Frozen empanadas have become a popular quick meal option for busy families and food lovers alike. These handheld pastries filled with savory ingredients can be a lifesaver when you need a fast dinner or party appetizer. Not all frozen empanadas are created equal, though. We’ve gathered customer feedback to rank the best and worst brands available in grocery stores today.
12. La Fe
La Fe empanadas consistently rank at the bottom of customer favorites due to their overwhelmingly artificial flavor profile. Many shoppers report a distinct plastic-like aftertaste that lingers unpleasantly after each bite.
The texture presents another significant problem, with dough that often becomes either too soggy or cardboard-like when cooked according to package instructions. Despite their widespread availability in Latin food sections, customers frequently mention they’d rather make empanadas from scratch than purchase this brand again.
Even when heavily discounted, La Fe empanadas rarely find repeat customers, with many reviews suggesting the low price point doesn’t compensate for the disappointing eating experience. The fillings are frequently described as sparse and lacking authentic seasoning.
11. Casa Mamita (Aldi)
Budget-conscious shoppers often gravitate toward Aldi’s Casa Mamita empanadas, hoping to discover a hidden gem. Unfortunately, what they save in dollars, they lose in flavor satisfaction, as these empanadas regularly disappoint with their bland profiles.
The filling-to-dough ratio leaves much to be desired, with customers frequently noting they bite into mostly air and pastry. When filling does appear, it’s often minimal and lacks the robust seasoning expected in traditional empanadas. The beef variety particularly suffers from a generic taste that doesn’t capture authentic Latin flavors.
While the price point remains attractive, especially for large families, many customers ultimately decide the savings aren’t worth the culinary compromise. The chicken version fares slightly better in reviews but still falls short of empanada expectations.
10. Goya
Goya’s frozen empanadas benefit tremendously from the brand’s widespread distribution, making them one of the easiest options to find in conventional supermarkets. This accessibility explains their popularity despite consistently middling reviews from empanada enthusiasts.
Customers frequently mention the heavy dough-to-filling ratio as a primary drawback. When biting into these pastries, you’re likely to encounter more crust than savory interior, leaving many feeling shortchanged. The beef variety receives particular criticism for its somewhat mysterious texture that doesn’t quite match expectations of ground beef.
Flavor inconsistency plagues the Goya line, with some batches delivering acceptable taste while others fall flat. For many shoppers, these empanadas represent a convenient but not particularly exciting option when better alternatives aren’t available.
9. Wild Fork Foods
Wild Fork Foods marks the turning point in our list where empanada quality begins to improve significantly. Their gourmet approach uses premium ingredients like Angus beef that elevate these pastries above typical frozen fare.
The authentic dough recipe creates a satisfying texture when baked, achieving that coveted flaky exterior empanada lovers seek. However, several customers note these empanadas can sometimes emerge from the oven on the dry side, suggesting a potential issue with filling moisture content.
Price points reflect the upscale ingredients, positioning these as a special occasion option rather than everyday convenience food. For those willing to pay more for quality, Wild Fork delivers a noticeably superior product compared to budget brands. Their attention to ingredient sourcing appeals particularly to health-conscious consumers looking for cleaner label frozen options.
8. Good & Gather (Target)
Target’s house brand Good & Gather brings creativity to the frozen empanada market with unique flavor combinations that stand out from traditional offerings. Their elote-inspired corn empanadas have developed something of a cult following among shoppers seeking interesting flavor profiles.
The beef varieties incorporate thoughtful seasoning that elevates them above many competitors. However, size becomes the primary complaint across customer reviews, with many noting these empanadas run significantly smaller than expected. This diminutive format makes them better suited as appetizers than main course options.
The quality-to-price ratio generally satisfies Target shoppers, who appreciate the brand’s clean ingredient list and avoidance of artificial preservatives. For parents, these smaller empanadas have a silver lining – they’re perfectly sized for kids’ lunches or after-school snacks when a full-sized empanada might be too much.
7. Chef Bombay
Chef Bombay boldly reimagines the empanada concept through an Indian culinary lens, creating a fascinating fusion that defies traditional categorization. Strictly speaking, these might not qualify as authentic empanadas to purists, but the creative interpretation wins points for innovation.
The butter chicken filling wrapped in naan-inspired dough creates an entirely new eating experience that many customers find surprisingly delightful. The aromatic spice blend delivers complex flavors rarely found in the frozen food aisle. Texture-wise, these pastries achieve a pleasant balance between crisp exterior and tender filling.
While Latin food traditionalists might hesitate to embrace this cross-cultural creation, adventurous eaters frequently become loyal fans. The portion size satisfies most appetites, though some reviewers mention wishing for more filling to balance the substantial dough wrapper. These make excellent party appetizers that spark conversation about global food fusion.
