppers have only 2 grams of saturated fat and just 300 milligrams of sodium, making them one of the healthiest options.
4. Alexia Foods Sweet Potato Puffs: These poppable sweet potato puffs are low in saturated fat and high in fiber. They make for a perfect appetizer to enjoy before or alongside a meal.
5. Kid Fresh Chicken Meatballs: Packed with lean chicken meat and a blend of hidden vegetables, these chicken meatballs are a well-rounded option that supports a balanced diet for both kids and adults.
6. Deep Indian Kitchen Potato and Pea Samosas: Vegan, a little spicy, and filled with flavorful ingredients like potatoes, peas, and chilis, these samosas are a delicious and nutritious appetizer option.
7. Applegate Naturals Spicy Breaded Chicken Breast Bites: Boneless, skinless, and perfectly seasoned with nothing artificial added, these chicken breast bites are recommended to be served with dipping sauce and celery and carrot sticks for a healthy snack plate.
Now, let’s move on to the worst. These frozen appetizers are best left in the freezer section:
1. TGI Friday’s Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers: Just three of these poppers have 5 grams of saturated fat and 470 milligrams of sodium, making them a high-fat and high-sodium option.
2. White Castle Cheese Sliders: Although small, these sliders pack a big punch in terms of fat content, with a staggering 18 grams of fat per serving, including 8 grams of saturated fat.
3. Totinos Pepperoni and Bacon Pizza Rolls: Pizza rolls aren’t a “healthy” food to begin with, but these specific pizza rolls are high in sodium, fat, and calories.
4. Hebrew National Beef Franks in a Blanket: Just five of these franks in a blanket will cost you 50% of the daily value for saturated fat and over 20% of the daily value for sodium.
5. Market Pantry Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños: One serving of these high-sodium poppers contains 640 milligrams of sodium, or 27% of your daily value.
6. Farm Rich Breaded Mozzarella Sticks: Although they have a good amount of protein, these mozzarella sticks contain 650 milligrams of sodium, which is 28% of the recommended daily limit.
7. SeaPak Budweiser Beer Battered Crab Poppers: The fried breading and cheesy interior of these crab poppers contribute to their high sodium content, with one serving reaching 25% of the recommended daily limit.
Knowing the best and worst frozen appetizers can help you make informed decisions when buying them for your next party or gathering. By choosing healthier options, you can satisfy your guests’ appetites without compromising their health. So the next time you’re shopping for frozen appetizers, keep these recommendations in mind, and enjoy your gatherings to the fullest!
