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Frozen Meal Delivery

Frozen Meal Delivery

Are you looking for frozen meals delivered straight to your door? Look no further, WellHub has you sorted!  We’ve gathered some of the best Australian frozen meal delivery services and compared them to give you the information you need before purchasing your next meal.

By
Alex Hamlin

Written by

Alex Hamlin
Certified Nutritionist

Alex Joy Nutrition supports busy individuals with health goals, offering holistic nutrition guidance to reduce stress and foster balanced, healthy habits. Specialising in empowering high achievers, Alex emphasises a preventative and management-focused approach to health. As a clinical nutritionist, Alex provides individuals with tools and education for taking control of their health. She advocates for optimal nutrition as the cornerstone of wellness, employing a food-first approach complemented by holistic treatments. With evidence-based practices, Alex offers personalised guidance to help individuals reach their health goals, prioritising health at the forefront. In health content creation, Alex delivers concise, informative, and engaging material rooted in evidence-based practices, educating, inspiring and guiding others on their wellness journey.

Edited by
Alex Hamlin

Written by

Alex Hamlin
Certified Nutritionist

Alex Joy Nutrition supports busy individuals with health goals, offering holistic nutrition guidance to reduce stress and foster balanced, healthy habits. Specialising in empowering high achievers, Alex emphasises a preventative and management-focused approach to health. As a clinical nutritionist, Alex provides individuals with tools and education for taking control of their health. She advocates for optimal nutrition as the cornerstone of wellness, employing a food-first approach complemented by holistic treatments. With evidence-based practices, Alex offers personalised guidance to help individuals reach their health goals, prioritising health at the forefront. In health content creation, Alex delivers concise, informative, and engaging material rooted in evidence-based practices, educating, inspiring and guiding others on their wellness journey.

Updated November 16, 2023
Fact checked Fully qualified and expert nutritionists have reviewed and checked this content to ensure it is as accurate as possible at the time of writing.

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What is frozen meal delivery

 
Frozen meal delivery is a convenient service where companies prepare, freeze, and deliver meals directly to customers’ doorsteps. Ideal for busy individuals or families, this service streamlines the meal preparation process.
 
When using a frozen meal delivery service, customers start by browsing an online menu that caters to various dietary preferences. The chosen meals are then added to an online cart, with options for one-time purchases or subscription plans.
 

After making an online payment, the meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, cooked and snap-frozen to preserve taste and nutrition content. The frozen meals are then packaged and delivered. Where they are frozen until ready to be consumed. Each meal comes with easy-to-follow reheating instructions. 

This service is especially popular among those with hectic schedules, individuals who may not enjoy cooking, or those seeking portion-controlled meals. It provides a quick and convenient solution without compromising on the quality and nutrition of the meals.

Are frozen meals healthy?

Whether frozen meals are healthy or not can vary widely depending on the specific product and how it is prepared. Here are some of the main factors to consider when choosing frozen meal delivery:

  • Ingredients: Always check the ingredient list. Look for meals that have real, whole ingredients and have minimal additives, preservatives, and artificial flavours. Some frozen meals can be high in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, so it’s important to choose options with healthy, whole food ingredients. If you are interested in learning how to read an ingredient list and nutrition information panel (NIP), our “How to read a food label in Australia” guide can help you out.
  • Nutrition: Pay attention to the nutrition information panel (NIP). Look for frozen meals that provide a balance of macronutrients (complex carbohydrates, protein, and fats) and are within your nutrient needs. Ideally, all ingredients should be recognisable, whole foods.
  • Portion size: Be mindful of portion sizes. Some frozen meals are designed for one person, while others can serve two or more. Refer to the NIP for serving sizes. Be mindful that overeating can lead to excess calorie consumption, so make sure you’re aware of the recommended serving size.
  • Sodium content: Many frozen meals are high in sodium, which can be detrimental to your health if consumed in excess. Look for options with lower sodium content, and consider adding fresh or frozen vegetables to increase the meal’s nutritional value. Avoiding adding additional salt when serving.
  • Vegetable content: Some frozen meals lack adequate amounts of vegetables. You can enhance the nutritional quality of a frozen meal by adding extra vegetables or serving it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables of your choice.
  • Cooking methods: How you prepare the frozen meal matters. Try to follow the cooking instructions carefully to ensure that the meal is safe to eat and retains its intended texture and flavours.

Frozen meals can be a convenient option for busy individuals, but their healthiness depends on the specific product and how they fit into your overall diet.

