A select handful of grocery aisles are lined with some of the best frozen lunches of all time. From nutritious alternatives to fast food to convenient takes on popular food trends, there are many options available to customers.
But if you operate a supermarket or grocery enterprise, which products should you purchase wholesale? In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the ten best frozen lunches on the market. From there, you’ll have a better idea of which ones to pick and choose to sell online or in brick and mortar stores.
Best Frozen Lunches In 2024
Did you know that heating up frozen lunches is even simpler than using the best packaged lunch meat? That’s right–placing a frozen meal in the oven or microwave takes less time than fixing a sandwich or snack pack. Plus, they’re more likely to contain balanced nutrition. So, they’re definitely one of many product categories to purchase via wholesale distribution channels.
Oh, and while we’re here, it’s important to keep something else in mind - the best frozen lunch meals also make some of the best frozen dinner ideas. In fact, some of the suppliers you find below are arguably some of the best frozen dinner brands, too.
Now, let’s take a look at ten of the best pre packaged lunches that retailers should sell.
1. Trifecta - Turkey with Brown Rice and Mixed Veggies
The perfect kind of lunch is one that's light yet balanced. By pairing lean poultry with rice and veggies, consumers will get a bit of everything. Trifecta also ensures that the veggie blend featuring broccoli, carrots, and zucchini complements the meat. So, it's just as nutritious as it is tasty!
2. Amy’s - Vegan Mexican Casserole
With the increasing popularity of vegan and plant-based diets, it's vital to supply customers with a suitable option. Amy's makes it easy to prepare a great lunch that bursts with flavor. The brand's Mexican casserole is also high in protein thanks to black beans, despite the absence of meat products.
3. Milton’s - Cauliflower Roasted Vegetable Pizza
Everyone likes to splurge now and then by having pizza for lunch. However, many consumers opt against it due to its gluten content. Luckily, Milton's makes it easy for people of various diets to enjoy a savory pie. The added vegetable toppings will also create a unique flavor profile that stands out from classic cheese and pepperoni options.
4. Hip Chick Farms - Organic Chicken Fingers
Ditch fast food during your lunch breaks and opt for a healthy option from Hip Chick Farms. Their chicken nuggets are completely free of nasty preservatives and are 100% organic. Plus, the high amount of protein that's present in chicken will surely make this a filling lunch that can provide consumers with just enough fuel for the remainder of the day.
Side Note: Not only is this one of the best frozen lunches, but it’s also a great option to add to an appetizer list!
5. Daily Harvest - Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Hash Harvest Bowl
Every grocery outlet should supply customers with nutrient-packed lunch options. Daily Harvest offers just that with their bean and veggie bowl. And as you can imagine, it's super inclusive to everyone due to its lack of meat. So, consumers can enjoy a healthy and well-rounded lunch that can be ready to eat in minutes.
6. Red’s - Frozen Bean & Cheese Burrito
As another one of the best frozen lunches that bursts with flavor, Red's burritos are also rich in protein and fiber. The blend of beans, cheese, and spices is suitable for anyone in search of a convenient handheld lunch item. Burritos also complement some of the best Mexican appetizers, like chips, guacamole, and salsa. So, it'll certainly satisfy any cravings for Latin cuisine.
7. Banquet - Buffalo-Style Chicken Mac ‘N Cheese
By creating an easy-to-prepare take on buffalo wings, Banquet's mega bowls serve as a savory and filling lunch. In fact, many consumers view them as some of the best frozen lunches on the market. For one, they're larger than others. Plus, the high protein content from the chicken alongside the carb count from the pasta allows it to be a super filling meal.
8. Kodiak - Power Waffles
You can't discuss the best frozen lunches without taking brunch into consideration. Whether you're hosting brunch for a large group or having a late breakfast, waffles are a staple. Kodiak makes this traditionally sweet and decadent dish a bit healthier by packing their recipe with protein. But there's no need to worry about it taking away from the classic flavor. The mix of buttermilk and vanilla extract maintains its richness. Plus, the fluffy texture makes it that much more enjoyable.
9. Healthy Choice - Power Bowls
Every brand should offer customers a wide selection of meal options. By purchasing products wholesale from Healthy Choice, that's exactly what grocery outlets can achieve! For instance, Healthy Choice has a Mediterranean-style shrimp bowl that seafood lovers may enjoy. Meanwhile, those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet might opt for the chicken and riced cauliflower bowl. These are just two of many recipes. Therefore, Healthy Choice often surpasses competition due to implementing product differentiation. The fact that each bowl is nutritious and delicious is quite valuable, too!
10. Lean Cuisine - Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
This take on a classic American dish is a convenient way to serve a balanced lunch. All of Lean Cuisine's dishes come frozen, only requiring a few minutes in the microwave. Between the high protein count and moderate number of calories, this dish is one of the best frozen lunches for sustained energy and curbing hunger.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Frozen Lunches
Now that you’re familiar with several of the best frozen lunches on the market, it’s time to dive a bit deeper into the industry as a whole. Read on for a brief snapshot of this sector of the food and beverage industry.
What Are the Best Frozen Lunches to Eat?
The best frozen food for lunch are meals that contain balanced nutrition. For instance, meals that contain a serving of meat alongside vegetables and grains are great choices. It’s also ideal for food manufacturers to rely solely on freezing meals instead of adding preservatives. This way, each serving can remain 100% organic.
What Are the Best Meals to Freeze and Reheat?
The best meals to freeze and reheat are those with a consistency that remains the same, regardless of changes in temperatures. For instance, it can be challenging to create pasta dishes that feel the same after freezing and reheating them. Meanwhile, you might be able to get away with doing so when it comes to meat and rice dishes. When crafting such recipes, trial and error will be a huge factor.
The same rules apply for the best frozen desserts as well. That’s why so many of the best frozen desserts to buy are similar in consistency. Even the best non dairy frozen desserts share similar qualities to those with dairy products. So, keep that in mind if you’re creating new frozen dessert trends for your frozen dessert business.
Where Can I Buy Packaging for Frozen Lunches?
Food manufacturing companies can purchase wholesale packaging from a distribution platform designed for businesses. Food and beverage brands can also purchase dessert packaging wholesale, or any other supplies for that matter. If you’re in the market for new software, BlueCart is a great option currently serving well over 100,000 businesses in the hospitality industry.
Can I Ship Frozen Lunches and Dinners With Frozen Desserts?
Yes, you can ship frozen lunches and desserts in the same kind of packaging and environments. Both wholesale products require sturdy packaging, freezers, and cold chain logistics. In fact, many wholesale frozen dessert distributors use similar protocols as brands that sell frozen entree food.
What Are the Best Frozen Meal Subscription Boxes?
Some of the best frozen meal subscription boxes include:
- Factor
- Green Chef
- Dinnerly
- Home Chef
- Hello Fresh
- Blue Apron
- Every Plate
Purchase the Best Frozen Lunches Wholesale In a Single Platform
Numerous vendors are selling frozen lunches through the BlueCart app right now. Once you gain access to our complete wholesale directory, you’ll be able to purchase what you need, when you need it. Plus, there are a ton of other features like inventory forecasting and data reports that’ll make your job a whole lot easier. Schedule a demo today to learn all about it!