With the rise in popularity of frozen prepared meals, many health-conscious consumers are wondering if options like Stouffer’s Bowl fulls are nutritious choices or not. Stouffer’s advertises their Bowl fulls as being satisfying meals that can be prepared easily in the microwave. But are these frozen bowl meals actually good for you?
An Overview of Stouffer’s Bowl fulls
Stouffer’s Bowl fulls are a line of frozen entrees that come in bowl-shaped microwaveable containers. They contain rice or other grains along with vegetables, meat or plant-based proteins, and savory sauces. Some of the most popular Bowl full varieties include:
- Chicken Fried Rice Bowl
- Beef Stroganoff Rice Bowl
- Turkey & Wild Rice Bowl
- Cheese Ravioli Bowl
- Shrimp Fajita Rice Bowl
- Chicken Alfredo Bowl
- Sweet & Sour Chicken Rice Bowl
The Bowl fulls are marketed as complete 360 calorie meals that can be prepared conveniently in about 3 minutes in the microwave. They are intended to provide balanced nutrition in an easy microwavable form.
Nutritional Profile of Stouffer’s Bowl fulls
When determining how healthy these frozen meals are, it’s important to look at their nutritional profiles. Here is a breakdown of the basic nutrients in a typical Stouffer’s Bowl full:
- Calories: 360 calories per bowl
- Protein: 15-25g per bowl
- Carbohydrates: 45-60g per bowl
- Total fat: 6-15g per bowl
- Saturated fat: 2-4g per bowl
- Sodium: 600-1000mg per bowl
- Sugar: 5-10g per bowl
- Fiber: 3-5g per bowl
The Bowl fulls provide a substantial amount of protein and a mix of carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. The calorie counts are reasonable for a complete meal. However, sodium levels tend to be quite high, averaging 25-40% of the recommended daily value per bowl. Added sugars are also present in small amounts.
Micronutrients in Stouffer’s Bowl fulls
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, the Bowl fulls provide mixed results. Here are some of the typical micronutrient levels per bowl:
- Vitamin A: 10-25% DV
- Vitamin C: 10-25% DV
- Calcium: 2-10% DV
- Iron: 8-15% DV
- Potassium: 5-15% DV
The bowls contain a decent amount of vitamin A from ingredients like carrots and red bell peppers. Vitamin C levels are also reasonable due to ingredients like tomatoes and citrus flavorings. Calcium and potassium content tend to be lower since dairy products and fruits/vegetables are limited. But overall, the Bowl fulls supply a fair share of key vitamins and minerals.
Stouffer’s Bowl fulls and the Dietary Guidelines
Another way to evaluate the nutrition of Stouffer’s Bowl fulls is to look at how they fit into the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines provide recommendations for healthy eating patterns.
Here is how Stouffer’s Bowl fulls align with some key Dietary Guidelines:
- Fruits & Vegetables: The Bowl fulls provide about 1-2 servings of veggies per bowl, helping increase vegetable intake. But they are lacking in fruit.
- Grains: With a grain like rice or pasta in each bowl, they contribute 1-2 grain servings per meal. Whole grains would be preferable.
- Protein Foods: The Bowl fulls contain lean proteins like chicken, beef, or pork as well as plant proteins like beans or tofu. This aligns with protein recommendations. But the meat portions could be smaller.
- Dairy: Dairy products are minimal or lacking in the Bowl fulls. Extra dairy could be added to boost calcium intake.
- Sodium: Sodium levels in the Bowl fulls are quite high, going against guidelines to limit sodium.
Overall, the Bowl fulls provide reasonable vegetable intake and lean proteins. But they are high in sodium, low in fruits/dairy, and lack whole grains. So there are certainly some improvements that could be made to better align with federal dietary recommendations.
Are Stouffer’s Bowl fulls Healthy: The Pros
When considering the nutrition facts and dietary recommendations, there are some advantageous aspects to Stouffer’s Bowl fulls in terms of health:
- Provide full meals with balanced macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat)
- Contain lean proteins like chicken, beef, pork, beans, tofu
- Include a variety of vegetables in each bowl
- Good sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and other micronutrients
- Reasonable calorie counts around 360 calories per bowl
- Convenient, time-saving frozen meal options
Having well-rounded meals with lean protein, veggies, and whole grains is beneficial. The Bowl fulls deliver on these counts while also being fast and simple to prepare. For busy consumers, having a quick frozen meal with these nutritional advantages can be a healthier choice than fast food or other less nutritious grab-and-go meals.
