6 Best And 6 Worst Frozen Breakfast Foods To Buy
Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're cooking yourself a huge breakfast every morning. In fact, if you're like most people, it's hard enough getting out of bed and go to work on time, let alone cook yourself a whole spread. But that doesn't mean you have to give up on the endeavor entirely. Instead, many people who are on the go in the morning opt for a frozen breakfast.
If you've been to your local grocery store's frozen aisle, you've undoubtedly seen many of these products. In fact, you may even buy them yourself — after all, a frozen breakfast is usually better than some cold cereal or a granola bar on the go. However, you shouldn't think that all frozen breakfasts are created the same.
Some are downright delicious and will make your mouth water before they even come out of the microwave. Others are somewhat tasteless and not really worth your time. And still, others are so unhealthy, you should probably run in the other direction and rethink your granola aversion. So, without further ado, let's take a look at the six best and six worst frozen breakfast foods you can buy.
Best: Daily Harvest Apple + Cinnamon Oat Bowl
If you spend much time on social media, you've likely seen plenty of advertisements for Daily Harvest. It's a food delivery service that provides customers with pre-prepared meals that they can grab on the go. For those who want to cut down on time in the kitchen (and who have some money to spend — this meal delivery stuff isn't cheap), Daily Harvest is definitely worth a try, especially if you love healthy, filling breakfast foods that will get your day off to an amazing start.
One suggestion? Try the Daily Harvest Apple + Cinnamon Oat Bowl. According to Real Simple, this stuff actually tastes like pie in a cup. Uh, we're here for it. The bowl boasts oats (of course), along with walnuts, apples, and pumpkin seeds, which provide just enough fat and the perfect amount of sweetness. Oh, and the best part? You don't even have to go to the store to get it. Instead, this stuff is delivered right to your doorstep. It couldn't be easier — or more delicious — than that.
Worst: Kellogg's Eggo Nutri-Grain Whole Grain Waffles
We've probably all had an Eggo waffle at some point in our lives. It was a staple in many American households throughout the early 2000s, and it's never totally gone out of vogue. Sure, are these frostbitten waffle pucks the greatest food in the world? Of course not. But when you're in a hurry and you have nothing else to eat for breakfast, it doesn't hurt to pop a couple in the toaster.
But with so many Eggo flavors available, there's absolutely no reason why you should choose the Eggo Nutri-Grain Whole Grain Waffles. Spoiler alert! These things aren't actually that healthy, according to Eat This, Not That! They're loaded with carbs and calories with very little in the way of nutrition to get your day off to a good start. But the worst part? They don't taste good, either. Instead of being the nice, fluffy Eggo from your childhood that you're used to, this supposedly healthier version tastes dry and lifeless, with an almost cardboard-esque taste. Sure, you could drown it in butter and maple syrup and somehow manage to choke it down, but why would you when there are so many better, more delicious items on this list? Leggo your Eggo and move on to greener breakfast pastures.
Best: Evol Egg & Green Chile Burrito
It's not every day you get to try a frozen breakfast item that actually tastes unique, but that's exactly what you'll be getting when you buy an Evol Egg and Chile Burrito. Unfortunately, far too many breakfast sandwiches are lacking when it comes to spice. However, with the addition of Hatch green chiles in this burrito, you're getting something that actually has some zing to it. If you have a weak stomach in the morning, then this may not be the right choice for you. But for the rest of us, it may just be the perfect breakfast to get our day started.
And the best part about it is the fact that even vegetarians can eat this burrito (not vegans, though, as it does contain real egg). If you're really on the go, you can easily pop this bad boy into the microwave for some quick cooking. However, if you want it to taste even better, you should follow the suggestion offered by The Kitchn to heat it up in the oven or on the stovetop. That helps heat the burrito through completely.
If you keep these in the house, they may go fast, so make sure to pick up a few the next time you're at the grocery store.
Worst: Kellogg's Special K Flatbread Sandwich Sausage Egg & Cheese
It may be tempting to pick up a package of these guys whenever you head to the frozen section, but you might want to think again. First of all, we will admit that they do taste pretty good. The sausage and the egg stay moist even when you microwave these sandwiches. The flatbread may be a bit too thin for our taste, but as it is a flatbread, we can't complain too much. Overall, the taste is decent and it's probably something you wouldn't mind taking a bite of when you're in the car on your way to work.
