Navigating the frozen aisle can be a daunting task, especially when trying to differentiate between meals worth savoring and ones that might leave you disappointed. With the wide variety of 365 frozen meals available, choosing wisely can turn a mundane dinner into a delightful experience. Here, we explore five meals that have garnered praise for their taste and convenience, alongside five others that might not meet your expectations. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a convenient dinner, or a satisfying snack, this guide will help you make the best choices in your frozen food journey.
1. SKIP: Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza (20.9 oz)
What looks like a satisfying cheese pizza quickly turns into a doughy disappointment. While the blend of four cheeses sounds promising, the crust fails to rise as expected and often bakes up dense and chewy. The sauce is on the bland side, and the cheese coverage tends to be uneven, leaving some bites lackluster.
Several reviewers mention needing to add their own toppings or seasoning to make it palatable. In a world full of excellent frozen pizzas, this one doesn’t justify the price or the hype. If you’re craving pizza night, you’re better off with another brand.
2. SKIP: Pad Thai (16 oz)
This frozen take on the Thai classic doesn’t quite deliver the bold, tangy-sweet punch you’d expect. The noodles often turn out gummy or clumped together, and the sauce lacks depth and brightness. While it’s marketed as a quick global meal, it misses the mark on authenticity and texture. Even with the addition of lime or sriracha, many customers find it underwhelming. The veggies included don’t stand out, and there’s no protein unless you add your own. For the price, you’d be better off grabbing takeout or trying one of the store’s other international offerings.
3. SKIP: Meatless Plant-Based Meatballs
Despite the growing popularity of plant-based options, this meatless offering stumbles on both texture and taste. The meatballs are dense and slightly dry, lacking the juicy, savory quality you’d expect from a satisfying bite.
While they do hold together well during cooking, the flavor leans flat—even with sauce. For vegetarians or vegans looking for a hearty addition to pasta or subs, there are far better options on the market. Reviewers often mention doctoring them up with extra spices or sauces just to make them enjoyable. Not the worst, but definitely not worth keeping around.
4. SKIP: Shrimp Breaded Nashville Hot (32 oz)
This spicy shrimp dish promises bold Southern flavor, but the execution leaves plenty to be desired. While the Nashville hot seasoning sounds exciting, it often overwhelms the shrimp with heat and little else. The breading, which should be crisp and flavorful, turns soggy easily—especially if microwaved—and the shrimp inside can end up rubbery or overcooked. Even when baked, the texture doesn’t always improve, and the intense spice lacks depth or balance. Several reviewers note that the heat masks any real seafood taste. For spice lovers, it might pass in a pinch, but overall, it’s a frozen aisle miss.
5. SKIP: Falafel Burgers (3.2 oz)
Falafel fans might want to steer clear of this one. These patties aim to offer a Middle Eastern flair but land somewhere between bland and dry. The texture is mealy, and even when crisped up in the oven or air fryer, they lack that signature falafel crunch.
The seasoning is mild to the point of forgettable, and most customers recommend heavy toppings or sauces just to get them down. For something that should be herbaceous and satisfying, these fall disappointingly short. Skip them and grab fresh falafel or try another plant-based option instead.
6. KEEP: Chicken Fried Rice (20 oz)
There’s a reason this savory stir-fry gets repeat buys. Packed with tender white meat chicken, scrambled eggs, carrots, and green peas, this meal hits all the right comfort food notes. The soy-sake sauce adds a balanced umami depth without being too salty, and the portion is generous enough for lunch or a light dinner. It heats up beautifully in the skillet, staying fluffy rather than mushy. Shoppers love how it rivals takeout in taste while costing a fraction. It’s one of those dependable frozen staples that you’ll be glad you stocked up on for busy or lazy nights alike.
7. KEEP: Organic Brown Whole Grain Rice (20 oz)
This may be a simple side dish, but it’s far from boring. The 365 Organic Brown Rice cooks up with a wonderfully chewy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with almost anything—from stir-fries to chili to a fried egg on top. It’s organic, non-GMO, and contains just one ingredient: whole grain brown rice. Many customers appreciate how easy it is to microwave and portion, especially for meal preppers. It’s frozen in ready-to-heat pouches, which makes weeknight meals or last-minute lunches a breeze. It’s not flashy, but it’s a healthy, reliable pick that earns its place in any freezer.
8. KEEP: Stir Fry Blend Organic Vegetables (16 oz)
A colorful medley of frozen veggies rarely steals the spotlight, but this one does. With crisp-tender broccoli, red bell peppers, mushrooms, and green beans, this blend is vibrant, fresh-tasting, and far superior to most frozen stir-fry mixes.
It sautés well without turning watery or soggy, making it ideal for throwing into noodles, rice bowls, or even eggs. There’s no added sauce, which gives you full control over flavor. Reviewers love its freshness and balance of textures. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just trying to eat more plants, this is a fantastic frozen staple that brings both flavor and flexibility.
9. KEEP: Cauliflower Riced Organic (12 oz)
Cauliflower rice has come a long way—and this one proves it. The 365 Organic Riced Cauliflower avoids the mush factor that plagues other brands. It cooks evenly, holds its shape, and makes a perfect base for burrito bowls, curries, or even quick stir-fries.
It’s a great low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional grains and comes pre-chopped, so there’s no mess or prep. Many shoppers mention how surprisingly flavorful it is with just a bit of seasoning. For those looking to cut carbs without cutting flavor, this frozen veggie side is both practical and palate-pleasing.
10. KEEP: Buttermilk Pancakes (16.5 oz)
Breakfast just got a whole lot easier. These frozen buttermilk pancakes are fluffy, golden, and ready in a snap—just pop them in the toaster or microwave. The buttermilk flavor is noticeable without being overpowering, and the texture holds up well even after reheating. They’re slightly sweet, so you can enjoy them with just a pat of butter or a drizzle of maple syrup. Great for kids or anyone on the go, they’re a hit among busy families. Unlike many frozen pancake options, they don’t taste artificial or rubbery, making them a morning win worth stocking in bulk.
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