Potential Cons of Stouffer’s Bowl fulls
However, there are some nutritional aspects of Stouffer’s Bowl fulls that are less than ideal:
- High in sodium, with 25-40% DV per bowl
- Lack whole grains – contain refined grains like white rice
- Minimal calcium and potassium due to low dairy and fruit
- Use vegetable oils high in omega-6 fatty acids
- Can be high in added sugars, up to 10g per bowl
- Heavily processed and not made with wholesome, natural ingredients
- Lack fiber with only 3-5g per bowl
- High environmental impact from packaging and frozen transportation
The high sodium content is concerning, especially for those monitoring blood pressure. More whole food ingredients like whole grains, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds could boost fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. Using healthier fats like olive oil instead of soybean oil could also improve the nutrition profile. So while the Bowl fulls offer some advantages, there are opportunities to enhance the nutrition through less processed ingredients.
Are Stouffer’s Bowl fulls Healthy: The Verdict
Overall, Stouffer’s Bowl fulls land somewhere in the middle on the healthy eating spectrum. Here is a summary verdict:
- Pros: Convenient, balanced meals with lean protein & some veggies
- Cons: High in sodium, low in whole foods like fruits, dairy and whole grains
- Okay in moderation as part of varied diet, but not as everyday meal
- Healthier than fast food but room for improvement compared to home cooked meals
- Good option for busy consumers who want quick meal with protein and vegetables
- Not ideal for those limiting sodium or wanting nutrient dense whole food meals
Stouffer’s Bowl fulls can be a fast and fairly nutritious choice in a pinch. But for everyday health, homemade meals made with whole food ingredients are superior nutritionally. Enjoying Bowl fulls occasionally can be part of a balanced approach for busy people who want a quick meal with protein and veggies. But relying on them regularly may not align with nutrition best practices due to the high sodium, refined grains, and lack of whole food ingredients.
Tips for Making Stouffer’s Bowl fulls Healthier
If you want to enjoy Stouffer’s Bowl fulls as part of a healthy lifestyle, here are some tips:
- Choose lower sodium varieties like the Three Cheese Chicken Bowl
- Enjoy in moderation as part of a diet rich in whole foods
- Boost nutrition by adding side salad, whole grain bread, or fruit
- Compare sodium & calories and choose healthiest options
- Watch portion sizes and avoid overeating high calorie/sodium bowls
- Pair with healthy beverages like water or unsweetened tea
- Balance out with exercise and activity to manage calories
- Make some meals at home with wholesome ingredients to reduce reliance on frozen meals
Being an informed consumer, controlling portions, and eating Bowl fulls in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet can help prevent the downsides and maximize the convenient nutritional benefits.
Healthier Alternatives to Stouffer’s Bowl fulls
If you want to get meals with balanced nutrition but increase whole food ingredients, here are some healthier alternatives to consider instead of Stouffer’s Bowl fulls:
- Homemade meals with lean proteins, whole grains, lots of vegetables
- Meal prepping beans, rice, veggies, chicken on weekends for ready to eat meals
- Canned bean or lentil soups and stews (look for low sodium)
- Frozen meals from health-focused brands with lower sodium
- Pre-cooked quinoa meal pouches or cups
- Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt bowls with fruit and nuts
- Smoothies made with protein powder, fruit, spinach, milk
Emphasizing whole foods whenever possible and limiting excess sodium are good strategies for boosting nutrition. Healthier frozen brands like Lean Cuisine, Amy’s, and Evol can provide convenience while improving sodium, fiber, and ingredients. Simple homemade meals, meal prepping, and quick but clean snacks can all help ensure you’re getting great nutrition in every bite.
The Final Word on Stouffer’s Bowl fulls
At the end of the day, Stouffer’s Bowl fulls can be an acceptable convenient meal option in moderation. They provide some nutrition benefits like lean protein and vegetables. However, for everyday health, it’s best to rely primarily on wholesome foods and home cooked meals using whole food ingredients. Take advantage of the convenience of Stouffer’s Bowl fulls judiciously while focusing on upping nutrition with less processed foods whenever possible.