6. 365 by Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market’s 365 brand empanadas cater beautifully to the vegetarian market with their corn and cheddar variety becoming a particular standout. The clean ingredient list appeals to health-conscious shoppers who scrutinize nutrition labels carefully.
The flaky crust achieves that perfect balance between crisp exterior and tender interior that frozen pastries often struggle to deliver. Inside, the sweet corn kernels retain their fresh pop even after baking, creating a satisfying textural contrast against the melted cheese. The seasoning blend adds just enough complexity without overwhelming the natural flavors.
Though priced higher than conventional grocery options, customers frequently mention the quality justifies the premium. These empanadas bake up consistently well in both conventional and toaster ovens. For omnivores hosting mixed dietary preference gatherings, these vegetarian options frequently surprise meat-eaters with their satisfying flavor profile.
5. Maspanadas
Maspanadas has built a loyal following among frozen empanada enthusiasts who value robust flavor profiles above all else. Their signature beef and vegetables option delivers a remarkably well-balanced filling that tastes homemade rather than mass-produced.
The chicken variety earns particular praise for its juicy texture and thoughtful seasoning – a rare achievement in the frozen poultry category. What truly distinguishes this brand is the generous filling-to-dough ratio that ensures satisfying bites from edge to edge. No disappointing air pockets or skimpy centers here!
While not the most widely distributed brand, customers who discover Maspanadas often become dedicated repeat purchasers. The cooking instructions yield consistently good results even for those with limited culinary skills. For busy families seeking quick dinner solutions that don’t sacrifice flavor, these empanadas represent an excellent freezer staple worth seeking out at specialty markets.
4. Del Corazon
Heat seekers rejoice! Del Corazon empanadas deliver genuine spiciness that doesn’t disappear after freezing – a common pitfall for many frozen foods claiming to bring the heat. Their chicken with chipotle variety has developed a cult following among spice enthusiasts.
The filling maintains impressive juiciness throughout the cooking process, resulting in satisfying bursts of flavor with each bite. The lingering warmth from authentic chilies builds pleasantly rather than overwhelming the palate. Even the dough seems crafted to complement the spicy fillings, with a subtle corn note that balances the heat.
While not ideal for those with sensitive taste buds, these empanadas earn rave reviews from customers who appreciate bold flavors. The cooking time runs slightly longer than competitors, but reviewers insist the wait proves worthwhile. For entertaining guests who appreciate authentic Latin flavors with genuine spice profiles, Del Corazon consistently impresses.
3. Mama’s Empanadas
Variety becomes the standout feature of Mama’s Empanadas, with their impressive range of filling options satisfying virtually every palate preference. From traditional beef to innovative vegetarian blends, this brand embraces diversity without sacrificing quality across their lineup.
Vegetarians particularly appreciate the thoughtful plant-based options that deliver satisfying protein and flavor, rather than seeming like afterthoughts. The spinach and cheese variety receives special mention in reviews for its balanced seasoning and creamy interior. Each empanada type maintains its distinct character rather than blending into generic sameness.
The dough achieves that ideal texture balance – substantial enough to hold fillings securely but never tough or overwhelming. While slightly more expensive than some competitors, the consistent quality across all varieties justifies the premium pricing. For households with varying dietary needs, Mama’s empanadas simplify mealtime by offering something for everyone from a single trusted brand.
2. Porteño
Porteña elevates frozen empanadas to near-restaurant quality through their dual-approach business model. Unlike most competitors, they flash-freeze empanadas that were handcrafted using traditional methods rather than mass production techniques. This approach preserves the artisanal quality that makes their products stand out dramatically.
The dough achieves that perfect balance between flaky and substantial, creating a satisfying chew that supports the generous fillings. Their beef empanadas incorporate authentic seasonings including cumin, paprika and a hint of sweetness from carefully caramelized onions. The chicken variety similarly impresses with moist, flavorful filling that tastes freshly prepared.
Though among the priciest options in the frozen category, Porteña empanadas frequently convert skeptics who previously dismissed frozen versions entirely. For special occasions when you want to impress guests without hours of preparation, these empanadas provide a convincing shortcut that sacrifices remarkably little quality.
1. Latin Flavors
Latin Flavors claims the top spot by delivering empanadas so exceptional they challenge the notion that frozen can’t compete with freshly made. Their dedication to authentic recipes from across Latin America results in regional varieties that showcase the diversity of empanada traditions.
The secret to their success lies in small-batch production methods that preserve the handcrafted quality consumers crave. Each empanada contains generously portioned fillings with distinct flavor profiles true to their country of origin – from Cuban picadillo to Puerto Rican varieties. The dough achieves that perfect golden color and satisfying crispness that empanada aficionados seek.
While availability remains somewhat limited to specialty markets and online ordering, customers willingly go the extra mile to obtain these premium pastries. For authentic Latin flavor without compromise, Latin Flavors consistently delivers an experience that rivals homemade empanadas. Their attention to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods earns them devoted fans and top ranking.
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