But if you think you're getting a healthy breakfast because you're opting for a flatbread, you can think again. As Eat This, Not That! points out, these breakfast sandwiches are absolutely brimming with salt, to the tune of 700 milligrams of sodium per sandwich. Not exactly the best way to start your day, especially where your blood pressure is concerned. It's also relatively high in calories and fat, not to mention the long list of ingredients you'll never be able to pronounce without an advanced degree.
Love this sandwich but want a healthier version? You can always make something similar ahead of time and put it in the freezer so it's always ready to go when you are.
Best: Sweet Earth Baja Breakfast Burrito
Have you ever tried Sweet Earth products before? If you're into health-conscious foods that taste as good as they make you feel, you should give them a try. One product we absolutely love from this brand is the Sweet Earth Baja Breakfast Burrito. Real Simple likes this burrito because its tortilla stays intact when you heat it up in the microwave (when many of its competitors' tortillas didn't).
We, on the other hand, love it because it tastes so good. With a mixture of cage-free egg, vegan bacon, chipotle seitan, cheese, pinto beans, and chili, you really can't go wrong with this breakfast burrito. Yes, it's perfect for vegetarians since it doesn't have any meat in it, but even omnivores are going to eat these things up just as quickly. And since it's packed with veggie protein, we'd like to think that it's healthier than a lot of other options out there.
Since this burrito doesn't get especially mushy when you heat it up, it's a perfect snack to take on the go when you're headed out the door in a rush. Just because your alarm went off late or you hit the snooze button a couple of extra times doesn't mean you have to skip out on a good breakfast.
Worst: Walmart Great Value French Toast Sticks
While Walmart doesn't seem like the most luxurious grocery brand out there, we have to admit that some of their products are good, especially when you're picking up staples and want to save some money. But if you're thinking about buying some frozen breakfast foods from Walmart, you should know that you can skip out on the Great Value French Toast Sticks.
We can't emphasize enough how over-the-top sweet these French toast sticks are. Sure, your little ones may like them, but the vast majority of adults are liable to get a toothache after biting into one of these. That makes sense when you look at the calorie count. According to Eat This, Not That!, several comparable brands offer basically the same product, but with 50 fewer calories. That makes you wonder what, in fact, Walmart is putting into their French toast sticks.
Truthfully, though, you should save the French toast for when you have time to sit down and make it from scratch or at least get it from a restaurant that knows what it's doing. These things are probably just going to leave you with a sugar crash right after you get to work. That's the last thing you need when you're just trying to get on with your day.
Best: Hot Pockets Sausage, Egg, and Cheese
Okay, we know that Hot Pockets aren't the trendiest brand out there. They've been around for a while, and they're not exactly known for offering the highest-quality or healthiest meals. But sometimes, you can sacrifice the healthy factor when it comes to a frozen breakfast product that simply tastes amazing. That's exactly what you should do when it comes to Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Hot Pockets.
Hot Pockets are definitely not skimping on the protein when it comes to this meal. There is a ton of sausage packed inside these little sandwiches, so you don't have to go digging through the entire thing just to get the good stuff. The eggs are really good too, with none of that strange, egg-like substance that doesn't even have a texture that's reminiscent of an actual egg. And the cheese is plentiful as well, though you should make sure it doesn't fall out of the Hot Pocket and onto your clothes (which, let's be honest, it's liable to do).
The Kitchn has one suggestion, though. Instead of heating this thing up in the microwave, you're better off putting it in the oven if you have the time. Why? Because you'll end up with a super-crispy crust that has none of the sogginess you may expect from Hot Pockets fresh out of the microwave.
Worst: Bob Evans' Sausage & Potatoes Bowl
Having a bowl for breakfast may sound nice initially. It's a way to combine all of your favorite breakfast foods into one dish so you get a mix of flavors in every bite you take. That sounds good, sure, but when it comes to practicality, the Bob Evans' Sausage and Potatoes Bowl just doesn't make the cut. The first problem is the fact that it's especially hard to eat on the go. You'll have to balance the bowl on your lap or in your hands while you guide a fork to your mouth. Not exactly what you want to be doing when you're in the car or on the train.
