USA: consumption of frozen meals compared to quick service restaurant meals

In the USA, people who regularly eat frozen meals consume 253 fewer calories and 2.6 less grams of saturated fat per day than people who eat fast food. Additionally, adults who eat frozen meals have higher daily intakes of important nutrients.
A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that in the USA, people who regularly ate frozen meals consumed 253 fewer calories and 2.6 less grams of saturated fat per day than people who ate fast food. Additionally, adults who ate frozen meals had higher daily intakes of important nutrients such as protein, fiber and potassium.

It should be noted that the study was funded by Nestlé USA, the maker of many popular frozen-food brands. However, the findings have been peer-reviewed and are considered impartial.

Specifically, the analysis revealed that frozen meal consumers, compared to quick service restaurant (QSR) consumers:
•    eat 253 fewer calories a day
•    eat less saturated fat per day (2.6 grams less saturated fat per day)
•    have higher daily intakes of three of the four nutrients the Dietary Guidelines recommends increasing (dietary fiber, potassium and calcium)
•    have higher daily protein intakes with 8.5 more grams of protein a day; that's as much protein as 1.5 eggs

"This research is further evidence that frozen meals can play an important role in helping Americans obtain key nutrients of concern highlighted in the US Dietary Guidelines while maintaining calorie and fat levels," said Kim Krumhar, Ph.D., Scientific Advisor – Nutrition, Nestlé.