Frozen meals

• 346 products were listed for this study
• 2023 meals saw a significant 11% increase in sodium content compared to 2018
• 63% of frozen meals would have the symbol indicating high sodium content

These results show some changes in the nutritional composition of frozen meals offered and sold in 2023 compared to 2018. Energy, fat, protein and sodium levels have increased significantly in the meals offered. A lower proportion of meals met the 30% DV thresholds for sodium and saturated fat in 2023 compared to 2018. On the other hand, modified meals have seen a deterioration in their nutritional composition. If no changes are made, two-thirds of frozen meals available in Quebec would have to display the nutritional symbol on the front of their packaging due to their high sodium, saturated fat and/or sugar content. Real efforts will have to be made to improve the nutritional composition of frozen meals offered and sold in Quebec in the years to come.

• 386 frozen meals were listed for this study
• 40 % of frozen meals contain more than the 30% daily value threshold for sodium
• 22 % of frozen meals contain more than the 30% daily value threshold for saturated fats

This sectoral study on frozen meals shows a high degree of variability in the nutritional composition according to content, source of protein or source of starch, type of sauce, target consumers and specific characteristics. These analyses make it possible to identify which products should be monitored in the coming years, but also where improvement should be considered. In this regard, the majority of frozen meals offered in Quebec do not provide enough energy or nutrients to be considered as a complete meal. Choosing a meal with three food groups (vegetables, source of starch and protein) is therefore essential. In several cases, the meal should even be served with a side dish containing vegetables and a source of protein. In addition, starch-only meals and those with cream or cheese sauce should be modified to include less fat and, more specifically, saturated fat. Meals intended for a health-conscious or diet-conscious population are more interesting, from the nutritional composition point of view. These elements could easily be communicated to consumers to guide them towards healthier choices. It should also be noted that closer monitoring of healthy/diet meals seems to be appropriate, since there are no nutritional regulations in this regard.