It's not just the convenience factor that makes this product a no-go for us. It's also not that healthy, either, despite the fact that it's packed with protein. There are 440 calories in this bowl, which admittedly isn't too much for a whole meal. But when you consider how small the portion is, you'll be left wanting more for the number of calories you're consuming. And when it comes to sodium, this breakfast is off the charts. You're looking at a whopping 1,470 milligrams of sodium per bowl, according to Eat This, Not That!
Overall, you have much better frozen options at your disposal, so why would you resort to this breakfast?
Best: Thrive Energy Ready-to-Blend Smoothie
We all love a smoothie for breakfast, right? What we may not love as much is the preparation and the cleanup needed to make one of these breakfast classics. First, you have to wash and chop all your fruits and veggies. Then, into the blender they all go – skipping the ice, please. Then, the cleanup. It's too much to worry about first thing in the morning, especially when you're trying to get out the door on time. So, what are you supposed to do if you want a fresh, fruity breakfast without all the hassle?
Our suggestion is to pick up some Thrive Energy Ready-to-Blend Smoothie. Yes, it's just as easy as it sounds. It comes in a container you can use as a cup once your smoothie is finished. All you have to do is throw it into your blender, add a little liquid if you like, and blend. Pour it back into your cup, and you'll be on your way in no time.
There are plenty of different varieties of this smoothie product, so you can pick whichever ones sound best to you. Switch it up if you're having a few a week. Who knew breakfast could be this easy or this good?
Worst: Pillsbury Apple Toaster Strudel
Sure, you may have loved Pillsbury Apple Toaster Strudels when you were a kid or when you were feeding them to your kids. But let's just be honest with ourselves here: Toaster Strudels are not an ideal breakfast. We probably don't have to tell you this, considering that consumers have to squeeze out a packet of liquid sugar onto the tops of these fried delights.
According to Eat This, Not That!, this product barely has any protein and fiber to help your day get off to a good start. Say what you want about the other "worsts" on this list, but most of them at least have a bit of protein somewhere in them.
But not this guy. Instead, you should expect nothing more than a ton of sugar and carbs that might weigh you down and make you feel heavy all day. Plus, the taste of Toaster Strudels is just way too sweet — so much so that it almost leaves an unpleasant sugary coating in your mouth. If you're going to go for something indulgent in the a.m., we'd suggest you just grab a donut on your way to work. Sure, it's not that good for you either, but at least it will be tastier than this option.
Best: Bantam Bagels Stuffed Everything Bagels
Do you love starting your day with a good bagel? It's hard to deny how delicious they are. Are they absolutely full of carbs? Yes, of course. But sometimes, that's just what you want to begin your day. And when you consider all the bagel flavors out there, plus everything you can put on a bagel, its versatility just seems hard to beat. If you're looking for a better bagel that can come along on a car ride without littering food bits everywhere, then you are probably going to fall in love with Bantam Bagels' Stuffed Everything Bagels.
They're not your traditional bagel. Instead of topping your bagel yourself, these already come with veggie cream cheese inside of them. That makes them easy to pop in the microwave and take on the go with you without any of the mess. Per She Knows, "Unlike a regular bagel with schmear, you can actually eat these in the car without getting food all over your coat." Sign us up. Besides being easy to grab in the morning, they are also downright delicious. What's not to love?
Worst: MorningStar Farms Sausage, Egg & Cheese Vegetarian Breakfast Sandwich
A lot of the time, we assume that vegetarian foods are healthier than their meat-heavy counterparts. Sometimes, this is true, especially considering that the vast majority of saturated fats come from animal products, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But that doesn't automatically make any product that doesn't feature meat healthy. Take, for example, MorningStar Farms' Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Vegetarian Breakfast Sandwich. On the surface, it sounds like it could be healthy, but once you do some digging into the nutritional information, you realize that's far from the truth.
According to LiveStrong, one of these breakfast sandwiches contains 200 calories, and they're not even that big. But the real shocker is the amount of sodium in these things. We're talking 620 milligrams per sandwich. And that's not all. You'll also encounter food dyes and plenty of artificial products, which makes sense considering that you're not actually eating real sausage. How do they make that stuff, anyway?
If you're looking for a frozen vegetarian offering for breakfast, there are plenty of other products on this list that are sure to suit your fancy while taking less of a hit on your health.