How to choose a healthy frozen meal

Choosing a healthy frozen meal involves careful consideration of several factors. Here’s a guide from our expert nutritionists to help you select a healthy option:

Read the ingredient list

  • Look for meals with real, whole ingredients. Avoid products that contain excessive additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
  • Ideally, the first few ingredients should be whole foods like lean protein (chicken, fish, tofu), whole grains (brown rice, quinoa), and vegetables. 
  • Be cautious of meals with long lists of ingredients you can’t pronounce or don’t recognise

Check the nutrition information panel (NIP):

  • Review the serving size and ensure that the portion size aligns with your dietary needs.
  • Pay attention to macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats) and aim for a balanced combination.
  • Look for meals that are moderate in saturated fat, added sugars, and low in sodium.
  • Assess the fibre content; higher fibre content can contribute to feeling fuller and more satisfied as well as support the digestive system.

Check the sodium content:

  • Choose frozen meals with lower sodium levels, as excessive salt intake can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure.
  • Meals with less than 600 mg of sodium per serving are generally considered better choices.

Consider protein content:

  • Opt for meals that provide an adequate amount of protein. Protein can help keep you full and satisfied.
  • Lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, or legumes are preferable.

Look for vegetable content:

  • Select frozen meals with a substantial amount of vegetables. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • If the meal lacks vegetables, consider adding your own by pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Assess the portion size:

  • Be mindful of the recommended serving size to prevent overeating. Portion control is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet and weight loss.

Check for allergens & dietary requirements:

  • If you have food allergies or sensitivities, ensure the frozen meal does not contain any ingredients that could trigger a reaction.
  • Choose meals that align with your dietary preferences – If you have specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb, look for frozen meals that cater to these needs.

Frozen vs Fresh Meal Delivery

The choice between fresh and frozen meals depends on various factors, and both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is more suitable for your needs:

Frozen Meal Advantages:

  • Convenience: Frozen meals are quick and easy to prepare, making them a convenient option for busy individuals or those without the time or culinary skills to cook from scratch.
  • Longer shelf life: Frozen meals have a much longer shelf life compared to fresh ingredients, reducing food waste and allowing you to stock up.
  • Portion control: Frozen meals often come in pre-portioned servings, helping with portion control and calorie management.
  • Nutrient retention: While there can be some nutrient loss during freezing and reheating, modern freezing techniques can preserve the nutritional value of many ingredients reasonably well with out the need for additives and preservatives. 

Frozen Meal Disadvantages:

  • Quality variation: The quality of frozen meals can vary widely, and some may contain high levels of sodium, saturated fat, or artificial additives. Always check the nutrition label.
  • Limited customisation: You have less control over the ingredients and seasonings in frozen meals, which may not suit specific dietary preferences.
  • Taste and texture: Some frozen meals may not match the taste and texture of freshly prepared dishes.

Fresh Meal Advantages:

  • Nutrient retention: Fresh meals often have higher nutrient content compared to their frozen counterparts because they haven’t undergone the freezing and thawing process.
  • Flavour & texture: Fresh meals generally have a better taste and texture because they haven’t gone through the freezing and reheating process – sometimes affecting flavour and texture.
  • Customisation: Cooking with fresh ingredients allows you to control the seasonings, ingredients, and cooking methods to meet your specific preferences and dietary needs.
  • Versatility: You have a wider range of ingredients to choose from, including seasonal produce, which can make your meals more varied and interesting.

Fresh Meal Disadvantages: 

  • Shelf life: Fresh ingredients have a limited shelf life, so you need to use them quickly to avoid spoilage.
  • Preparation time: Preparing fresh meals from scratch can be time-consuming, which may not be suitable for busy individuals or families.
  • Convenience: Fresh meals require more planning and preparation, which might not be ideal for those with hectic schedules.

Frozen Meal Delivery FAQs

Microwaving frozen meals is generally safe and convenient, with minimal nutrient loss if cooked according to recommended times. To preserve nutritional value, follow package instructions and avoid prolonged cooking.

The meals are usually packed in insulated boxes with dry ice or gel packs to maintain the frozen temperature during transit. The packaging is designed to keep the food at a safe temperature until it reaches your doorstep. It is often recommended to place your delivery contents in the freezer again as soon as possible. 

Many frozen meal delivery services focus on providing balanced and nutritious meals. Customers can typically find information about the nutritional content of each meal on the company’s website or packaging of the frozen meal. 

Some meal providers allow customers to customise their meal selections based on preferences or dietary restrictions. This may include choosing specific proteins, sides, or portion sizes as well as dietary preferences e.g. gluten free, vegan, keto friendly, weight loss etc. 

Search and compare wellness and health delivery services in Australia including meal kits, ready to eat meal delivery, vitamin subscriptions and much more at Wellhub. All content and information on this site is provided by qualified Australian nutritionists to ensure accurate representation of all products reviewed. Learn more about our expert team here.