Frozen meals for kidney patients? “I can’t eat those, they have too much sodium!”

I hear this all the time when working with people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But the reality is, there are frozen meals out there that are not excessive in sodium content and can fit into a balanced diet, even for those with conditions like CKD. Stocking up on frozen meals for kidney patients can be an easy way to get meals on the table.

How much sodium is too much in a frozen meal?

Our daily goal for sodium for CKD typically is somewhere between 1500-1800 mg of sodium per day. That gives us around 500-600 mg of sodium per meal. Some meals may even be less, giving us more wiggle room for other meals in the day. For example, oatmeal with fruit is minimal sodium, so then there’s room to increase sodium in the remaining meals for the day. Another thing to consider is, if I don’t have time/energy/ability to cook, then the other option is fast food or take out, which definitely has more sodium. Frozen meals give you the ability to get dinner on the table regardless of the situation. In our list below, I included meals that were 600 mg of sodium or less.

What else should I look at when picking frozen meals?

Protein

With CKD, we need to consider protein content. Too much protein makes the kidneys work harder. I chose meals that had 20 grams of protein or less. Incorporating vegetarian and vegan meals can also help the kidneys out by reducing your overall protein intake. There are several vegetarian and vegan meals listed below.

Potassium

Not everyone needs to limit potassium. If your potassium levels are and have always been normal in your blood work, then you don’t need to be concerned with the potassium content of your meals. If it is elevated, then you should consider this part of the label. A potassium restriction (meaning how much to strive for when potassium is high) is generally around 2000 mg per day. I included the potassium content in case you need to consider it.

Phosphorus

Phos is not required to be listed out on the label. Phosphorus, like potassium, is only a concern if your phosphorus in your blood work is elevated. The first thing I try to limit when phosphorus is high is phosphorus additives. These are inorganic sources of phosphorus (not naturally occurring) that are absorbed at a higher rate than the naturally occurring phosphorus.

How do I know if there are phosphorus additives?

Check the ingredient label. If you see “PHOS” as a part of a larger word, that is a phosphorus additive. Some examples are sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, pyrophosphate, etc

Renal Friendly Frozen Meals to Try for CKD

For these meals, I aimed to find frozen meal options that were 600 mg of sodium or less, 20 grams of protein or less, and moderate in potassium. While some of these options contain phosphorus additives, most of them do not.

Healthy Choice Simply Steamers

Southwest Style Chicken Burrito Bowl
- 460 mg sodium, 20 G protein, 490 mg K
Grilled Basil Chicken
- 470 mg sodium, 19 G protein, 480 mg K
Grilled Chicken Marsala
- 460 mg sodium, 17 G protein, 1210 mg K**
Beef and Broccoli
- 520 mg sodium, 16 G protein, 450 mg K
Creamy Spinach and Tomato Linguini
- 420 mg sodium, 10 g protein, 360 mg K
Unwrapped Burrito Bowl
- 440 mg sodium, 8 G protein, 400 mg K

Lean Cuisine

AHA Heart Check Certified Meals

Apple Cranberry Chicken
- 500 mg sodium, 14 g protein, 470 mg potassium, does contain phos additives
Butternut Squash Ravioli
- 600 mg sodium, 8 g protein, 410 mg potassium
Garlic Sesame Asian Style Noodles with Beef
- 510 mg sodium, 16 g protein, 580 mg potassium, does contain phos additives
Herb Roasted Chicken
- 580 mg sodium, 18 g protein, 960 mg potassium, does contain phos additives

Other Lean Cuisine

Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
- 470 mg sodium, 13 g protein, 550 mg potassium
Creamy Pasta Primavera
- 490 mg sodium 13 g protein, 590 mg potassium

Evol

Garlic Herb Steak
- 470 mg sodium, 19 g protein, 1010 mg potassium, does contain phos additives
Teriyaki Chicken
- 600 mg sodium, 14 g protein, 390 mg potassium

Amy’s

Light in Sodium Mexican Casserole Bowl
- 370 mg sodium, 13 g protein, 400 mg potassium

Saffron Road

Chicken Enchiladas al Chipotle
- 570 mg sodium, 18 g protein, 460 mg potassium
Chickpea Masala
- 470 mg sodium, 9 g protein, 410 mg potassium
Coconut Cauliflower Curry
- 490 mg sodium, 7 g protein, 197 mg potassium
Vegetable Pad Thai
- 600 mg sodium, 15 g protein, 329 mg potassium

Deep Indian Kitchen

Spinach Paneer
- 490 mg sodium, 13 g protein, 330 mg potassium

Tattooed Chef

Spicy Vodka Bowl
- 480 mg sodium, 12 g protein, 365 mg posttium
Buddha Bowl
- 520 mg sodium, 10 g protein, 570 mg potassium

Sweet Earth

Bulgogi Bowl
- 460 mg sodium, 10 g protein, 410 mg potassium
Pad Thai
- 570 mg sodium. 11 g protein, 390 mg potassium
Veggie Lo Mein
- 580 mg sodium, 13 g protein, 340 mg potassium

Smart Ones

Sesame Lo Mein with Vegetables
- 400 mg sodium, 9 g protein, 280 mg potassium
Homestyle Beef Pot Roast
- 490 mg sodium, 18 g protein, 560 mg potassium
Chicken Parmesan
- 590 mg sodium, 19 g protein, 510 mg potassium
3 Cheese Ziti Marinara
- 590 mg sodium, 12 g protein, 637 mg potassium
Cheesy Scramble with Hash Browns
- 530 mg sodium, 15 g protein, 460 mg potassium; does contain phos additives
Angel Hair Pasta Marinara with Spinach and Zucchini
- 580 mg sodium, 7 g protein, 590 mg potassium

Taste Test: Frozen Meals for Kidney Patients

While I haven’t tried all of these foods, I did gather a few for a taste test. Some are certainly better than others but I will say, in a pinch, I would eat any of these. I also think meals like this can be crucial for those with limited cooking abilities or limited access to cooking equipment.

frozen meals for kidney patients: smart ones ziti

frozen meals for kidney patients: lean cuisine

frozen meals for kidney patients: healthy choice simply steamers

frozen meals for kidney patients: deep indian kitchen

For this taste test, I tried

Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Beef & Broccoli
Lean Cuisine Apple Cranberry Chicken
Deep Indian Kitchen Spinach Paneer
Amy’s Mexican Casserole Bowl
Smart Ones Three Cheese Ziti Marinara

Out of these options, my favorite were the Lean Cuisine Apple Cranberry Chicken and the Deep Indian Kitchen Spinach Paneer. I thought they both had good flavor and were a decent portion. Amy’s Mexican Casserole was fine in taste but it was quite hearty so it would be filling. The least enjoyable were the Smart Ones Three Cheese Ziti and the Healthy Choice Beef and Broccoli. I wouldn’t say they were bad, just my least favorite.

Like I said, it may not be a culinary masterpiece, but a frozen meal is a useful tool for many people and can be a part of a renal friendly diet.

Frozen Meals for Kidney Patients: Dietitian-Approved Brands for Easy Eating