It’s popular for a reason.
Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT
Key Points
- Whole Foods offers a wide variety of convenient, ready-to-eat meal options.
- Dietitians praise its quality ingredients and options for building balanced meals.
- Trader Joe’s, Costco and Sprouts also offer convenient prepared meal options.
We can all agree: Life gets busy, and cooking from scratch every night isn’t always realistic. That’s where prepared meals at grocery stores shine. They offer a way to eat well without the extra time or dishes. We asked registered dietitians which grocery store they turn to most when it comes to grabbing a healthy, ready-to-eat meal, and they all said the same one: Whole Foods Market.
Why Dietitians Recommend Whole Foods
It Goes Beyond Traditional Frozen Meals
One of the biggest draws to Whole Foods is just how much variety is packed into the prepared foods section. As Kelly Taggatz, M.S., RDN puts it, “I can find vibrant, colorful foods made with whole-food ingredients that make it easy to put together a nourishing meal on the go.” Her go-to grab is the salmon and mixed vegetable meal, along with the prepared soups, many of which run under $10.
Caroline Thomason, RD, LDN, CDCES, does give the frozen aisle some credit though, mentioning, “Whole Foods’ 365 brand has a huge variety of frozen staples and meals, and Whole Foods applies its ingredient standards to the 365 line as well.”
It Makes Feeding a Family Easy
Family-style meals are another reason this store stands out, thanks to its build-your-own family meal program where you can choose one entree and two sides, all designed to feed four. This is ideal for a weeknight dinner or dinner for two people, plus leftovers or lunch the next day.
Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD, says her favorite is the Paleo Grilled Salmon Family Meal. “My family doesn’t always eat the recommended servings of fish every week, and this meal helps us meet our quota,” Manaker explains. “It is easy to stick in the oven for a no-fuss meal, and the balance of macros makes this an ideal option too.”
High-Quality Ingredients
Beyond variety, dietitians consistently point to ingredient quality as a reason Whole Foods stands out. “This store takes the guesswork out of knowing if an option is a good choice or otherwise, since this store uses quality ingredients and doesn’t include questionable additives to their offerings,” shares Manaker.
It’s Consistent Nationwide
Yasi Ansari, MS, RDN, CSSDhas relied on Whole Foods for years, explaining, “What stands out to me is the consistency of its meal options no matter where in the country you go.” Ansari’s go-to options are the Spicy Red Pepper Salmon Meal or the Sonoma Chicken Salad Wrap, with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats and veggies.
It Makes Building a Balanced Meal Simple
Thomason enjoys grabbing a rotisserie chicken as an easy way to build a complete meal without much effort. “Then pair it with a prepared vegetable, potatoes, rice or a salad. You’ve got a balanced meal with virtually no cooking,” Thomason says.
“At Whole Foods there’s always something that fits your nutrition goals, food preferences and cravings, so it never feels restrictive,” says Hailey Gorski, RD. Gorski likes to use what she calls the “PPP method” at the hot bar or salad bar: protein first for satiety, produce next (aiming for at least three colors for nutrient variety) and portioning out the “fun stuff,” like dressings and extras, last.
Other Options
While Whole Foods is a favorite, dietitians noted a few other grocery stores worth checking out for prepared meals.
- Trader Joe’s: A budget-friendly pick known for its prepared salads, grain bowls and freezer aisle staples, often in single-serve portions.
- Costco: A go-to for families or batch-cooking, thanks to its rotisserie chicken and prepared meal kits sold in bulk. “Costco makes dinnertime easy to tackle with a few go-tos, like their taco kit. I like cooking some veggies to serve alongside the array of items they include, like red peppers and onions, and I feel good knowing my family can enjoy a balanced meal in minutes,” says Manaker.
- Sprouts Farmers Market: Dietitians point out how this produce-forward grocery store also has a strong hot bar and salad bar, sometimes at a lower price point than Whole Foods.
Our Expert Take
When life gets busy, a trip to the grocery store’s prepared foods section can be just as nourishing as a home-cooked meal. Dietitians agree: Whole Foods is a standout for doing it well. From the hot bar to its family meal options, it’s easy to create a balanced plate without much effort.