Does the phrase “frozen burgers” evoke visions of summer barbecues and on weekends in the pool? Same. But while frozen burgers are an easy-to-store convenience (who wants to spend hours preparing food at high temperatures?), they’re not all created equal. While some are full of vegetables and healthy, others can be high in sodium and fat, and full of harmful additives.
Because of this, it’s important to keep an eye out for unhealthy frozen burgers that may be lurking in your grocery store. frozen food section. To help, we put together a list. From seasoned patties that have over 800mg of sodium per serving, to ones that are full of unhealthy additives, here they are. 8 Frozen Burgers You Might Want To Stay Away From.
per serving (1 empanada): 350 calories, 29 g fat (10 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 860 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 17 g protein
With more than 800 mg of sodium and almost 30 grams of fat, these empanadas seasoned with onion may not be the best option for those looking to limit their sodium and fat intake. Instead, make your own savory empanadas at home using organic lean ground beef and fresh herbs and spices.
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per serving (1 mini hamburger): 190 calories, 9 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 360 mg sodium, 20 g carbs (3 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 9 g protein
Just one mini burger contains more than 300 mg of sodium and 20 grams of carbohydrates, which is not a good choice for those looking for a healthy meal option. These burgers are also packed with additives, like food dyes and monoglycerides. A better alternative would be to make sliders from scratch using high-quality ingredients that are low in salt and sugar.
per serving (1 empanada): 290 calories, 23 g fat (9 g saturated), 75 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 19 g protein
Timothy Wood, CCC, FNS, and owner and founder of carnivorous style, shares that Trader Joe’s grass-fed beef burgers are some of the unhealthiest frozen burgers out there. “The quality of the meat seems good considering it’s grass-fed, but health-wise, there are other serious issues to consider,” says Wood. “Even when the burger doesn’t have any extra ingredients, it still manages to have a very unhealthy amount of fat, cholesterol and calories.”
When choosing a frozen beef patty, Wood shares that you should try to select a brand that ensures the cow was fed 100% organic cow feed. “It would mean that the cow was not given growth hormones or antibiotics that could make the meat unsafe to eat,” says Wood.
per serving (1 empanada): 150 calories, 4.5 g fat (2 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 550 mg sodium, 22 g carbs (3 g fiber, <1 g sugar), 7 g protein
Although veggie burgers may seem healthier, some are actually packed with salt—for example, just one garden burger it has 550 mg of sodium. “While that’s not a crazy amount in and of itself, consider that potential ingredients can also contain a lot of sodium, like relish, cheese, and biscuits,” she says. Meghan PendletonDR. “That could possibly bring the total sodium content of a hamburger to about 1,000 mg, which is almost half the recommended daily amount.”
Pendleton recommends choosing a burger with less than 300 mg of sodium, such as Hilary’s Veggie Burger. “Or just take into account the sodium in other foods eaten and how the total amount works out for your own unique health needs and preferences,” she adds.
per serving (1 empanada): 240 calories, 21 g fat (8 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 470 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 13 g protein
Ball Park Frozen Meat Patties they may bring back memories of backyard barbecues and baseball games, but they are lacking in the nutrition department. “These burgers are full of unhealthy additives including maltodextrin, added flavors, inflammatory soybean and vegetable oils, and corn syrup,” he says. Taylor StoltRDN, LD, CLT, IFNCP.
Instead, Stolt suggests trying Tribali’s frozen beef patties. “tribal foods carries two varieties of frozen patties, both of which are healthy and delicious,” shares Stolt. “They’re made from 100% grass-fed beef and all-natural herbs and spices.”
per serving (1 empanada): 290 calories, 22 g fat (7 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 340 mg sodium, 4 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 18 g protein
Echoing Pendleton, Stolt points out that just because something is plant-based doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. “Beyond beef burgers they contain large amounts of the inflammatory canola oil, added flavors and a synthetic fiber called methylcellulose.”
If you want a healthier veggie-stuffed beef burger, Stolt suggests Applegate’s Frozen Burgers as a good substitute. “If you want veggies on your burger, this is the way to do it right,” says Stolt. “Applegate’s burgers combine 100% beef with cauliflower, spinach, lentils, butternut squash and all-natural herbs and spices.”
per serving (1 empanada): 470 calories, 38 g fat (16 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1010 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 30 g protein
Wild Fork Bacon Cheddar Beef Burgers It may sound delicious, but they contain 16 grams of saturated fat, which is 80% of the recommended daily intake. “Saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease,” he says. james oliver, Maryland, a doctor who specializes in immunology, obstetrics, gynecology, pharmacology, and internal medicine.
per serving (1 empanada): 320 calories, 26 g fat (10 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 430 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (4 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 16 g protein
Only one Extra Value Meats Frozen Empanada it contains more than 430 mg of sodium, making it a poor choice for those looking to reduce their sodium intake. Instead, try looking for frozen empanadas that are low in sodium and carbs, and made with minimal ingredients.
