(NaturalHealth365)  We’ve all been tempted by the siren call of the frozen food aisle.  Those colorful boxes promise delicious, “home-style” meals in minutes – it’s hard to resist.  And when you’re short on time, brands like Stouffer’s may seem like a gift from heaven.

But, behind the mouthwatering images and claims of so-called “wholesome” ingredients lurks a less appetizing reality.  These frozen favorites contain excess denatured salt, unwanted preservatives, plus other unhealthy additives.  While these foods may be easier on our schedules, they’re not doing our health any favors.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s really inside these frozen meals.  We’ll explore how companies like Stouffer’s have built empires on convenience and whether that convenience is worth the potential cost to your health.

EWG food scores show frozen food companies are no longer trustworthy brands focused on consumer well-being

There was a time when Hungry Man dinners and Boston Market frozen meals were staples in many American households.  These quick and easy options seemed the perfect solution for busy families and individuals.  However, our understanding of nutrition has evolved, and so has our perspective on these freezer aisle options.

In recent years, organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have shed light on the true contents of many frozen foods, including popular brands like Stouffer’s.  Their findings have given consumers pause, prompting a closer look at what we’re really eating when we opt for convenience.

The EWG’s food scoring system evaluates products based on nutrition, ingredients, and processing methods.  This comprehensive approach considers factors such as pesticide residues, contaminants, food additives, and antibiotic use in meat production.  When applied to frozen meals, the results are often concerning.

Many frozen food brands, Stouffer’s included, fall short in several areas.  Most are not certified organic, which raises questions about the quality and origin of their ingredients.  More troubling are the additives commonly found in these products.

The meat used in frozen entrees presents another area of concern.  Much of the meat ingredients come from animals treated with synthetic antibiotics and hormones – practices that are increasingly scrutinized for their potential impact on human health and the environment.

It’s important to note that these findings don’t necessarily mean all frozen foods are harmful.  However, they do highlight the need for consumers to be more discerning about their choices.  As we dive deeper into specific ingredients and their potential effects, it becomes clear that the convenience of frozen meals often comes at a hidden health cost.

Don’t believe Stouffer’s misleading frozen food claims

When you flip over a Stouffer’s package, you might notice something curious – the vague term “flavor” listed as an ingredient.  This ambiguity is just the tip of the iceberg.  These frozen meals often contain high levels of toxic fats, excess sodium, and artificial flavors – a far cry from the wholesome, home-cooked meals they aim to replicate.

While Stouffer’s maintains that their products are safe and high-quality, recent scrutiny has raised some red flags.  For instance, many of their products contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including modified food starch and soy protein isolate.  While  big food companies turn a blind eye to the dangers of consuming GMOs, their presence alone contradicts the “natural” image many associate with the brand.

Perhaps more concerning are the chemical additives and other questionable ingredients.  Are those mysterious “flavors” listed on the package?  They could hide a cocktail of artificial chemicals that manufacturers aren’t required to disclose individually.

The EWG report we mentioned earlier also highlights the high levels of denatured salt in these meals.  While salt enhances flavor, excessive amounts can pose cardiovascular risks.  Moreover, heavily processed ingredients contradict the wholesome, home-style image the Stouffer’s brand tries to project.

Let’s look at a specific example: Stouffer’s Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch frozen bowl.  This product received the worst possible health score of 10 from the EWG, indicating it’s packed with potentially harmful chemicals and unhealthy ingredients.  One particularly troubling component is sodium nitrite, which is used to preserve meat color and prevent spoilage.  This additive has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

The disconnect between Stouffer’s marketing claims of healthful, non-toxic meals and the reality of their ingredients is stark.  While these frozen dinners offer undeniable convenience, consumers should be aware that this convenience may cost their health.

As we continue to unpack the world of frozen foods, it’s becoming clear that what we see on the front of the package doesn’t always match what’s listed in the ingredients.

Be careful when adding items to your shopping cart

When grocery shopping, consider bypassing the frozen food aisle altogether.  Instead, opt for healthier, organic, all-natural options.  Focus on foods without the aforementioned sodium nitrite.  Opt for selections that are organic and contain sea salt.

If you pick an item off the shelf with a lengthy list of chemicals and/or additives, don’t put it in your cart.  In general, the fewer ingredients listed on the packaging, the healthier it is.

Be aware that most frozen food is chock-full of denatured salt, which can contribute to high blood pressure.  When choosing between sources of protein, favor antibiotic-free, 100% grass-fed, and organic foods.

Sources for this article include:

Healthy-holistic-living.com
Goodness.com