- Trader Joe’s Chicken Burrito Bowl is a top fiber-packed pick by dietitians.
- It has 9 grams of fiber and 22 grams of high-quality protein, making it filling and nutritious.
- When choosing frozen meals, pick ones high in fiber, plants and lean proteins.
If “frozen TV dinner” makes you think of unhealthy, compartmentalized packages of food, it’s time to update that image. Nowadays, many frozen dinners are made with whole-food ingredients packed with nutrition—making it feasible to eat healthy on busy nights. Frozen meals with plenty of fiber are especially valuable, as most Americans fall short of the recommended 25 to 38 grams of fiber daily.
“Fiber is one of the most important nutrients in our diet. Research links a diet high in fiber with a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and certain types of cancer,” says Lisa Andrews, M.Ed, RD, LD. It also supports a healthy gut microbiome and helps keep you feeling full for longer, making it an important part of most meals.,
Let’s be real, sometimes you need a quick meal you can just pull out of the freezer. Trader Joe’s frozen aisle is full of nutritious and delicious options, and dietitians have one top fiber-packed pick. Read on to learn why they chose it, along with other helpful tips for selecting high-fiber frozen meals.
Why Trader Joe’s Chicken Burrito Bowl Is the Best High-Fiber Meal
Trader Joe’s Burrito Bowl stood out for dietitians because it’s a well-rounded meal, offering fiber, protein and nutrient-dense ingredients.
It Provides 9 Grams of Fiber
“One standout feature of the burrito bowl is its 9 grams of fiber, which covers about 24% of daily needs for men and 36% for women. Fiber keeps you full longer, reducing cravings and constant snacking, while feeding the good bacteria in your gut to support healthy digestion,” says Violeta Nieves Morris, M.S., RDN. “Research has consistently shown that high-fiber foods can lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol (the cholesterol linked to heart disease), making fiber a powerful tool for protecting both heart health and weight management.”,
This bowl gets its fiber from a variety of plant-based foods, including brown rice, black beans, red quinoa, tomatoes, peppers and corn—providing a diverse and substantial amount of fiber.
It’s Rich in Quality Protein
One bowl provides an impressive 22 grams of high-quality protein. When paired with fiber, this helps regulate appetite and balance blood sugar, says Andrews.
Beyond keeping you full, eating enough protein is important for other aspects of health, including creating hormones and enzymes, producing antibodies to support your immune system and helping your body build, repair and preserve muscle.
Brannon Blount, M.S., RD, highlights the variety of ingredients, noting, “It is a well-balanced meal option by including protein (chicken and black beans), whole grains (brown rice and quinoa) and vegetables (tomatoes, peppers and onions).”
It Contains Complex Carbohydrates
One bowl provides 51 grams of carbohydrates from complex carbs, starches and fiber, making this an excellent energy-supporting meal. Complex carbohydrates are digested slowly, meaning they help promote feelings of fullness and gradual, sustainable energy. This dish packs in a variety of complex carbs, including brown rice, black beans, red quinoa, corn and an array of vegetables.
It Has Less Sodium Than Other Frozen Meals
Compared to other frozen food items at Trader Joe’s, the burrito bowl has lower amounts of sodium.
One serving contains 630 milligrams of sodium, or 27% of the Daily Value. While this isn’t a low-sodium food, it’s significantly less than other frozen meals or fast food items, which can contain over 1,000 mg of sodium per serving.
In a pinch, this is a much better option. Plus, it contains a good serving of potassium, which can help counteract some of the effects of sodium. However, remember to monitor your sodium intake throughout the day and aim to limit it to 2,300 mg or less.
It’s Good Source of Calcium, Iron and Potassium
“The burrito bowl is a good source of calcium, iron and potassium,” says Andrews. With 130 mg of calcium, 2.6 mg of iron and 690 mg of potassium, the burrito bowl provides 10% to 15% of the Daily Value for each of these micronutrients.
Potassium is particularly important, as it reduces the effect of sodium—the more potassium you eat, the more sodium your body excretes. It also relaxes blood vessels, which can help lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends consuming 3,500 to 5,000 mg of potassium per day to support heart health.
It’s Full of Plant-Based Ingredients
The burrito bowl contains a variety of vegetables, including red and green peppers, corn, onions, crushed tomatoes and black beans. These plants are not only a good source of fiber, but they’re also rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that support overall health and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.
What to Look For in a High-Fiber Frozen Meal
“Believe it or not, it can be difficult to find frozen meals that are truly high in fiber, since many popular options like pizza or pasta entrees fall short,” says Morris. It’s also important to pay attention to other nutrients to ensure a well-balanced meal. Here are some key features to look at when shopping:
- Look For at Least 5 Grams of Fiber. When reading the Nutrition Facts panel, look for a meal that has at least 5 grams of fiber, which is roughly 20% of your daily needs, says Andrews. Though, you can certainly aim for more, if possible.
- Keep an Eye on Saturated Fat. The U.S. dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of total calories per day—about 20 grams based on a 2,000-calorie diet. “Look for frozen meals with less than 7 grams coming from saturated fat,” says Morris. This burrito bowl provides 4.5 grams per serving, or around 23% Daily Value, meeting that guideline.
- Choose Lean or Plant-Based Proteins. Look for frozen meals with lean proteins, like chicken, or plant-based proteins like beans and lentils.
- Watch Out for Sodium. Since frozen meals tend to be high in sodium, choose lower-sodium options whenever possible.
- Look for Hidden Sugar. Some frozen meals will come with a surprising amount of added sugar, especially in sauces.
- Eat Your Veggies. Look for options that include at least two different vegetables, or serve extra veggies on the side.
Meal Plan to Try
7-Day No-Sugar High-Fiber Meal Plan, Created by a Dietitian
Our Expert Take
When cooking isn’t an option, Trader Joe’s Chicken Burrito Bowl makes eating healthy effortless. With 9 grams of fiber and 22 grams of protein, this meal is convenient, nutritious and filling. As Morris puts it, “Frozen meals aren’t about perfection—they’re about practicality and can be a useful tool for staying on track with your health goals.” Next time you need a quick, healthy frozen meal, be sure to add this to your cart.
