Best frozen meals for kidney disease

Freezing is one of the most effective ways to preserve food while maintaining its safety and quality. These features make frozen options a staple in many households. Today, pre-packaged frozen foods are widely available in grocery stores such as No Frills, Walmart, and Metro, offering quick and convenient solutions for busy days. 

For people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), choosing the right frozen foods may feel challenging at first. However, with a few simple strategies, you can enjoy the convenience of frozen foods while protecting your kidney health. Let’s dive right into the best frozen meals for kidney disease.

Label reading for the best frozen meals for kidney disease

Careful attention to sodium and phosphorus additives is essential when selecting frozen foods. For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), monitoring these nutrients by label reading for the best frozen meals for kidney disease are essential for supporting kidney health and picking meals. 

Sodium restriction is important because damaged kidneys are less effective at filtering excess sodium and the fluid it retains. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and can strain the heart. Since many frozen products are high in sodium, selecting lower-sodium alternatives is recommended. As a general guideline, aim for meals containing less than 600 mg of sodium.

Phosphorus management is equally critical. In CKD, excess phosphorus can accumulate in the blood, leading to weaker bones and hardened blood vessels. Unlike sodium, phosphorus is not always reported on nutrition labels. Instead, it is often identified in the ingredient list. Look for the term “phosphorus” or ingredients containing “phos,” such as phosphoric acid or hexametaphosphate.

Potassium is on the nutrition facts table and potassium additivies (just like phosphorus) can be found in the ingredient list. Aim to avoid potassium additivies. And if you are following a low potassium diet, the nutrition facts table can help you determine if a product will fit in your diet.

By developing the habit of reviewing nutrition facts and ingredient lists, patients can incorporate frozen foods into their diet more safely and effectively, while minimizing potential risks to kidney health.

Finding the best frozen meals for kidney disease

Next time you go grocery shopping, look for items that are lower in sodium, moderate in potassium, and free of phosphorus additives. Below are some examples that can often be found in Toronto grocery stores such as Loblaws, Metro , No Frills, and Walmart that may be the best frozen meals for kidney disease.

Frozen Produce

• Plain frozen vegetables such as green beans, cauliflower, carrots, and peas
• Choose bags without added sauces or seasoning

Frozen fruits

• Berries, peaches, and mangos (with no added sugar)

Frozen Proteins

• Unseasoned chicken breasts or thighs and plain fish fillets

Frozen Meals

• Amy’s Light in Sodium Mexican Casserole Bowl
  • 370 mg sodium
  • Free of phosphorus additives
• Amy’s Black Bean Veggie Burgers
  • 300 mg sodium
  • Plant-based protein
  • Free of phosphorus additives
• Healthy Choice Simply Steamers – Unwrapped Burrito Bowl
  • 550 mg sodium
  • No phosphate additives.
• Tres Latin Foods Kale & Bean Pupusas
  • 370 mg sodium
  • Plant-based protein
  • Free of phosphorus additives

Tip: When selecting frozen meals make sure to look at the portion sizes. Although the packaging may seem small, there may be two portions of food per package. Consuming both portions would double your sodium and potassium intake so keep that in mind! 

Tip: Aim to add some extra fresh or frozen vegetables to round out your main meal. This helps keep your portion size of higher sodium items in check and keep you full.

Planning frozen meals for kidney disease

While frozen meals are convenient, they should not be heavily relied on. With a little planning, you can prepare healthier meals at home that are both kidney-friendly and just as convenient when life gets busy. 

Batch Cooking and Freezing

• Cook larger portions of simple, kidney-friendly meals and divide them into individual servings
• Freeze in clear, airtight, freezer-safe containers
• Label each container with the date to keep track of its viability 
• Make sure to group similar items together in your freezer to keep it organized

Weekly Planning

• Try to plan out your meals for the week in advance
• Make grocery lists according to the plan you create

Pre-cut Ingredients

• Wash and pre-cut produce like peppers and zucchini
• Store in the refrigerator for easy access
• Perfect for salad ingredients and snacks

Helpful Tools

• Kitchen tools can aid in making meal prep more simple and efficient. Here are a few staples:
  • Slow cooker
    • For preparing large portions of kidney-friendly meals like soups, stews, or shredded chicken
  • Food processor
    • For chopping vegetables quickly and evenly
  • Measuring cups or portion-control containers
    • For freezing meals in the right serving size

Remember that food safety is important when freezing meals. Check out this resource for some extra tips.

Looking for some support with your nutrition?

While frozen meals are convenient, they can be included with CKD with careful attention to portion sizes and key nutrients like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. For tips on kidney-friendly meal planning, reach out to a registered dietitian from Kidney Nutrition today for persoanlized support based on your nutrition needs.

This article was written by Kimia Oshagi, Nutrition Student Volunteer.
This article was reviewed by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN.